This edition we have taken a focus on supporting Neurodivergent Teenagers and Young Adults. This was a topic that was requested by many of our parent carers. We are delighted to have some articles written by organisations who work to support this age group.
Disclaimer: These organisations may charge for some of their services. You should contact the relevant organisation to find out more.
Neurodivergent Abilities
Neurodivergent individuals find many aspects of life challenging. While young, and still living within their family unit, a number of those challenges will be supported by parents or carers. Many young adults like the idea of living independently but often have not learnt the life skills needed to do so successfully, such as budgeting, selfcare, cooking and cleaning.
It is vital that young people learn from an early age that asking for help is not a weakness or a failing. Getting help from others helps us learn and grow, and for neurodivergent individuals in a neurotypical world, it’s doubly important. Neurodivergent Abilities provides individuals with a where-to-turn-next guide. The last thing a young adult wants to feel is they are unable, so having the right information, knowledge and skills can bring a real sense of confidence to live independently.
At Neurodivergent Abilities, we don’t have all of the answers, but we’ll do everything we can to help you find them. Our staff consists of people on the spectrum and those who care for and support neurodivergent family members, too. Our lived experience, as well as specific training, means that the challenges life brings are foremost in our minds and we want to pass on our knowledge to all who need it. Understanding how a neurological diagnosis affects a particular young person is key to putting the right strategies and resources in place to aid independent living.
Communication is critical for continuing independence. If spoken language provides a barrier, some concentration on skills and tools will go a long way. Ensure communication is always clear, direct and positive, avoid the use of phrases such as “I have already shown you how to do that” or “Were you not listening?”. Try to change the way you word instructions, to better meet the needs of the individual. Some individuals may need visuals when learning new skills, so, where possible, the use of images of actual items within the home – such as step-by-step photos of operating a washing machine – can be of real benefit.
Our Independent Living Package enables individuals to thrive within their own home and give them the confidence to live independently. Our focus is always on the individual and we believe that EVERYONE is able when they have the correct support network around them.
Working together with our clients, and their families or carers, we create a bespoke, person-centered plan focusing on the individual’s strengths and wishes. Then a bespoke folder is prepared filled with numerous resources and strategies to enable the individual to manage the tasks that may cause them anxiety and overwhelm.
We put together social stories and visuals to enable an individual to manage tasks such as housework, cooking, shopping and how to pay bills. Our complete Independent Living Manual is bespoke to each individual need, their own home and the local area around them. The folder will have a solution to every common independent living scenario, both written and visual.
We know that reducing anxiety before a problem occurs greatly helps individuals worry less about the ‘What If’s’; because when these ‘What If’s’ happen, they will know exactly what to do.
To find out more about what Neurodivergent Abilities offer please visit their website or their Facebook page. You can also pop down to their monthly Coffee Morning in Ipswich where a Family Advisor from the ND Project will also be available.
Realise Futures
Realise Futures is a social enterprise which enhances people’s lives through work placements, employment and training opportunities. Their primary aim to improve and promote the economic and social wellbeing of those who are disadvantaged and/or disabled, across Suffolk and Norfolk.
They provide information, advice, guidance and peer support to anyone who is 19 or over and has a Learning Disability and or Autism. Individuals can have one to one appointments with an adviser, they are not capped at the number of interactions they have, but they encourage empowerment and independence in dealing with situations the clients have previously received support with. All Walk-in Advice and Guidance services are currently being delivered face to face, but by appointment only.
Peer support groups are about facilitating independence. The individual will attend the group independently accessing public transport, walking or arranging transport themselves. Initial support from a support worker, parent or carer can be provided until the individual becomes confident in accessing, this will be agreed by the adviser facilitating the group. The group decides what they would like to do, be it accessing new community venues, and organising trips, visits to other groups and events which are happening locally.
They provide sessions across the county. To find out more visit their website. Do contact your area co-ordinator before attending any groups or sessions.
Leading Lives
Leading Lives provides high quality social care support for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs across Suffolk and beyond in the home and in the community. We are an employee owned, not-for-profit social enterprise.
Leading Lives provide a range of support including daytime opportunities, short breaks and support to live independently.
Young People’s activities: Night Hubs are chilled-out youth groups for young people (13-24) who are autistic or have learning disabilities. The Night Hubs run from 6-8pm during term-time and provides the opportunity for young people to take part in fun activities, try new things or simply hang out with friends. Night Hub is delivered from Leading Lives community hub buildings across Suffolk.
There are several other activities available run in specific locations, some are funded through Activities Unlimited.
- The Weekend Hub is run in Stowmarket and Lowestoft for 13-19-year-olds
- The Holiday Club is for 13-19-year-olds in Stowmarket and Lowestoft.
- The Summer Teen Club is for 13-19-year-olds in Sudbury and Haverhill.
- Sleepover Short Breaks are exclusively for young people aged 16-24.
To find out more about these activities and the referral process visit their website
Adults: Suffolk Autism Social Club (SASC) is a safe space for autistic adults (18+) to socialize and mix with other autistic people. This is a friendly and relaxed environment where members can meet up to talk as well as participate in planned activities. The group meets between 6 and 8pm on the first Friday of every month at Rushmere Community Hub, Ipswich, and you are welcome to bring a friend or support worker with you. For further information visit Suffolk Autism Social Club
LEAPS
LEAPS Suffolk provides community based support for people with a variety of additional needs. They run a Saturday afternoon session in Ipswich for young people up to the age of 25. To find out more vist their website.
Activities Unlimited (AU)
Activities Unlimited is part of Suffolk County Council. We give grants to activity providers around the county, to enable them to put on high quality, inclusive groups, clubs and activities for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities. We believe that children and young people with SEND should have access to the same opportunities as their peers without additional needs. Please visit the website to look at the range of activities suitable for your teenager or young adult.
