Arlene's Story

We have two children, Sophie aged 9 and Bobby aged 8 who have both received an autism and ADHD diagnosis. Bobby was diagnosed in December 2022 and Sophie was diagnosed in February 2023. Autism NI supported us as a family when we were going through the assessment process and when we received the dual diagnosis for both children. Autism NI has been a brilliant service in helping us to develop strategies and resources to support us with family life, when raising two kids with autism. Autism NI also provided a lot of advice and support and helped us see a way forward and how I can try and help my two children in the best way I could. This was a very difficult and stressful time for us as a family but by working on the strategies set by Autism NI and through perseverance, things have totally turned around family life for us. Our son went from a child having behaviour issues both within his previous school and then at home, to now a child that has a much more positive approach to behaviours both at home and within his new school. Our daughter Sophie has ongoing difficulties in certain areas related to her diagnosis, but with support from school, and strategies from Autism NI, we are now in a better position of working together and helping her also. The combination of help from Autism NI, and my children going to a school that provides a nurturing and supportive environment, has really made such a difference to our family. We really cannot thank their new school or Autism NI enough. 

Arlene, parent