Hi my name is Kimberley – Jane and Shelley have been helping us as a family and our son since the beginning of the year. We were close to breaking point, our son was having meltdown after meltdown and it seemed to have no rhyme or reason to it. All we knew was that they were becoming more frequent and starting to get more explosive. Our home was becoming very unhappy as my husband and I didn't know what to do to help our son and so it was just becoming a very shouty and tearful household for all of us. My husband and I didn't know where to turn, our son is 8 years old and performing well at school and showed none of his meltdowns at school, he was masking. We felt the school would be unable to help us as his meltdowns were so out of character to the little boy at school they saw and getting an appointment with the Dr's didn't really feel like the right option for us. I was very fortunate to have a friend recommended Jane and so I sent her an email a sort of SOS! We poured our hearts into the email explaining everything and the very next day she replied with dates for a few days later for us to have an initial consultation with her. Within moments of the initial consultation Jane put us at ease and said to us "everything you are telling me about your sons behaviour sounds as though he has high functioning autism". Now this may sound strange but my husband and I breathed a sigh of relief, finally everything made sense and we had someone who could help us, help our little boy. After the initial consultation via Zoom we arranged a face to face meeting which also involved our son. It was fabulous, Jane and Shelley made us feel at home straight away and our son was at complete ease and didn't feel the need to mask, he could be himself. My husband and I sat and chatted to Jane at ease for a long time whilst our son was off having an amazing time with Shelley in the games room. Jane talked us through the sort of behaviours of children with Nero diverse conditions like our sons and started to give us some coping mechanisms that may help him and us. She also talked us through her Play Therapy and explained about an EHCP and how she can help us make a self referral for that. Our son had a fabulous time and on the drive home was already asking when he could next go back to see Jane and Shelley! He now goes fortnightly for his Play Therapy sessions and is loving them. We have our happy little boy back, of course we still get the odd meltdown but not as frequently and we all know how better to deal with them. He also feels more able to verbalise when he's in a situation he finds difficult and tell us when/what has been difficult throughout his school day. Jane and Shelley are absolutely fantastic, they have helped us immensely over such a short period of time. It's so comforting to know they are just at the end of the phone with no judgement. There's no sitting in a stuffy office with someone across a desk wearing a suit and filling out forms examining every corner of your life using words you don'tunderstand. Jane and Shelley are two down to earth, pink loving, ladies that care and are there to help with their knowledge and expertise. We really are so greatful to have them helping us and I would one million percent recommend them to anyone. We weren't interested in having our son "labelled" we just needed help to be able to help him and that is exactly what Jane and Shelley are doing and if he does need an official "label" to help him through area's in his life as he gets older we know Jane and Shelley will be there every step to help us along that long road; but for now all that's important to us is that our son enjoys his childhood and knows we are there with him helping him every step of the way happily.

Hi my name is Anne-Marie - PPF Member's Parent – We have been looking for an age appropriate social group for our son for many years, without success, finally I came across PPF. This group has made such a difference to my son’s life. It gives him something to look forward to and makes him feel good about himself. All the members are friendly and it has enabled him to mix with young adults of a similar age in a safe environment. Jane and Shelley are particularly welcoming, friendly and fun people, that instantly put my son at ease. They go above and beyond, even catering for his dietary needs when snacks are provided. We are really pleased that we have finally found a group where my son is comfortable and can be independent from us.

Hi my name is Amy (Joshua's Mum) – I would like to say a huge huge thank you for inviting Josh and I to the PPF movie night! Josh said he has never felt so welcome by a group of people. He was blown away by how kind and welcoming everyone was, and how they were so similar to himself! The hugs Josh received when we left were actually a massive deal for him, he's never been hugged by someone who isn't family before, and he was smiling all the way home! It was lovely to chat with Jane and Shelley, to meet like minded, non judgemental people was an eye-opener for me, it made me realise maybe I'm not doing as bad as I think I am and other people have been through very similar experiences. I have woken up feeling a like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders! I can't thank you enough, or explain how much one evening has lifted us!

Hi my name is Sharon – Jane is a therapist I would highly recommend. Our daughter recently had an ASD assessment (second one), I was very anxious about going after the first time. I didn't need to be - Jane took on all my stress and anxiety and was nothing short of fantastic. I truthfully couldn't have done it all without the knowledge and support of Jane. Jane really does go above and beyond and is a therapist that genuinely cares.

