Pathways

I offer a personalised pathway of support for the young people I work with. Below, I have outlined example pathways of support based on different autistic profiles, support needs and circumstances.

Please note that the pathways I have outlined are designed to be broadly representative of the support I can provide for autistic young people and their families. I am also able to deliver one-off sessions, though I would usually recommend a block of 3-6 sessions in order to develop a positive, trusting relationship.

Please also note that I operate a sliding scale for low-income families to ensure that cost is not a barrier to accessing support. I am currently able to offer a limited number of reduced rate sessions. For more information see pricing.

Example 1:

Young person profile

• Young person is generally doing well (both in school and at home)
• Would like to learn more about autism, autistic identity and neurodivergence
• Generally able to access online mentoring
• May benefit from support with executive functioning (e.g. planning and prioritising, time management, emotional regulation)
• May benefit from a piece of work on alexithymia and interoception (identifying internal body cues such as hunger and thirst, as well as feelings and emotions)
• May benefit from work unpicking and exploring social situations

Suggested Pathway

Initial Parent/Carer Consultation	Discuss the strengths and challenges of the young person. Identify possible areas of support and/or desired outcomes. Please note that this consultation is optional, particularly if the young person has low support needs.
Initial Contact with Young Person	Young person will receive an introduction via email, introducing myself and outlining what our sessions may look like. Some young people may be comfortable beginning mentoring sessions via Zoom/Google Meets straight away. Others may need a period of time making contact via email.
Introductory Session	I will meet with the young person for an introductory session. During this session, we will look at communication preferences and (if appropriate) identify areas in which the young person is seeking support e.g. managing sensory challenges. Based on the views and wishes of both the parents/carers and the young person, I will write up a plan of suggested support.
1:1 Mentoring with Autistic Young Person	Based on preference, I will meet with the young person weekly or fortnightly for sessions of either 30 or 45 minutes. I can deliver a stand-alone session, or we can agree on a block of 3-6 sessions. We will use the whiteboard function on Zoom or Google Meet to explore different topics visually and collaboratively. Provided that the young person is comfortable, this co-produced work can be shared with parents/carers.
Review with Parents/Carers	If appropriate, we can arrange a review meeting in order to discuss the young person’s engagement with mentoring and the areas we have explored. Parents/carers will have the opportunity to discuss any areas of improvement or continued challenge, and either conclude mentoring support or put together a plan for the next cycle.

• Co-occuring autism and anxiety
• School non-attendance and/or autistic burnout
• Struggling to access the community and/or engage in social and leisure activities outside the home
• Frequent meltdowns/shutdowns
• Is a situational non-speaker and/or experiences verbal shutdown
• Would benefit from a more gentle approach, with sessions focused on relationship-building and interests/hobbies

Suggested Pathway

Initial Parent/Carer Consultation	Discuss the strengths and challenges of the young person. Identify possible areas of support and/or desired outcomes.
Initial Contact with Young Person	Young person will receive an introduction via email, introducing myself and the support I can offer. I may provide a questionnaire to get to know the young person better, or ask them to tell me about one of their interests. I will use this to inform the support plan that I write up and share with parents/carers. Please note that this step is optional.
Option 1: Coaching and Advice for Parents/Carers of Autistic Young People	You may decide that you would like to continue coaching and advice sessions around the support needs of your young person. In these sessions, it is my intention to listen to your areas of concern, signpost you to difference services and resources, assist you in building your understanding of autism and neurodivergence, as well as suggest strategies you can use to support your autistic young person at home and in school.
Option 2: Life Skills for Autistic Young People	We may agree that your young person would benefit from a gentle introduction to support via Life Skills for Autistic Young People. This is an in-person service which aims to increase independence, confidence and well-being by supporting young people in accessing social and leisure activities in their local community. Sessions can take place initially at the home of the young person.
Review with Parents/Carers	If appropriate, we can arrange a review meeting. Parents/carers will have the opportunity to discuss any areas of improvement or continued challenge, and either conclude our sessions or put together a plan for the next cycle of support.

More information on pricing can be found here.