Welcome!

As neurodivergent families, and professionals ourselves, we know how challenging the long path to a diagnosis can be.

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

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, to signpost you to useful resources and supports and most important of all, to facilitate your understanding of neurodiversity and the possibilities of raising a thriving human being.

Topics include:

• Supporting your child in building a positive identity
• Working collaboratively with school
• Sensory needs
• Understanding and respecting communication differences
• Friendships with neurodivergent peers
• Supporting the development of your child’s strengths

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

We are looking forward to welcoming you,

Tara O’Donnell-Killen, MPsSI, MBPsS, MAPP

Founder

“Claire’s honest, engaging style and wealth of knowledge made a real impact. Connecting with other parents, feeling understood, and gaining practical, positive insights was invaluable. Claire is an inspiring role model for our amazing young people”

– Dave (Mayo)

“Every family had time to share their main issue, with advice from parents further along the journey proving especially helpful. Would love to see this extended over multiple sessions”

– Rebecca (Dublin)

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?