Esme’s story

A request for help came from Esme’s parents. Esme is a 12 year old autistic girl. She had been quietly struggling for years in many areas of daily life, but mainly at school, and was resistant to acknowledging her new ‘label’ (diagnosis). At primary school, Esme had been able to fly under radar and mask her challenges; she was academically bright and had coped, but it was acknowledged that this was largely down to the benefit of having one teacher per year and having one consistent classroom. 

Esme had moved to secondary school but by the October half term of Year 7 her school based anxiety had escalated to such an extent that she was unable to leave the house each morning. Between half term and the Christmas holiday, the school suggested a reduced timetable, reduced expectations and there had been several parent/school meetings. One suggestion from school had been what is called a ‘managed move’, when the young person starts afresh in a different school.  The school placement broke down completely.

Esme was not protected by having an EHCP so access to help was a challenge. It was apparent to Esme and her parents that she would not be returning to that school and there was no plan for ‘where next’. 

Now, Next & Then was contacted with a request for help! An initial teary phone call from Esme’s Mum indicated that she did not know what to ask for but she just knew that help was needed. Following discussions, weekly support from one of the Autism Advocacy & Support Specialists was set up. As Now, Next & Then work with young people at school, home, or in the community this felt like the best solution for Esme’s current situation. 

The Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist started weekly sessions, sensitively and careful building a rapport by finding out what Esme enjoys and what her hobbies are. Esme enjoys arts and crafts and so a series of short projects were started so that Esme could use her creative skills (which she loved) while indirectly having her self-esteem and confidence rebuilt.   Over time, Esme was able to talk with her Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist about her autism and to ask questions about ‘why, what, how and when?’ The questions were explored together and alongside answers being given a range of strategies were introduced for Esme to practice between visits.

Esme is now in a place that she has the confidence to go with her Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist to shop for craft materials from a planned list, manage the project budget and plan each step so the project is complete. She says she feels proud of how far she has come.