Storytelling - Autism Specific Sessions

Outcome

Note: the outcomes on our original application are different to those in the report therefore I have matched them as closely as possible.

15 Children and young people will have new and improved supportive relationships with peers engaging with eachother outwith the sessions.

Results

All 15 participants had opportunities to take part in activities which are fun, stimulating & rewarding. Sessions were designed & delivered by facilitators who are trained & knowledgeable about autism. This enabled us to create a bespoke environment where these specific young people can feel relaxed & have great fun.
12 participants developed very positive relationships with their peers, with a small number, 4, engaging with each other outwith sessions.

'The club is amazing. I think it's really important that they know it's for them and it works for them. And they're so happy to go, even if they're had a long day at school. ...They're so free when they're there, I mean, the things that they do, they're just so free.'
- Parent, Child 'A'
It's really fun that we can find ways to create stuff. And find ways to help other people enjoy it. And just, make friends with people who are relatable to you. And do things that you might like with them. It's just, really nice.
Child'C'

Case study

Before coming along to Sensate, 'A' (now aged 9) didn't socialise outside of school and his family, and he was in some ways lonely and isolated. His mum told us:

I was looking for groups and things before he went [to Sensate] and he was saying, “Why don't I have friends, mum?”
And now he has friends.
It's really important to him.

'A' really enjoys seeing the other children and young people, and the facilitators, at the weekly sessions. He has formed a good friendship with another boy who is the same age as him (Child 'D'), and they alternate between doing their art activities on their own or partnering with each other, talking and listening to each other with great gusto and enjoyment.

During the challenge of the lockdown this spring, we have done our best to keep participants in touch with each other, by running weekly video calls where they can see each other and catch up. This has not always been straightforward, as some of the children struggle with sensory and social aspects of using this imperfect way of meeting each other, but in spite of that the video calls have been really important for the children who have taken part in them. About this, 'A''s mother has said:

It's a good thing for ['A'] to see the people that he misses - to see that everyone's ok, because he's frightened...
It helps him mentally. At night he's like, “I spoke to my friends and they're fine.”

The video calls have allowed us to develop the relationships within the group, and get to know each other better during the lockdown – a situation which unfortunately is especially difficult for many autistic children dealing with anxiety. The calls are fun, including not only the people who are taking part, but our teddy bears, dogs, cats, drawings, lego – our home lives.

This cheerful and warm social engagement is a really important part of the week for 'A'.

I'm sure that, through time, the friends they make at the club will be friends for life.
- 'A''s mother

Outcome

Note: The outcome in our application inc. young people's improved wellbeing

15 Children, young people report feeling more confident, valued and more happy due to the storytelling programme.
20 carers report feeling better connected, less stressed and with greater levels of happiness.

Results

For many of the young people involved, and for all the carers, one of Sensate's greatest impacts has been the opportunity it gives to spend time with people who are going through similar experiences. Carers have really valued the chances to talk with other carers, and the children and young people have found it exciting and reassuring to develop friendships with people who are like them and very readily understand and appreciate them for who they really are. This seems to make a huge difference to participants' wellbeing, in different ways.

It's made such a difference to both my boys' lives.
- Parent, Children B and D

If it ever stopped, it would be a massive loss to the kids' lives, because these things are massive to them. They need it so much.
- Parent, Child A

Throughout the project:
12 of the carers reported feeling better connected, less stressed and happier
12 of the young people either reported or were observed to be happier or more confident.

Case study

One parent has told us how Sensate has impacted on her own wellbeing. Firstly, and apparently foremost, it satisfies her that one of her child's main needs is taken of – his urgent need for a social and expressive outlet.
She has explained – as have other parents – that in the Pollok area, groups for autistic children are very rare even though parents are putting time and effort into searching for them, because they know their children really need them.
It takes a lot of pressure off me. It's quite difficult to find these groups, and the fact that [child] has that group now takes a lot of pressure off me. It's his world, and he's quite happy in that world, and as long as he's happy it takes the pressure off me.
Further to this, she has benefited considerably from the opportunity to socialise with other carers in a relaxed and informal environmment. Having the chance to be supported but also, particularly for this carer to support and offer advice to others and to just enjoy general life chat has been of huge benefit.

Additional Case Study is provided via email.

Outcome

20 carers, including siblings will report a sense of being listened to, supported and welcomed as a whole person within our centre and with a new support network of parents

Results

Each week, parents and carers have the option to to be in another (warm and cosy) room, where there's tea and snacks, and generally quite a bit of chat. The parents have reported enjoying having that time to themselves and to be able to talk with each other away from the immediate responsibility of supervising or caring for their child.

For me [the main benefit is] to get to speak to other parents, who can relate to you, who understand. Just having time to relax as well, a wee bit of relaxation for us just to talk as well, so
...it is a break.
...We get to de-stress and have some 'us time'.
- Parent, Children B and D

It's lovely to be part of it. I enjoy that part of it, we all share our wee things that are going on, at the time.
To have somewhere to sit with the other parents and have a cup of tea is enough [to unwind].
- Parent, Child A

15 parents reported , throughout the project, that they felt listened to and supported.

Case study

One parent 'X' lives nearby our centre and was the person who first asked us if we delivered sessions specifically for autistic young people as she has 4 children with autism. During the consultation period X was very supportive to the organisation and showed a great deal of strength in her knowledge about what needs to be in place. X's children did not attend at first but she eventually brought her youngest child and later her older child who has more complex needs to the 'Calm' session. The opportunity for X to relax and enjoy the company of other parents whilst safe in the knowledge that her child is enjoying themself next door is a relief. Due to her older childs needs X likes to stay in the room during the 'calm' sessions but she participates alongside rather than cares for her child, enjoying the company of the facilitators.
Earlier in the year X was invited to join the Board of our organisation and she has done so to great success. She is a valued member of our team, someone who has already made a great impact on our organisation and the community. And as one of the other parents described her she is also 'a supermum'.