Lewis’ story
Lewis meets with his Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist weekly
Lewis is a young man who was diagnosed as autistic when he was 13 years old, which is parents worried was fairly late. The Now, Next & Then Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist started working with him soon after this and visits him at home for weekly sessions. Lewis’ parents soon commented about the strong, supportive, mentoring bond that has been developed, which they and Lewis consider invaluable.
Until this support was established, Lewis really struggled with the demands of school life, so the understanding and guidance that his Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist provides is making a significant difference. Lewis is being helped to find coping strategies and his parents’ understanding of his difficulties is improved, alongside practical advice being given on how to prepare for and navigate school exams. The Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist is also providing advice to school on how best to meet Lewis’ needs.
Lewis is aware that his Autism Advocacy & Support Specialist is committed to ‘fighting his corner’. She inspires a confidence in Lewis that his autism does not need to hold him back and that he can navigate everyday life while playing a full part, in a way that celebrates his amazing strengths and qualities.
• Lewis •
“My Autism Specialist is great! She makes me feel understood and she is able to communicate brilliantly with my school and my parents. I haven’t been able to do this. It helps me be more comfortable with what is happening in my life. School exams were vastly outside my comfort zone but my Autism Specialist helped organize things so that I was able to sit at the back with a wall behind me, check out the exam rooms in advance, and use a computer; all of which reduces my anxiety levels and makes me more comfortable about doing them. When I’m with her I can communicate my needs to people who haven’t always understood them. She is a great help to autistic kids.”
• Lewis’ Dad •