Support for Autism

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a genetic life-long neuro-developmental difference recognised in law as a disability in the UK. Autism is a spectrum condition - meaning that it affects a person's abilities and behaviours in different ways and to varying degrees, thereby making every Autistic person truly unique.

People with Autism live day-to-day with their disability, and may face challenges with social interactions and communication, sensory sensitivities, anxieties, and restricted or repetitive behaviours, interests and routines. But Autism does bring its own gifts too, with talents that, if embraced and encouraged, can be potentially rewarding to themselves and the people around them.

Mentoring for Autism

WHAT is mentoring?

Honestly, this is just about giving you the space and support you probably wish you'd had sooner.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like no-one really 'gets it', that's exactly where we come in.

You don't need a diagnosis to start. We know how long those waiting lists are and how draining it all feels. If you say you're struggling, we believe you - no piece of paper needed. We’re here to help and assist you no matter what your situation and age.

How does it work?

This isn't a generic programme. It's real human support, tried and tested - by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people.

Because our mentoring sessions are held on video calls, you can join from wherever you are. No stress about travelling or fitting it in around everything else. Plus, there's no pressure to have cameras on, and I will even send you an introductory video before we start so you know who I am before our mentoring sessions begin.

We can help with things like:

Managing emotions when everything feels too much;

Understanding yourself and feeling okay with who you are;

Dealing with burnout, or feeling like you have to 'mask' all the time;

Sorting out friendships, school, work, or just life in general;

Making sense of a diagnosis, or getting ready for one.

What is it like?

Carly Steel, Autism and AuDHD Specialist and Mentor

Carly Steel, Autism & AuDHD Specialist & Mentor

The sessions aren't formal and they are structured around your needs and preferences. If you don't know what they are yet, don't worry! We'll discuss how you want it to be before the first session so you know just what to expect.

Some people just want to talk things through. Others like doing creative things or focussing on practical tips they can use straight away. We'll go at your pace and figure it out together.

Before we work together, you might feel frazzled, misunderstood, or like you're constantly firefighting. Afterwards? People usually tell me they feel calmer, validated, more understood, and like they actually have a plan they're in control of.

It's that relief of,

"Oh, finally someone gets it".

It's not therapy. Think of it more like getting support from someone who really knows neurodiversity - both from professional experience and because they're neurodivergent themselves. It's that mix of lived experience and expert knowledge that makes it different.

Our mentoring sessions typically last one hour and are held on Zoom video calls, usually once a week but we can go at your pace. We can schedule appointments during the day, evenings and weekends, making it flexible enough for you to fit your session in when you've got a moment in your life to stop and breathe. We operate a strict code of conduct concerning your confidentiality in line with other UK health service providers.

Whether you're looking for an Autism mentor for yourself, your child, partner or someone you support, whatever your age, and no matter where you are in your Autism journey, Carly is here to help. Please get in touch for more information or to book an appointment.

We also run a series of online workshops and have videos and resources which cover a wide variety of topics to educate and guide you on your Autism journey. Click the link for more details:

Learn

The Rise As We Are Community is a great way to socialise with other like-minded neurodivergent people, receive support and encouragement, and get guidance from professional experts in one accessible safe space. Click the link for more details:

Community

What others are saying

"I feel understood

and heard"

"Getting to work with Carly has been great so far, she has allowed me to feel understood and heard, but at the same time I feel like I have learnt so much about the neurodivergent experience. She provides a safe space where I feel open to discuss my struggles and concerns, and she is very good at being proactive and helping me think about strategies".

Amelia (AuDHD adult)

"She now embraces her autistic identity"

"The mentoring sessions have been incredible and I am so thankful that we came across Carly. My 10 year old daughter loves her sessions. They have helped her to move from being VERY upset and angry about her autism diagnosis, to now embracing her autistic identity. Carly is an excellent role model for my daughter and her teaching background shines through in the way she structures the sessions."

Becky (Mum of 10 year old Autistic child)