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Case Study – A Mum's Reflection.

 

Erin has attended our Alternative Provision, is now back in school and coming along to our Monthly Teen Group.

 

I'd like to thank Appeer for the education and support that was offered to me as a parent. You met my family in a time of complete crisis, where we did not know where to turn. The parent sessions you facilitated were instrumental in improving my relationship with, and understanding of, my daughter and the most effective ways to support her.

You've reduced my discomfort in dealing with other services and helped me see how these resources can benefit Erin. You even assisted our financial situation by informing us about support we weren't aware of.


The Appeer Team have given Erin the tools to advocate for herself, make friends, and participate in school. You've equipped me with knowledge to be a more effective parent. You've made a positive difference in our lives. My daughter, who was homebound for the best part of two years (after the pandemic), has completed her first term at her specialist secondary school with 99% attendance – but most importantly, she is happy and feels she has a place in the world.


Appeer supported my daughter when we felt she was slipping away.  She went from a complete shell of herself, having been a proficient masker (and exploding at home) - to a happy and healthy teenager.  The ability to understand and name her feelings, then see a way of managing them, to understand when she needs a break, is a massive breakthrough for her. After years out of education, Appeer equipped my daughter with these skills, confidence and language to advocate for her own needs. Recently, she felt able to start at a specialist school – and the Monday AP team may be glad to know I’ve heard from staff that she is very good at advocating for her own needs.

As parents of autistic girls, it is so common for us to be the communication bridge between our girls' needs and the school – which can be particularly difficult when our girls mask or people please, and accidentally undermine us.  Appeer acted as an impartial intermediatory between myself and the school; and were able to provide objective advice and insights to the school from a professional perspective; that I as a parent lacked in experience. Due to the work Appeer had put into building a relationship with Erin, the SENCO at her mainstream secondary school requested that for her EHCP Needs Assessment, the Educational Psychologist observe her at Appeer, and speak to the professionals there.  It was really positive for the Ed Psych to observe my daughter in an environment that could meet her needs, and see all of the things she could do, and make recommendations based on my child in a regulated state.


After being out of school for years, when she was offered a specialist secondary school, it was Appeer that this school liaised with in understanding Erin's, to assess whether they could meet her needs and establish what provisions they can put in place on Day 1 to support her. Appeer restored my daughter’s trust and confidence in adults and “the system”, that there are spaces she can go outside the home where she will be listened to, her needs met, and can begin to be happy again. 


By understanding herself and her autism more, understanding what she can ask for, and to have had such a supportive and respectful environment who encourage that, I feel she has been able to make the first half term at a school a success in a way she would not have been able to before. The friendships she has made at Appeer have been invaluable. They've helped her develop a sense of identity and self esteem, which are essential for feeling anchored in the world. It was a crucial part of her feeling able to try school again, too.


We’ll be forever grateful.

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