⭐ I don’t want to have my camera on during mentoring. Is this OK?

Yes, that is okay. It’s completely normal to feel anxious or unsure about having your webcam on during mentoring sessions. Over time, as we get to know each other better, you might feel more comfortable turning your webcam on. However, it’s not required.

⭐ Do I have to speak during our sessions?

There is no pressure or expectation to communicate verbally during our sessions. There are lots of ways we can communicate during our mentoring sessions. For example: using the chat box function, the online whiteboard, or using gestures (e.g. nodding, thumbs up/down). On some days, you might prefer not to communicate at all. That is okay.

⭐ I want to receive mentoring but I’m not ready for a video call. Are there other options?

Yes. We can have our session over email, or alternatively we can set up a video call and keep our cameras and mics off. We can then communicate using the chat box.

⭐ Will you keep what I tell you private?

It depends. If you tell me something that makes me concerned about the well being and/or safety of you or someone around you, I will tell a responsible adult. However, if you choose to disclose some personal information (e.g. pronouns, sexuality, an embarrassing social encounter) then there is no need for me to share this. If you’d like more information on what I can and can’t keep private, we can discuss this via email or during a mentoring session.

⭐ My child has a history of struggling to communicate via video chat. What are our options?

Lots of autistic young people have a history of struggling with online learning, the majority stemming from negative experiences of online schooling during the pandemic. There are several ways that we can reduce overwhelm and demand during mentoring sessions. Firstly, we can keep the cameras off and use the online whiteboard function to share ideas. Secondly, for some young people, it is also helpful to keep their mic off, so that they’re communicating only via written means e.g. the chat box function. Often, a young person will build their confidence in accessing online mentoring over time, at a pace that suits them. For some, this will mean they become comfortable with keeping both their mic and webcam on during sessions. For others, we will continue using written communication tools throughout our mentoring block.

⭐ My child is currently struggling to attend school. How can you help?

School-based anxiety is a complex area, and providing effective support for young people who are affected by it is equally as complex. We know that an increasing number of autistic young people struggle to attend mainstream school settings due to a range of social, sensory and academic demand. Supporting young people with school-based anxiety starts with a child-centered and family-centered approach. For many autistic young people, conversations around school difficulties need to be carefully scaffolded in such a way that the young person is able to express their views. From there, we can build a child-centered access plan, and liaise with your child’s school setting to look at reasonable adjustments, including adjusted timetables. As parents/carers, you may also wish to look at alternatives to mainstream education rather than focusing on re-integration. Each situation is unique and will be explored accordingly.

⭐ What is your cancellation policy?

I understand and appreciate that capacity and social energy fluctuates for autistic people, and that they might not always feel able to access online mentoring. Therefore, I aim to be flexible. If your young person is unable to access mentoring at the agreed time/date due to low energy, we have several options. Firstly, we can reschedule the session. Alternatively, we can transfer the session over to a coaching and mentoring session (for parents/carers) at the original time/date. For example, if your young person is unable to attend a session at 5pm on a Tuesday due to autistic burnout, you may decide that there is value in directly transferring this 5pm session over to a parent/carer session in order to talk through the difficulties your young person is facing and put a plan in place going forward.

⭐ My child doesn’t have a diagnosis of autism. Can they still access mentoring?

Yes, your child can receive mentoring without a diagnosis, provided that we agree mutually that the services I offer would be of benefit to them.

⭐ Do you offer one-off mentoring sessions for autistic young people?

This is dependent on circumstances. In order to provide effective support for both your child, it is important that I have a comprehensive understanding of their unique set of strengths and challenges. The more complex the young person, the more prep work I will need to complete in order to ensure that I am providing the appropriate support.

That being said, there are several instances in which I’m happy to provide a one-off session for a young person or parents/carers:

• I have already worked with either yourself or the young person and have a comprehensive understanding of their support needs.
• Your child is confident meeting new people and requires support with a very specific area (that can be delivered start to finish in 45 mins) e.g. a brief introduction to autism and autistic identity, or a piece of restorative work on a social encounter.

⭐ Do you offer one-off coaching sessions for parents/carers of autistic young people?

Yes. As a parent/carer, you may require specific one-off advice on a certain area e.g. advocating for your child during a school meeting, or support accessing the Right to Choose pathway. Depending on the circumstances, you may feel it is appropriate to book a review session.