We understand that individuals identifying as autistic have specific needs which must be met, and often require implementing the correct strategies and services to support their journey.

We can help by providing a safe and nurturing environment, listening and validating their life experiences.

Our aim is to empower autistic people to create the life which supports their health and wellbeing and progresses them towards their aspirations.

Each session takes a holistic approach and is tailored to individual needs.

In this framework:

· We build a relationship based on trust and understanding

· A space is provided to talk using conventional and more multi-sensory communication tools to help self-expression.

· Exploration of strengths, motivations and skills, in addition to problematic areas of life such as, sleeping, motivation, cognitive distortions, internal barriers, addictions.

· Explore strategies to help with difficulties, such as anxiety and sensory issues.

· Develop a personalised support plan

Sessions and cost:

We offer a free initial consultation session, which allows clients to explain their needs and outline their expectations. Based on this information we then agree an initial timescale, ie. number, frequency and structure of sessions.

Each session lasts 60 minutes.

The sessions can be weekly or fortnightly.

Following the initial consultation, each session costs £50.

Funding sources for clients:

• Private funding

• Independent Living Fund

• Personal Independence Payment

• Disability Living Allowance/ Adult Disability Payment

• Employment and Support Allowance

• Self-directed Support

Bespoke sessions:

Sessions are tailored to each parents or carers needs.

Making Connections:

This is an individualised educational programme for parents/ carers who have an autistic child, young person or adult in their care. It aims to build an in-depth understanding of autism and link that knowledge to the individual’s needs. The programme offers practical, person-centred, strategies to help achieve better connection and confidence to meet the autistic person’s needs in the home environment.

This programme can be presented in-person or online.

The programme focuses on 7 areas and is presented over 7 sessions.

1. Making connections

2. Anxiety -part 1

3. Anxiety -part 2

4. Sensory differences

5. Distressing behaviour

6. Understanding autistic processing

7. Routine and structure / Communication and Environment

These sessions have been created and are facilitated by Barbara Kennedy.

In these sessions I guide parents/carers through the main areas of life which can be challenging for autistic individuals and teach strategies to help create a less distressing and more harmonious home environment.

I promote the philosophy ‘Nothing about us without us’, to respect the wishes of the autism community, and therefore incorporate several videos representative of the autistic voice.

Working with Families

The principal function of this work is to raise autism awareness among all family members and help to develop a more harmonious environment.

· Initially we will investigate and document the family’s historical experience to shape strategies that will meet the autistic person’s needs.

· Through this work family members are encouraged to include their own needs.

· By providing a safe, nurturing environment for the autistic person, putting the correct communication strategies in place, and attending to sensory needs, everyone in the family can enjoy positive outcomes.

Sessions and cost:

We offer a free initial consultation session, which allows clients to explain their needs and outline their expectations. Based on this information we then agree an initial timescale, frequency and structure of sessions.

Each session lasts 60 minutes.

The sessions can be weekly or fortnightly.

Following the initial consultation, each session costs £50.

Funding sources for clients:

• Private funding

• Independent Living Fund

• Personal Independence Payment

• Disability Living Allowance/ Adult Disability Payment

• Employment and Support Allowance

• Self-directed Support

Bespoke sessions or a training programme can be offered to meet the needs of the service or support staff.

Making Connections

This programme is presented in - person by Barbara Kennedy and is co-facilitated by Catriona Boyle, who is autistic, and offers an insight into her own personal experience of neurodiversity.

This groupwork includes up to six participants to learn and support each other, by sharing their own experiences. It is an educational programme for parents/ carers, staff and professionals who live with or work closely with autistic people.

It aims to link generic autism awareness to the individual needs of the autistic person thus gaining a deeper understanding of the autistic mindset.

The sessions offer practical strategies to achieve better connection, improved understanding and confidence in supporting the individual in their family/ care environment.

The programme focuses on 7 areas and is presented over 7 sessions.

1. Making connections

2. Anxiety - Part 1

3. Anxiety - Part 2

4. Sensory differences

5. Distressing behaviour

6. Understanding autistic processing

7. Routine & structure / Communication & environment

Through the sessions I guide the participants through the main areas of life which can be challenging for autistic children/young people and teach strategies to help create a less distressing and more harmonious living environment.

Sessions and cost:

We offer a free initial consultation session, which allows clients to explain their needs and outline their expectations. Based on this information we then agree an initial timescale, frequency and structure of sessions.

The cost of this programme will be agreed in collaboration with the client.