Hi my name is Emily – Sometimes someone comes into your life at such a crucial time, that it's obviously meant to be...fate. Jane is that person. What a wonderful caring lady she is. The support, guidance, advice, help and empathy that we, as a family, have been given has changed our lives for the better. We couldn't see a way forward, how to cope, any future. Now we can. No words can ever repay our gratitude. So we'll simply say Thank You!

Hi my name is S – As a Mum of an adult with mild ASD, physical and learning disabilities I felt completely unsupported until we very recently discovered Positive Path Foundation. Having spent the last 21 years being told our son doesn’t seem to fit in with the usual support on offer as he is too high functioning, we were at a loss and our son felt isolated with low self esteem. Our son just wants to feel like other 21 year olds and be able to gain valuable life experiences but hasn’t been able to achieve this until now. He felt listened to and safe at the social gathering we attended. I was able to meet other parents and gain their thoughts on services available for future employability, benefits and housing. This was a very emotional experience for me as a parent and the knowledge founder Jane shared was so appreciated. For the first time ever our son felt “ heard” and that he belonged somewhere. Jane and Shelley instantly make everyone feel welcome and equal, you can see how well they support the members who appear to be thriving in the relaxed environment they create. I think there is a way to go to make my son feel completely comfortable with the group but they are doing all they can to welcome him and the activities on offer are varied and appropriate. With huge gratitude to this fabulous charity that has already transformed our lives for the better and given us hope for the future.

Hi my name is Connor – I have felt so happy that I joined PPF and I felt very welcome from Jane and Shelley and the PPF family when I started. I am already making some new friends and also signed up for a lot of the events that are available. Jane and Shelley are ever so lovely and very supportive as well and I met lots of lovely people in the family. I am so delighted that I found this organisation.

Hi my name is Michael –

Hi my name is Sam (H & L's Mum) – I wanted to say thank you so much for everything you’ve done for L, H and myself. Before I contacted you we had been through nearly three years of the most difficult times of our life. Both the girls were suffering extreme anxiety and depression. They were both self harming and had made attempts to take their lives, resulting in hospital admissions. Even with all of this we had no support. I was phoning CAMHS on a daily basis begging them to help. However apparently even after H's three day stay in hospital after an overdose she was classed as low risk of harming herself. There were nights I was afraid to leave my teenage daughters in their rooms unsupervised. I was in a difficult relationship with my partner and had to deal with this on my own. This didn’t help the girls anxiety. Both girls had to leave school in their final exam years (one GCSE’s the other A level’s) up until their mental health deteriorated they had both been A grade students. However the situation was so desperate, removing them from school to stop them harming themselves was the only option. Exams suddenly were unimportant (although not to the girls unfortunately). Subsequently after two years I went private (still waiting over 6 months) and H was diagnosed with ASD, anxiety and depression. However we still had no support and no idea who to go to for help, either NHS or private, we just didn’t know what we needed. I felt totally useless, like I was failing my girls and absolutely petrified I would wake up one day and they wouldn’t be there. This has all severely affected my mental health and resulted in me also suffering with anxiety and depression. I then came across The Positive Path Foundation. But more importantly Jane. From the first time I called Jane she gave up over an hour to speak to me, I felt a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Jane has offered immense support to all three of us. She has been there for H at all hours. Prior to meeting Jane, H refused to speak to any professionals. She got her to open up at the first meeting. I asked H why she felt she could talk to Jane and she said that she didn’t ask her the same silly questions all the others did eg. ‘ How do you feel on a scale of 1-10’ ‘if I could change one thing in your life what would it be’ She feels very comfortable with Jane, I would say from what I saw in our joint session that H feels listened to by her. Other professional counsellors I’ve taken the girls to have always made them feel uncomfortable. They have also dealt only with the girls and stated what they talk about is confidential so have had no involvement with me. Jane's approach is more cohesive. With H's permission she's involved all of us, suggesting alternative ways that we can communicate to reduce tension and conflict. We still have a long way to go, but I feel I now have someone on my side that really cares, primarily for L and H, but also for us all. I now feel there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Jane's understanding and explanation of autism and behaviour and how we all need to make changes in order to communicate and live happier lives, is amazing. I appreciate everything you’ve done for us, but mostly for helping H, listening to her, hearing her and supporting her. Keep up the good work, there are so many children suffering when they don’t need to.

