Wellbeing Comes First: Supporting Self-Worth in Children with Autism

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are exceptional. They are sensitive, kind, and empathetic. They care deeply about being part of the world around them, even though their behaviours often suggest otherwise.

However, the social and emotional challenges individuals face can often lead to repeated setbacks, misunderstandings, and social rejection. Or simply an ongoing struggle to meet expectations in a world that does not make sense to them. Over time, these experiences can erode their confidence and significantly impact their sense of self-worth.

When a child regularly feels like they're getting things wrong, it's not just frustrating, it can lead to withdrawal, isolation and eventually depression. That's why supporting wellbeing isn't just helpful, it's essential.

By teaching children the power of choice, which builds on self-awareness, we help them take control of their experiences and understand that every situation involves not only their perspective and feelings, but also those of others. This deepens their understanding of the importance of having empathy for others. It expands their knowledge of the world around them and gently shifts them from being stuck inside their own challenges to engaging meaningfully with others. This builds confidence, connection and emotional resilience.

If you're looking for support, guidance, or simply a place to start, I'm here to help.

Help My Child Thrive

Proven Approaches to Promote Wellbeing and Growth

Building An Inner Voice

Helping children withith ASD develop an inner voice before puberty supports their ability to reflect on choices made and outcomes experienced. This self-awareness fosters conscious decision-making, leading to more positive social experiences and growing confidence in interacting with others...

Getting Comfortable With Change

Using targeted techniques for children under 8, this approach helps ease transitions and builds comfort with change. By supporting adaptability early on, we can reduce emotional outbursts and increase resilience to changes in routine or unexpected events.

The Choice Tool

A visual strategy that helps children with ASD learn how to make more informed decisions by considering both their own perspective and the perspectives of others. This tool supports the development of empathy, social understanding, and thoughtful decision-making.

Getting Comfortable With Failure

Helping children with ASD reframe failure as a natural and valuable part of learning builds emotional resilience. When failure is seen not as something to fear, but as a chance to try again, it opens the door to growth, confidence, and new experiences.

Self-Awareness Developing:
In Their Own Words
Real Voices, Real Growth

Deborah, I understand myself for the first time in my life.

I know I am crying but these are happy tears. Because now it makes sense to me why I don't understand things sometimes.

Also, now I know why my solutions are so good because I have such a good brain.

A. Aged 9

Sometimes Deborah it feels right to describe my anxiety as a tug of war in my head. I know the thoughts I'm having aren't helpful to finding a solution but I can't make them stop. How can I do that? Is it possible? You've helped with so many other things can you help with this?

H. Aged 16

The truth is sometimes I act 'autistic' even if I know how to control my emotional outbursts because if I do that then my parents will usually do what I want them to do. (Looking at mum) I'm sorry mum, I realise its not fair to do that to you and dad and I know you're only trying to help me.

(I asked how does that feel?) So much better. there is no bad feeling that goes on for days after an argument.

D. Aged 15

So I was in class today and I realised that when I took my shoes off the girl next to me made a face at me. It didn't look like a happy face. So I stopped for a second and thought that maybe the choice I made wasn't so good. So I decided to put my shoes back on and then she smiled at me and said thank you. It felt really good.

H. Aged 9

Everyone should have a Deborah they can talk to. Deborah you make everything better and I also feel really good about myself after we meet. Sometimes you tell me things I don't like to hear but I know you're only saying it to help me learn how to be even better than I am.

S. Aged 11

The voices you've just heard show what's possible with the right support.

If you’re looking for guidance and practical tools to help your child thrive, I'm here to walk that journey with you. Get in touch to find out how I can support your family.

I'm Ready to See The Difference in My Child