Welcome!

As Autistic parents and carers with neurodivergent families, and professionals ourselves, it’s vitally important to us that your family is well-supported following your young person’s assessment.

It’s vitally important to us that your family is well-supported following your young person’s assessment.

Your clinicians have committed to providing a truly inclusive and neuro-affirmative assessment and as part of that commitment they have funded places for up to two adults from each family to attend one of our small group family support workshops.

Our aim is to welcome your family into the wonderful community that you are now a part of, to offer you a supportive space to process the diagnosis and what it means for your family. We will offer signposting to useful resources and supports, and, most importantly, facilitate your understanding of neurodiversity and the possibilities of raising a thriving Autistic young person.

Topics include:

• Supporting your teen in building a positive identity
• Working collaboratively with the school or other educational provision
• Understanding and supporting sensory needs
• Understanding and respecting communication differences
• Navigating friendships and socialising
• Supporting the development of your teen’s strengths

Thriving Autistic is a nonprofit multidisciplinary team of Autistic and neurodivergent psychologists, therapists and coaches who provide neurodiversity-affirmative support services and trainings for the community.

---

“Helen’s insights on navigating school challenges were incredibly helpful. Her practical advice and understanding made a big difference. Highly recommend her to any parent seeking support in this area.”

– James (Sligo)

“Excellent workshop and invaluable resources, especially on autism and girls. Hearing others’ experiences was extremely positive and helpful. Highly recommend for support and connection.”

– Terese (Cork)

Your workshop facilitators:

Helen Edgar (Educator & Family Support Specialist)

Helen is an Autistic parent of multiply neurodivergent children, a qualified special needs early years and primary teacher and an author who writes about neurodivergence and education. Helen has over 20 years of personal and professional experience working within SEND settings in the UK. She also has extensive experience working with children who have profound and multiple learning disabilities. Helen is passionate about providing guidance and support to make a positive difference for each child and every family, and she looks forward to welcoming you.

Helen offers a warm, supportive, and affirming space for parents and carers beginning their journey after identification.

Rowena Mahmud is a Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist

Rowena has experience across CAMHS, independent practice, and neurodiversity-affirming autism assessments for children and young people. She works from a social model of disability perspective within the neurodiversity paradigm and has supported individuals, families, and parent groups throughout her career. Alongside her clinical work, Rowena teaches trainee psychotherapists, contributes to neurodiversity-affirming publications, and is passionate about providing collaborative, compassionate support that centres each person’s lived experience.

Rowena offers a warm, neurodiversity-affirming space for children, young people, and families seeking understanding and support as they begin their journey post-identification.

Have more questions?