Services for
Individuals

Autism Arena have been an invaluable source of advice and support for our family. Their knowledge, expertise and passion shine through. They have empowered us to secure the best possible support for our son

LS, Parent, Leeds

The advice that I have received from autism arena has been invaluable for navigating the health, education and social care systems in relation to my son. It has been pivotal in transforming a very overwhelming and anxiety provoking situation into something more manageable. The information provided by them was very clear and concise which enabled me to more effectively advocate for him in a constructive way. I’m extremely grateful and couldn’t recommend them enough to anyone else who is struggling in similar circumstances.  

I just wanted to share a quick note on How Gillian really took the time to understand the complex needs of my daughter. I was provided useful information on how to navigate things beyond the diagnosis. I was provided easy to understand tips which I could implement in the family setting with those bitesize pieces of information I’ve been able to support my daughter and understand more about what she is going through. Just these small changes have made a positive impact in the home and instead of getting constantly frustrated I have been able to be much calmer and patient than I was before I fully understood as each day is so challenging.

JT, Parent, Leeds 

I am a member of the Autism Arena peer support group. I find these sessions both informative and supportive. Trying to navigate an autism assessment and my daughter’s difficulties with the education system has been a daunting experience. The group are knowledgeable, provide a safe space so I can feel I can ask any question, offer a space to seek others’ points of view and ultimately make me feel like I am not alone.

Parent, Leeds 

Extremely informative, provided amazing support and explained behaviours I didn’t understand which will enable me to support my child better. Friendly, informative and supportive .

first spoke to Gillian when we suspected my daughter had autistic traits. Since then Gillian has given me advice on how to proceed with an autism assessment as well as advice to help me with her school and their legal obligations. Gillian is very knowledgeable about autism and the law and is a lovely compassionate and empathetic person. I can highly recommend speaking with Gillian for advice. 

I really enjoyed our conversation and I am extremely greatly for all the help and information given to me. I am still learning, as [my child] and I go through her autism journey, and having someone supportive to speak to is invaluable 

In the last few months we have seen changes in our daughter – outbursts, behaviour and saying she does not want to be here anymore. An assessment for autism is not easily achieved due to long wait times. Gill did a report and fact find on my daughter that we can now present to the relevant people at college [for my daughter to get the support she needs]. She also provided us with many links and places to visit and seek further help. She was also on hand for other advice we needed. Thank you 

It was fantastic. You have highlighted and described symptoms and situations that I didn’t realise were traits in my daughter. This has opened my eyes and helped me understand 

It was excellent!! A helpful & supportive session. I will be more understanding and curious as to how people feel who have ADHD. I found the interactions really useful.  

Helpful and impactful session. I have learned that it is okay to take time for myself to help me cope and not feel guilty for doing so. There was a sense of community today. People joined in and we all helped each other with experiences. 

This has been helpful and supportive. I will look more into carer support as I realise I have high anxiety/ burnout often. Lovely speaker, nice discussions as a group. 

Supportive, helpful, clear and not overwhelming. Recognising the pros of ADHD has been the most impactful.  

It was great to have my feelings both validated and to enable me to feel less isolated.’  

The knowledge and experience the team have is refreshing. I have attended a few peer support group sessions, one place and able to ask any question in a safe environment has been very helpful to me. 

I felt alone in my navigation of the diagnosis system while my daughter struggled in school and was so unhappy. I was at a point where I didn’t know where to turn and even my GP questioned why I was asking for help with my daughter’s low mood when she was ‘being a teenage’. Having a forum to join was invaluable. It was great to hear other’s experiences and ask questions in a safe environment. It enabled me to have the confidence to look for alternative schools and enquire about what her school can put in place for her. 

Having a place providing a source of truth and resources available that we can rely on is helpful to parents. I appreciate the experience of the Autism Arena team.