Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate, learn, interact with others, and behave. It’s characterised by social challenges, repetitive behaviours and sensory sensitivity. ASD can be diagnosed at any age, but symptoms usually appear in the first two years of life. There’s no single type of autism, and each person’s experience is different. Some people with autism can speak, while others are minimally verbal or nonverbal.

Founder Lizeta Fellows, is a parent of two autistic sons. For many years her and her husband, Andrew Fellows said they were confused by their boy’s behaviour. She said, “they had ‘quirks’, we couldn’t find any support or guidance. Our eldest child was diagnosed with ASD in 2014 at the age of 12 and our youngest son was diagnosed at age 11.” Feeling as though they battled alone, the couple heavily researched. Following an immense amount of hours studying, they managed to find ways to support their children and guide them through life. Lizeta said, “this took many different attempts at interventions – some that were successful and some not so much. Many hours of meetings, writing letters, documenting behaviours and fighting to get to a point where our children could function and navigate everyday life (with support).” Going through this journey Lizeta decided with the knowledge and experience she had gained, to set up Beat 4 Autism. She said, “we decided to set something up for other parents and carers in similar situations to ourselves, and provide the support that we never had to our local community. We didn’t want other parents/carers to feel alone and unsupported in this often quite difficult journey.”

In August 2021 Lizeta opened Beat 4 Autism, located in Fore Street, Torpoint selling new and donated goods. The shop has a back room set up as a support hub where visitors can come in for help, advice and signposting to additional services. Beat 4 Autism is all about community, supporting small local businesses by displaying their goods for sale. Some of these small businesses include Crazy Custom Craft, selling earrings, cups and hair scrunchies. Roys Wooden Creations is another, handcrafts toys, gnomes, penguins, games and cheese boards out of wood. Evergreen Crafts creates beautiful trees crafted from hand twisted copper showcased alongside Mum & Me. A small business with a mother daughter dynamic creating bunting, glass cases, reusable face pads and peg bags that are all hand sewn. The shop is very popular in Torpoint, priding themselves on a warm, inviting environment. Offering weekly specials to their customers,your ideal place to grab a bargain as well as a friendly chat.

Beat 4 Autism offers a variety of sensory friendly events throughout the year. Allowing parents and carers to meet, share experiences and discuss good practices. The children, young people or adults get to take part in experiences that may not always be available or accessible to them through this organisation. Some of their events that run every year are listed below:

Beat 4 Autisms Big Picnic – Their picnic gives parents and carers the opportunity to sit and take a break, knowing their children are in a safe and fun environment. Picnic lunches are provided for all, as well as lawn games, ice cream van and low party music. It’s heartwarming to see all of the children playing together without any judgement regardless of diagnosis or behaviour differences.

Magical Christmas Grotto – Their mystical Christmas grotto at St James Church, offers the chance to visit Santa in a calm and quiet environment. The grotto is purposely set up to provide an accessible experience for all and is the largest in Torpoint. All attendees are required to book a slot, this allows no queuing and sole use of the grotto throughout their visit. Parents and carers travel from all round Cornwall and Devon for this Santa experience. Laura-Marie Jenks can be spotted here every December, dressed as Jingles the elf, known for her bubbly personality, creating magic alongside Santa. The entrepreneur volunteers her time, Jenks said, “This isn’t just an average trip to Santa, this is like stepping into a winter wonderland, being part of a Christmas story book with pop out pages. It’s a magical experience for all, I can’t help but get emotional every year” She went on to add; “this means so much to every child and of course to everyone involved.” Laura-Marie Jenks became a director for Beat 4 Autism in December 2024.

Lizeta’s husband, Andrew Fellows is a professional Santa, having portrayed him for over 10 years in schools across Cornwall and Devon, and has even been known to do weddings as Santa. The grotto was first launched in 2021, where wish trees were debuted. Every child got to decorate a decoration, add a wish and place it on the tree, this is one of the many trails this grotto offers. Every year there is a new magic trail for the children to follow with Santa’s elves. Previous years children have created snow globes, Christmas tree plants, yoyo’s and photo books. Experiencing Santa’s magic every child takes away a gift alongside the happiest of smiles. Beat 4 Autism always receives outstanding feedback on their grotto experience.

Community Secret Santa – Lizeta said, “we have many customers through our doors at our shop each day, all with differing circumstances. Not all people have sensory or SEN requirements, some have financial difficulty or mental health concerns.” She went on to add, “we have recognised that many feel at a loss around the festive period. We wanted people to feel appreciated and cared for so we launched our Secret Santa. We have a box for donated gifts, and a box for nominations. Our bank of very caring volunteers then deliver all the wonderful gifts that have been donated by our customers, to people’s homes in the community.”

Many events are being held for the rest of 2025, all of which can be found listed on the Beat 4 Autism Facebook page. Their first masquerade ball was held at the Torpoint AFC on the 5th of April. The adult-only event featured a buffet provided by Cafe Abundance, raffle, DJ and performance by Molly Stewart, known for her Adele tribute act. The night hosted an awards ceremony, the first of its kind, celebrating those who have made a difference within the local community. Awards given featured ‘Fundraising Star’, ‘People’s Champion’ as well as ‘The Unsung Hero’ award, a combination of the previous awards. The ball was held on World Autism Awareness Week, with the theme of masquerade symbolising masking. Autistic masking is a strategy, often subconscious, where autistic individuals suppress or hide their autistic traits.

In addition to the shop as well as their events, Beat 4 Autism have published Neurodiverse ME. This milestone achievement book, written by individuals with autism about their lived experiences. Offers a real-world perspective and practical guidance, providing invaluable insights for parents and neurodiverse readers alike. Written in accessible language, it represents a major step forward in promoting understanding and inclusivity. Lizeta also has launched Dear Autism Diary, she said “to any parent/carer I have spoken to in the past few years, I always say ‘keep a diary’, ‘record everything’. This can help support – DLA form completion,school meetings, referrals and assessments.” She went on to add, “my husband suggested years ago that I should create a document to support this, well I did and now it’s in print. Literally, so excited to be able to offer this vital diary to families trying to establish patterns, just starting their journey.”

Lizeta has several credentials in areas to support those in need. Ranging from suicide first aid, mental health first aid and has a level 4 in special needs education (SEN). Alongside level 3 qualifications in understanding autism, child protection and is SEN support worker. Fellows continues to study to this day, gaining more qualifications and enhancing her knowledge. Beat 4 Autism is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Any profits from selling products or workshops go straight back into the business to fund other events/workshops or promoting activities that are beneficial for the community.

Follow Beat 4 Autism:

Instagram: @beat4autism

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Beat4autism-100068211951983/

Website: https://www.beat4autism.co.uk/

Email: beat4autism@gmail.com