We are delighted that the Pixel Fund have made a very generous donation to our exciting, innovative new service in Edinburgh - ND:well, to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Edinburgh who are neurodivergent.
Tailor Ed Foundation has been supporting autistic children and their families in Edinburgh since 2009. Our wish is to see autistic children and their families empowered and included, able to live the lives they want to and access all the day to day experiences that other families take for granted.
Due to the excessive pressure on autistic children and young people as a result of covid-19 in March 2022 we set up ND;well that aims to support neurodiverse children and young people aged 5 to 16 years who have been referred to the service because of concerns about their mental health: problems will be of moderate to severe in nature and associated with significant impairment in day to day to functioning.
Once our ND:well staff complete an assessment of their specific needs to confirm the service is appropriate, they are recommended one of two options: either a workgroup which run weekly for 6 weeks, focusing on emotional health and wellbeing from a neurodivergent perspective. It explores topics to improve their mental health and aims to help autistic young people understand autism, develop a better understanding of self, and offer a reflective space about aspects in their lives they may need more support with. A workgroup covering similar topics but with a parental focus run parallel to each workgroup.
Alternatively they will be offered direct one to one support: weekly sessions last for between one and two hours and can take place at home or in the community. These child/young person centred sessions which may continue for up to 12 months, focus on issues such as sensory needs, health and physical needs, emotional regulation, social isolation, self awareness and self advocacy all of which are vital for an autistic child/young person’s mental health and wellbeing.