Dean's story
Dean is a 7-year-old young carer who helps care for his older brother, who has a diagnosis of severe Autism and ADHD.
His brother’s complex needs means a high level of risk when he's outside, as he tries to run away. This makes it hard for the family to go out socially.
The family feels guilty that Dean does not have the opportunities as his peers to have fun, enjoy positive experiences, and be able to experience activities as a family due to his older brother’s needs. There's no external family support nearby as the family moved to the Aberdeen area for a new job opportunity for Dean's dad.
Dean was offered to be involved in the face-to face holiday group programmes and thoroughly enjoyed making new friends, meeting other young carers, and having fun.. He positively engaged in all the support provided in various ways: he accessed the Aberdeen City Council Young Carers funding to purchase items that helped him with his health and wellbeing, such as Lego and a new bike.
It was also identified that Dean might benefit from weekly music therapy sessions to increase his self-confidence and self-esteem. He has thoroughly enjoyed these them, and these breaks have helped bring about a positive change to his confidence, mental health, and wellbeing.