Hi my name is Anonymous - (Mum) – I was recommended to call Jane Atkinson at Positive Path Foundation as I was struggling with my 10 year old autistic daughter. She was not attending school due to her anxiety snd lack of support. I was becoming increasingly concerned with her mental health and the process of her transitioning to secondary school. Jane has helped my daughter and our family beyond anything I could imagine. She has been helping my daughter gain confidence, earn coping strategies, friendship skills and build her self-esteem. Jane has also been a huge support to the rest of the family as we were struggling before. She has supported us with my daughter's annual review and liaises with her school and SEN. My daughter has grown very close to Jane and sees her as a constant in her life. I can't thank Jane enough for all she has done and continues to do!

Hi my name is Amanda (Mum) – My daughter had struggled throughout school with a late diagnosis of ASD in Yr10. This journey has been emotionally and mentally exhausting unlike no other. It seemed clear there was nowhere to go, no-one to turn to, no genuine help available to us. As a parent, I felt completely overwhelmed, alone and rock bottom. Until one day, a friend suggested I contact Jane Atkinson at Positive Path Foundation. I will never forget the phone call I made that day. Jane understood everything I said. Jane has been amazing and changed our families lives forever. We have been given the chance to live and enjoy life again without the fear and worry we once felt. Positive Path Foundation has helped give my daughter and the whole family our lives back. Thank you Jane xx

Hi my name is Elaine (Mum) – Since making contact with Jane Atkinson at Positive Path Therapy she has been an instant and incredible support. I am a single mum battling a system not designed to offer the right support for neurodivergent children. Jane first and foremost gave me the confidence to believe that things will be ok. She has stepped in with school SENCO and the local authority and has got an EHCP application in process and escalated. She has spent time helping me fill in a much needed DLA form. She has organised parent support groups which have been invaluable. She has also met my son and is now offering alternative provisions and therapy to help him return to education. Without Jane, my son and I would still be in a very stressful situation.

Hi my name is George – I am so happy that my Mum set up Positive Path Foundation as I have made lots of wonderful friends. I have so much fun at all of the PPF events and workshops. I regularly meet up with my best buddy Josh and my other friends to hang out, go to sporting events, eat out and go to the movies. I love being a team leader and helping new members settle in. Shelley, who works at PPF is like the big sister I never had, she is loads of fun and really caring. I can't thank my Mum enough for making this possible.

Hi my name is Katie – Words cannot describe the way Positive Path Foundation has changed my life, becoming a member is the best thing I have ever done and made my life so much better. I have made best friends and friends for life; it’s given me the social life that I never thought was possible. Jane and Shelley are amazing! Katie xxx

Hi my name is Chris – I'm a member of Positive Path Foundation!

Hi my name is Josh – I have been a member of the Positive Path Foundation now since it very first started all the back in late 2019. I attended the very first event which happened at the end of January 2020 and I can vividly remember how much fun it was and how it was super refreshing to meet new people and engage in a really supportive environment with the wonderful Jane and Shelley at hand to oversee and run the events with superb accuracy at involving everyone and making sure we have the best time ever. From that very first event it then got even more exciting as the membership list gradually started grow and grow and it went from strength to strength in terms of the charity being able to put on more exciting events like disco nights and trips to the zoo and bowling and not to mention the crazy golf which is always popular with the members. Since 2021 the charity has put on a weekend away residential somewhere with great activities on offer and a lot of fun and laughter to be had with the PPF Family. I've especially benefited and enjoyed the opportunity to get away from home and to forget about all my worries and troubles happening for a couple of day's. I can honestly say that without this charity in my life and without the connections and the people I've made friend's with my life would be drastically different today in a way that honestly I don't think I'd be able to cope socially around people because I'd be too anxious, worried and overwhelmed to think about surrounding myself with new people. It's honestly brought me out of my shell massively and given me a huge surge of confidence boosting into a lot of areas in my life where I massively needed it. Without the Positive Path Foundation I would simply not have made it through the pandemic because of the mental strain it was having on me and how badly it was affecting me. The lockdowns especially were difficult however through zoom calls upon which we did bingo it did manage to help me not feel so alone. Even just being able to meet up with Jane and her amazing incredible son George for whom she set up the charity so he could feel included socially and mix with people his age who would understand his autism. Just being able to meet up with Jane and George for some socially distanced walks in the new forest helped massively as restrictions eased. Me and George as time went on began to strike up a very good friendship so much so that we are now besties and chat everyday on WhatsApp or text. Having George as a bestie is amazing because he can cheer me up instantly on a really bad day and also Jane and Shelley are super supportive to me when I'm having a really low and down day. Through this charity I've manged to make friend's with super nice and caring people who I feel are friend's for life. This charity has saved my life in many way's and it can transform so many lives if it can get the necessary funding to grow bigger and bigger. I've had some incredible opportunities because I was made a members team leader which is a position I am honoured and privileged to upheld. It means that I support new members and help them settle in. It's great that Jane and Shelley have full confidence in me to be a supportive role to new members who are shy and nervous at events. I will always do what I can to help the charity when they need it. I love my PPF family and it means the absolute world to me to be a part of this. I can see a bright future for the charity and I do believe that it can help massively with the member's mental health and feeling valued and listened to. I hope it can benefit you from reading my testimonial and thanks for taking the time to do that.

