Therapy and Mentoring

85% of children and young adults with ASD experience anxiety, loneliness and isolation. Depression is four times more common than in neurotypical individuals and 70-80% will experience a range of mental health issues into adult life, stemming from the challenges they experience.

In the school or college environment, frequent negative experiences of a vulnerable child or young person, such as sensory overload or bullying, can lead to withdrawal or self-exclusion. The process of masking autistic traits at school to fit in and gain acceptance can lead to challenging behaviour of the child at home, placing a strain on daily family life.

We offer therapy, mentoring and alternative provision for individuals aged 12+ with ASD and associated mental health issues, helping each to overcome their personal challenges. We provide insights, tools and coping strategies aimed at promoting good mental health and wellbeing.

We take a flexible approach as each case presents itself or each referral demands, guided by the circumstances and outcomes achieved over time.  We do not offer a standard course of action or “one size fits all” approach. An individual may simply require one-on-one role-play therapy or mentoring, but parents of children displaying challenging behaviour and aggression often seek private counselling and advice about living with autism. The strain placed on family life can damage relationships and break up homes.

On other occasions the situation may be best served by both child and parent participating in group sessions with our therapist, Jane Atkinson.

Our services are available to referred and self-referred:

• Individuals age 12+ with ASD
• Parents
• Families
• Siblings (see our Sibling Support Service)

We accept referrals of children and young people with an EHCP from Hampshire County Council Special Educational Needs, delivering a range of services including therapy and mentoring under the Hampshire SEN Open Framework with the objective of helping pupils access education that is appropriate to their needs, or to simply re-access mainstream education with support.

We accept referrals of children and young people under our service contract with Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council for alternative provision.

We also accept self-referrals from individual and parents of children and young people with ASD.

For more details please contact Jane on 07979 691429 or email jane@positivepathfoundation.org