Published on 12, July, 2020
Feedback needed on new idea:
Hi everyone!
A bit about me:I'm a youth worker and Psychology graduate with 10 years of experience working with young people with ASD/ADHD and their families. I have worked within the NHS and private sector in specialist education provisions, working in therapeutic teams to provide advice and psychoeducation around neurodiversity and also therapeutic interventions for anxiety and school avoidance.I am a late diagnosed ADHD-er myself, and have a late diagnosed Autistic sister, so this topic is close to my heart. I also start my Psychotherapy training in March which I'm so excited for!
My proposal:I would like to set up my own business alongside some friends who are Clinical Psychologists: providing support and advice to parents and carers/young people around ADHD/Autism and school avoidance/anxiety as I have recognised that there is a huge gap in services for helping children with their anxiety around school (particularly teenage years I've noticed), and so many young people fall through the cracks and there are so few services open for them. As I'm sure you know, CAMHS is totally overwhelmed and private therapy is hugely expensive. This would be a remote, low-cost, subscription-based service/charity offering a range of services including the following:
-Post diagnostic workshops: what's next? So many people feel totally alone after a diagnosis and don't know where to start!-Anxiety management courses: CBT based anxiety management and mindfulness sessions for young people focused on connection-building with other neurodiverse children, and learning about anxiety and anxiety management strategies-What is ADHD? What is Autism? Basic courses on neurodiversity both for those diagnosed, and for parents and carers with neurodiverse children -One2One sessions focusing on developing self-esteem, building resilience and focusing on neurodiverse strengths -Specific girls groups focusing on social skills and connection building -Practical support sessions on writing EHCPs, DLA, PIP etc.
This has been something I have been planning for a few years and am extremely passionate about.
My questions:
1. Could you give me your opinion on if this would be a service you would be interested in? Is there a need? Where are the gaps in services that need to be filled?
2. What should the priorities be for a service like this?
3. Does having a Clinical Psychologist attached to the project make you more likely to sign up?
4. What are your concerns about a service like this?
5. The service would primarily function through social media (Instagram) and a website. There would be no in-person provision due to how small the team would be (3 people). Do you feel this would be a barrier to engagement?
6. Any other comments?
Thankyou so much everyone!
I was a school refuser, although nobody had ever heard of autism when I was at school or only in the most extreme cases. Do you mind me asking if you've ever asked people like me how we got on or didn't? Some of us older ones might be quite good at providing research and case histories? We might have some insights into it all? Us older ASC people could be a vast resource for people such as yourself and your collegues, we often still feel like we're being told stuff and not listened too.
Hi thank you so much for your reply! It would be amazing to hear some of your stories and insights! I want to build a service that puts autistic people/ADHD-ers at the centre of its development so want to involve as many neurodiverse people as possible.
I am told lots of stories about school by young people I work with, but have limited contact with older people through my work so would love to hear your perspectives.