Hi my name is Zoe (Mum) – My partner and I contacted Jane Atkinson (Positive Path Therapy) over our concerns about our two young daughters, who were visibly struggling. Jane listened to our our concerns and immediately reassured us that the behaviours and challenges we were seeing were typical of young children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and our experiences are common among parents of ASD kids. Jane has been nothing but kind, helpful and supportive. She has been there as a shoulder to cry on, but more practically also supported our EHCP meetings and phone calls with other professionals. Jane is attending the assessments of our youngest girl to help us obtain the official diagnosis needed for EHCP. I honestly don’t know what we would have done without Jane. The children love her. Jane goes completely out of her way to help us access the support we need by any means possible. In our experience to date, this is a very rare quality. I would highly recommend her. 5 stars from the children! xxx

Hi my name is Emma – My name is Emma Wilson and I am very happy to be a member of Positive Path Foundation (PPF). I have really enjoyed all of the activities and meeting new friends. Jane and Shelley are such nice people and they work really hard to arrange a lot of activities for us to enjoy. I loved the summer camp at Osmington Bay, where we did climbing, archery, rifle shooting, buggy-building and zip-wire. I also enjoyed movie nights, drama, crazy golf, arcade games, laser tag, barbecue, Valentines day and going to the theatre (we saw School of Rock and Beauty and the Beast). Jane and Shelley are such fun and always make me laugh. I am really grateful for the nice new friends that I have made through PPF.

Hi my name is Tania (Childminder) – Jane came over to talk to myself and a group of local Childminders as we often feel 'lost' when it comes to supporting children with autism and/or SEND needs, and their families. Her in-depth knowledge and first hand experience was invaluable to us. It was so informative speaking to someone who is just so dedicated to fighting for these children's needs, and their families, as they so desperately need such support to tackle the system to get the best outcomes possible for the child.

Hi my name is Nikki (Mum) – We have been working with Jane from the PPF since January 2022. Our youngest son started Secondary School in September 2021 and was having extreme difficulties adjusting and settling into his new environment. We are presently undertaking an EHCP for him and also an ASC assessment, as the Secondary School identified him as being on the Autistic Spectrum. Initially we were lost as a family, with this diagnosis. We just assumed our son was strong willed and would do things in his own time, which has been the case with most of his development on reflection. There was no indication from Primary School other than in Home Schooling during the Pandemic we struggled to get him to engage with this homework at the time. His behaviour was very extreme with regular meltdowns and crying fits, this was taking place at home and within the school setting. He was withdrawn and wouldn't really interact with us as a family. We had a couple of "parental" sessions initially where we explained our history and then Jane suggested different strategies and techniques to use when he was displaying this type of behaviour in the home setting. The strategies whilst seemed "easy" to implement I knew there would be much resistance from our son.....However Jane was on hand whenever I needed reassurance or someone to talk too...and we committed to them and stuck with it. Within a few weeks of sticking to the new way of parenting; I'm pleased to say the strategies were having a positive affect. Our son is interacting with us happily now. He is more engaged with us as family, and there are less meltdowns too!!! If we do have the odd blip/moment, then I feel confident with how to handle these situations now and for that I will be eternally grateful. We continue to work with Jane, she is supporting us through the EHCP process and helping us liaise with the various Departments this involves. I would 100% recommend Positive Path Therapy.

