AlexanderCare is a non-profit organisation that cares for and assists families to support their children with special needs and disabilities. Founded to help fund families and research into all aspects of vulnerable children - from understanding the conditions, to how children can learn key skills and support their families. We want to help discover better new methods of teaching children with learning disabilities and support their families to develop a greater understanding of their children’s disabilities.

I started the company and named it after my brother, Alexander who has severe learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorder amongst others. Alex’s condition is known as STXBP1; A encephalopathy condition characterised by abnormal brain function and intellectual disability where neurological problems continue throughout life.

The estimated incidence rate for STXBP1-related disorders is approximately 1 in 30,000 children. For people with STXBP1 encephalopathy, intellectual disability is often severe to profound with addition, speech and motor skills, such as sitting, crawling, and walking, are delayed. Other neurological problems that occur in people with STXBP1 encephalopathy include features of autism spectrum disorder; weak muscle tone (hypotonia); and movement problems, such as difficulty coordinating movements (ataxia), involuntary trembling (tremors), and muscle stiffness (spasticity). In some cases, areas of brain tissue loss (atrophy) have been found on medical imaging.

Nicholas & Co Surveyors - December 2022 Q4 Magazine - Introduction to AlexanderCare Foundation

Hello, my name is Alexander Demetris Zorpides, my friends and family call me Alex and I am 28 years old. I work in Mudlarks Café in Hertford, a vegetarian and vegan charity café that provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. I enjoy working there, the staff have helped train me to be independent and supported me at work.

I work hard to get tips, I go to work every Wednesday to serve customers coffee, teas, cakes and food. I also collect direct plates, mugs and glasses, clean tables, sweep and mop floors. I finish at 4.30 pm and go to my brother Nicks’ house for tea and biscuits. On the first Tuesday of each month I volunteer at St Cathines Church in Hoddesdon to help the elderly by serving them lunch. During the week I enjoy going out with We Do Care, a specialist support care company that provides activities for vulnerable adults; I like going to Cookery Club, Zumba class and Bowling. In my spare time, I like to watch TV and spend time with my family and friends as well as going to Isabell Court, a respite care centre where I get to stay overnight and learn to be independent.

I would like to thank everyone at Mudlarks Café, especially Ruth who helps me at work, as well as my friends and staff at We Do Care and Isabell Court.

Nicholas & Co Surveyors - December 2022 Q4 Magazine - Introduction to AlexanderCare Foundation