Melanie Cunningham has enjoyed working with autistic children for many years. She is currently an Assistant Headteacher and has previously led a Specialist Resource Provision for autistic children. Her research findings on what an autism-affirming primary school should be like, from the perspective of autistic pupils, were published in the International Journal of Inclusive Education. She has spoken at national and international conferences and has a Masters in Special and Inclusive Education from University College, London.