Hi my name is Fraser – Life has changed for Fraser over the last 6 months since discovering this wonderful charity. He is accepted, acknowledged and appreciated within a group, offered opportunities to socialise, interact and communicate in a safe and age appropriate environment. Jane and Shelley source a mix of fun and engaging activities and events that I can’t replicate at home. He has learn new skills whilst taking part in archery, rock climbing and go karting and built friendships and trust whilst playing team games and sports. Fraser very much looks forwards to the events, always keen to know when the next outing is which gives him a sense of belonging and inclusion. As parents, other than his school days, we provided all his social and leisure activities which were often poorly attended due to his isolation within the community and his peers. He is thriving within his new found group, talking about ‘my friends’ which is heartwarming to hear. We drop him off in the capable hands of Jane and Shelley knowing he will have a fantastic time, which also allows us some hours of respite and a break. I wholeheartedly recommend Positive Path Foundation for the exceptional service they provide and the productive impact it has had on our lives - Georgi, Fraser's mum

Hi my name is Jay – I found out about positive path last year and thought I would give it a go and I am so glad I did. I love meeting new friends of all ages and always look forward to the next trip . Since starting I have been on a boat trip, crazy golf, bowling, quiz night with dinner, beach games but most of all going to see a show.

Hi my name is Sam Cole – A brilliant group of people who I have developed strong relationships with that has changed my life forever!

Hi my name is Charlotte Rimmington – I love and enjoy being part of the Positive Path Family as everyone is so kind, and we all look after each other as a family. I enjoy going on trips and spending time with everyone. Jane and Shelley are both so kind, caring and such lovely ladies welcoming me into the positive path family group when I joined making me feel like I am part of the positive path family and they make sure everyone in the group is ok. Positive Path Foundation has helped me by giving me the confidence to make new friends my age like my best friend Katie and my friend Tyra who I enjoy meeting up with.

Hi my name is Chris – I enjoy going to the Positive Path events and the people are nice, especially Jane

Hi my name is Ben – The PPF is really fun, we do all sorts of different fun activities, my favourites were bowling, beach games and the pub night. Even when I am anxious Shelley and the others make me feel OK and I still have a great time. I enjoy getting to know new people there. I enjoy the meals they do there, I enjoy the fun entertainment they do there, I do remember on the last residential we did a drama club with funny acting in a play we did. Yeah I enjoyed the boat race and the camp fire. I enjoyed the crazy golf too, the indoor one and the outdoor one. I enjoyed bowling because bowling is one of my favourites. I remember I enjoyed playing Beach Volleyball at the beach one time. Yeah I’m looking forward to the Swanage railway trip going on a train and I’m looking forward to the residential we are going on in the future.

Hi my name is Stephen – Hi, my name is Stephen - I was a little anxious as I didn't know what it would be like until I finally met all these people at Positive Path. And now that I have found it incredibly exciting whilst have been able to make more new friends including George who is such fun, chatty and makes me laugh as he is full of friendly humour since I have had lots of friendly chats with him! The staff I have met are so fun and friendly when they have been watching me and other people help each other in a team during one of the social games or activities. I enjoy the social games we do such as the bingo, quizzes, discos and the outdoor activities we have done like the 'snowtrax' and crazy golf. I also thank all Positive Path for following me on Instagram and l really looking forward to coming to the beach evening next week and all the other fun activities we will do together

Hi my name is Emma – Positive Path Foundation is a fantastic charity. Since I have been a member it has made me feel that I am finally part of something, as we are all treated and respected in the same way. I’m meeting new people and making friends. Since lockdown we have been doing some exciting activities on Zoom which has helped me stay connected. That’s why I like Positive Path Foundation.

Hi my name is Tyra – I like going to drama club and going to Crazy Golf and meeting new friends. I like hanging out with all the people. I also like doing the zooms with quizzes and bingo and other games. It is fun to be able to talk to others and Jane and her helpers are good and kind and support us all. I like that we go out to coffee shops or pubs and other outings with all of them. It is nice to have new friends to talk to and do things with, together. Jane is a loving caring person who helps us all to understand things and feel better about ourselves. She supports us and encourages