This ten week programme offers autistic adults the opportunity to explore how autism affects them in a supportive group. An important element of the programme is the chance for participants to share their responses to knowing or discovering they are autistic with peers, and have the space and support offered to process these responses. No one is born knowing they are autistic. However autistic people often notice as we grow up that we are different, some of us get diagnosed but others bumble along trying their best to cope with a difference they know is there but they are unable to define or understand.
Many of us are considered bright but still find ourselves experiencing confusion and being misunderstood. If we seek help for our difficulties sometimes the helpers are as mystified as we are about why we are failing to cope despite being apparently capable. Myths about autism abound, so even if autism is diagnosed we are not necessarily given the tools to understand it and possibly because of this if it is suggested to an undiagnosed adult they are as likely as not to reject the description.
This programme provides a safe place to learn complex truths about autism and share life experiences with a group of peers. It is a space where autism is the norm and understood simply, as a way of being, which like all ways of being confers strengths and challenges. It will reassure you that it is possible to live a positive and productive life as an autistic adult.
You can see a detailed outline of the programme
It will be facilitated by me Caroline Hearst, and I'll be assisted by someone who has previously benefited from this programme.
The cost of this course is £500 payable in advance or spread over three installments or weekly payments. If the cost is prohibitive please get in touch to discuss an affordable concessionary rate.
Many of us are considered bright but still find ourselves experiencing confusion and being misunderstood. If we seek help for our difficulties sometimes the helpers are as mystified as we are about why we are failing to cope despite being apparently capable. Myths about autism abound, so even if autism is diagnosed we are not necessarily given the tools to understand it and possibly because of this if it is suggested to an undiagnosed adult they are as likely as not to reject the description.
This programme provides a safe place to learn complex truths about autism and share life experiences with a group of peers. It is a space where autism is the norm and understood simply, as a way of being, which like all ways of being confers strengths and challenges. It will reassure you that it is possible to live a positive and productive life as an autistic adult.
You can see a detailed outline of the programme
It will be facilitated by me Caroline Hearst, and I'll be assisted by someone who has previously benefited from this programme.
The cost of this course is £500 payable in advance or spread over three installments or weekly payments. If the cost is prohibitive please get in touch to discuss an affordable concessionary rate.
FAQ
Who is it suitable for?
This is suitable for anyone over 18 who identifies as autistic and/or has an autism diagnosis, or is wondering if they might be autistic.
How many participants will there be?
There will be between 8 participants on the programme.
What is the age and gender balance?
So far there have been more women than men enrolling on these courses, but that could change in future. The age range has been wide, from 19 – 74 with the majority of participants being between 30 and 50.
How do I know if it will be helpful?
People from a wide variety of backgrounds have found this course valuable and life enhancing. The course offers a creative and bespoke mix of information and support which can benefit everyone whatever their position in relation to autism. You can view the contents of the programme and I will arrange a consultation when you have filled in the enrolment form.
Are there any risks involved?
Painful memories or feelings may come up in the sessions and I take great care to provide a safe and supportive environment. There are scheduled breaks in the sessions and a quiet area you can go to if you are finding things difficult. I am available to talk with you if you are experiencing difficulties. Identifying as autistic can sometimes raise issues with family members and friends who may view autism negatively and may find it hard to accept that you are/may be autistic. If this happens we can discuss strategies that you can use to deal with the situation.
What qualifications do you have?
I am an autistic educator and consultant. I run autism awareness training, specialising in training therapists and counsellors. I devised this programme (which has been positively evaluated by a team from Goldsmiths University) to fill a gap in the support available to autistic adults.
I serve on the local Autism Partnership board, the member’s forum of the National Autistic Society (NAS) and as a committee member of Autism UK and a director of AutAngel. I received the Award for Outstanding Achievement by an Individual on the Autism Spectrum in the NAS professional awards in 2017 and have been awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship to extend my knowledge of peer support for autistic people. You can read more about me here.
Who is it suitable for?
This is suitable for anyone over 18 who identifies as autistic and/or has an autism diagnosis, or is wondering if they might be autistic.
How many participants will there be?
There will be between 8 participants on the programme.
What is the age and gender balance?
So far there have been more women than men enrolling on these courses, but that could change in future. The age range has been wide, from 19 – 74 with the majority of participants being between 30 and 50.
How do I know if it will be helpful?
People from a wide variety of backgrounds have found this course valuable and life enhancing. The course offers a creative and bespoke mix of information and support which can benefit everyone whatever their position in relation to autism. You can view the contents of the programme and I will arrange a consultation when you have filled in the enrolment form.
Are there any risks involved?
Painful memories or feelings may come up in the sessions and I take great care to provide a safe and supportive environment. There are scheduled breaks in the sessions and a quiet area you can go to if you are finding things difficult. I am available to talk with you if you are experiencing difficulties. Identifying as autistic can sometimes raise issues with family members and friends who may view autism negatively and may find it hard to accept that you are/may be autistic. If this happens we can discuss strategies that you can use to deal with the situation.
What qualifications do you have?
I am an autistic educator and consultant. I run autism awareness training, specialising in training therapists and counsellors. I devised this programme (which has been positively evaluated by a team from Goldsmiths University) to fill a gap in the support available to autistic adults.
I serve on the local Autism Partnership board, the member’s forum of the National Autistic Society (NAS) and as a committee member of Autism UK and a director of AutAngel. I received the Award for Outstanding Achievement by an Individual on the Autism Spectrum in the NAS professional awards in 2017 and have been awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship to extend my knowledge of peer support for autistic people. You can read more about me here.
Feedback
" I had the pleasure of leading the evaluation of Caroline’s “Exploring Identifying as Autistic” programme when she ran it for AutAngel - interviewing autistic adults who have taken part in the programme to find out their views and experiences. The feedback about the programme was overwhelmingly positive. People really benefited from the autistic-led nature of the programme and thought that the content and delivery was absolutely brilliant. Autistic adults have very little help or support available to them and this programme is an excellent way to provide that, within a friendly and supportive environment "
Laura Crane. Researcher at Goldsmiths College, University of London. (The full research report is be available here)
Laura Crane. Researcher at Goldsmiths College, University of London. (The full research report is be available here)
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Mother of young man who attended the course
Ben who attended the course
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Kim C. who attended course
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"I couldn't put it any better than it's been truly life changing for me"
"It’s been amazing…I would absolutely recommend it to everyone."
"IThe most precious thing about your group is that it gives me the feeling that it is really okay to be me, and has helped me realise that I am a powerful human being and can be myselr and love myslef just the way I am. Thank-you"
"I value the opportunity to meet other like-minded people. I like the combination of personal stories and academic detail and the breadth of verage. It's become such a highlight of my week."
"Such an amazing programme. Thank you so much for sharing yourself and insights with us."
"What a fantastic amount of insight - thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"I was apprehensive but have felt quite at home in the group, thank you."
“This is the best thing I have ever done in my life to date! It has totally changed my life in the most profound and positive way. “
"It feels like a safe environment to talk about own my experiences. The course leader is very knowledgeable from professional and personal experience, and knows and explains the nuances which you can’t find out about from reading text books. There’s time and space to discuss things that someone brings up and it’s not dismissed. Everyone's contribution is valued."
