10. Early support

12/06/24 • 32 min

Research shows that getting the right support early on can make a big difference to a child’s experiences at school and their mental health further down the line.

However, hundreds of thousands of children are currently on the waiting lists for an autism diagnosis, with their families often having to cope by themselves while they wait.

In conversation with Kerrie Highcock, Family Development Manager at NEAS, Dr Helen Leonard and Mum, Lyndsey Morgan, explore how the process works, what parents can do, and why early support is so important.

Find out more about our Little Stars appeal - www.ne-as.org.uk/little-stars

Research shows that getting the right support early on can make a big difference to a child’s experiences at school and their mental health further down the line.

However, hundreds of thousands of children are currently on the waiting lists for an autism diagnosis, with their families often having to cope by themselves while they wait.

Find out more about our Little Stars appeal - www.ne-as.org.uk/little-stars

Previous Episode

9. Autism Diagnosis

Katie Toner shares her journey of self-discovery, explaining how, before her diagnosis, she often felt anxious and out of place. After receiving her diagnosis, Katie realised she wasn’t broken, just different, and began to understand how to thrive in her unique way.

Using her personal experiences, Katie now helps neurodivergent children and young people embrace their individuality and learn to communicate their needs. She founded Dark Sky Sleepovers, a business offering themed events, and The Wild Bunch, which provides training in sensory regulation.

In this episode Katie talks to Kerrie Highcock, family development manager at NEAS about the diagnostic process and how it has shaped her life.

Next Episode

11. Employment

Just 1 in 5 autistic people are in employment - the worst rate of any disability group.

Ashley Jones, Business Analyst for the North East Autism Society shares his experience of being diagnosed autistic, finding employment, supporting employers and helping others find their dream jobs.

Episode breakdown:

1:50 Diagnosis

3.55 What does autism mean to you

7:55 Masking

9.28 Barriers to employment

11:00 Reasonable adjustments in the workplace

13.40 Positive disclosure

14:45 Common misconceptions

16:44 How can we make employment better