At just 14 years old, Nathan-Jack from Warrington is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.
Living with selective mutism and autism, he knows firsthand how isolating communication challenges can be. But instead of letting those challenges define him, he’s using them to drive change—starting with the businesses and families in his local community.
To bring his ideas to life, Nathan-Jack has been working closely with Alternative Curiosity, a local creative business that shares his passion for inclusion. Together, they’ve been designing and producing visual communication boards and support tools that are both practical and empowering. This partnership has helped transform his concepts into beautifully crafted resources that meet the real needs of families and businesses.
Nathan-Jack’s mission is deeply personal. His younger brother, Arthur-James, age 5, is autistic and non-verbal. Watching Arthur-James navigate everyday life without the tools many take for granted has inspired him to create resources that promote inclusion, independence, and understanding.
His brother is more than just an inspiration—he’s the heartbeat of Inclusion Starts With Us. Every board designed, every sensory bag assembled, is a step toward a world where Arthur-James—and children like him—can feel safe, understood, and included.
Inclusion Starts With Us has grown into a full family effort. Nathan-Jack’s mum plays a vital role in supporting the initiative, using her SEN knowledge to help shape resources that are practical, inclusive, and sensitive to the needs of neurodiverse children. She also manages the social media presence, helping spread awareness, connect with families, and build a growing network of support.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive:
Mark Corbett from Warrington Eats shared, “I love what Nathan-Jack is doing and everything Inclusion Starts With Us is all about.”
Lisa and Carlo from RG’s Food Truck commented, “As a non-SEN family, it’s easy not to adapt—not because we don’t want to, but because we weren’t aware this was even an option. Only after linking with Nathan-Jack and Inclusion Starts With Us did we realise there are things we can do. We’re so happy to be part of the changes you’re making in the community.”
Midnight Mama Creation added, “I’m backing everything Nathan-Jack is fighting for: inclusion, diversity, and—most importantly—acceptance. As a mum to an autistic daughter, acceptance isn’t just a word to me, it’s a lifeline. The plans he’s putting forward will open doors for so many children, and in doing so, offer real support to parents like me. This kind of change matters.”
While communication boards haven’t yet been installed in public parks, discussions with Public Health are underway to get the ball rolling. Nathan-Jack is advocating for visual tools in play areas to ensure that children like Arthur-James can participate fully and confidently.
Nathan-Jack has also been fundraising to create sensory support bags filled with Fidget tools, Emotional regulation charts, and Visual aids like “Now and Next” boards.
These bags help individuals manage transitions and emotions, making outings more accessible and less overwhelming.
Through hand-drawn and digital artwork, Nathan-Jack shares powerful messages about communication, emotion, and inclusion. His illustrations offer a visual voice to those who may struggle to express themselves verbally. All proceeds from his art sales go directly into funding Inclusion Starts With Us.
He also collaborated with Warrington Youth Zone to create a short animation based on his drawings, using visual storytelling to promote understanding and empathy.
Nathan-Jack has just designed a line of Inclusion Starts With Us t-shirts and hoodies, featuring empowering visuals and messages. Thanks to the support of Snowdrop Products LTD, they’ll be on sale soon—with all proceeds going toward funding communication boards, sensory bags, and inclusion tools.
Wearing the merch is a simple way to show support and spark conversations about accessibility and acceptance.
Thanks to Nathan-Jack’s initiative, local businesses are beginning to rethink how they serve their communities. By adopting visual communication boards, sensory-friendly tools, and inclusive practices, these businesses are making their spaces more welcoming for neurodiverse individuals and families.
Simple changes—like visual menus, emotion regulation charts, or quiet zones—are helping customers feel more confident and supported. Inclusion Starts With Us is showing that inclusion doesn’t require big budgets—just a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt.
As more businesses join the movement, Warrington is becoming a model for how communities can embrace diversity and create environments where everyone feels safe, understood, and included.
A growing list of generous businesses and creators have stepped up to support Nathan-Jack’s mission:
– Warrington Eats
– RG’s Food Truck
– Snowdrop Products LTD
– Yellowtree Craft
– Alternative Curiosity
– Halloween Ville
– Midnight Mama Creation
– Cheshire Aesthetic
– Molly’s Bloom
– Tony from Howdens
– EE
– Vimto
– Warrington Youth Zone
To keep growing Inclusion Starts With Us, Nathan-Jack is still actively seeking sponsors to help fund communication boards, sensory bags, and outreach as well as prize donations for raffles and fundraising events.
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