Experience of supporting children with Autism
I have lived experience of ASC, as my 11-year-old son is diagnosed as autistic through CAMHS. My experience as a parent of an autistic son has profoundly shaped my approach to working with children with special educational needs. It has provided me with invaluable insights and understanding that enhance my effectiveness as a tutor and have contributed to my empathy, patience and communication. I aim to provide flexibility when working with ASC students, and all children with additional needs, to support academic growth and to adapt to different needs in social interaction, communication and behaviour.
Experience of supporting children with language and developmental needs
While working within a specialist school setting for students not able to access mainstream education, I have worked with secondary age students who have developmental needs and were working at pre-school level, which requires compassion and a tailored approach. These students benefit from activities that build foundational skills in communication, social interaction and basic academics, similar to those used in early education. Also, my own son experienced language delay and I used visual supports and play-based activities at home to support the development of his communication.
Experience of supporting children with SEMH needs
My experience of working with SEN students in both mainstream and SEMH settings has been extremely rewarding. I find myself most fulfilled when I was able to adapt lessons to meet the diverse needs of my students, especially those with special needs, and witness their growth and success in an inclusive environment. Working for seven years in a Social, Emotional, and Mental Health school has enabled me to develop a diverse range of teaching strategies tailored to support students with complex needs, fostering both their academic and emotional growth.
Experience of developing relationships, interaction and confidence
I have learned that developing trusting and meaningful relationships is the foundation of effective teaching and support. I prioritise patience and empathy to truly understand each student’s individual needs and strengths. By creating a safe, non-judgmental space where they feel valued and heard, I build trust that allows them to engage in activities and learning.
When working with young people to develop social interaction and friendship skills, I focus on creating opportunities for positive, structured interactions where they can practice communication, empathy, and cooperation. I use role-playing, group activities, and guided discussions to teach important social cues, active listening, and conflict resolution. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment, I help them build confidence in initiating and maintaining friendships. I also work on reinforcing the importance of understanding others’ perspectives, helping them navigate social dynamics and form meaningful, lasting connections.
I aim to boost confidence and self-esteem, by highlighting young people’s strengths and celebrating their progress, no matter how small. I create a supportive environment where they feel safe to take risks and learn from mistakes without fear of judgment. By setting achievable goals and offering consistent positive reinforcement, I help them recognize their capabilities and build a sense of accomplishment. I also encourage self-reflection and help them develop a growth mindset, empowering them to approach challenges with confidence and resilience.
Experience of supporting children with anxiety
In working with young people with anxiety, I’ve found that creating a calm, supportive, and non-judgmental environment is essential. I focus on building trust and offering reassurance, helping them feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions. By using techniques such as breaking tasks into manageable steps, promoting mindfulness, and teaching coping strategies, I support them in navigating their anxiety. I also encourage open communication and help them build confidence through small, achievable successes, fostering a sense of control and resilience in their learning and everyday lives.
Tailored approach
Although I have diverse experience of working with students with specific diagnoses including ADHD, ODD, Autism, anxiety, depression and more, my tutoring methods are not defined by labels; I tailor my approach to cater for the specific needs of each learner, whether academic, social or emotional. My focus is on understanding the whole child, building a trusting relationship, and creating a safe, supportive environment where they feel comfortable to explore, learn, and grow. I use a variety of strategies and tools, from multi-sensory learning techniques to positive reinforcement, to ensure that each session is engaging and effective. My ultimate goal is to help each student overcome challenges, build on their strengths and achieve their personal best. I am inspired by the unique strengths and perspectives each young person possesses and I am committed to creating an environment where they can thrive, learn and reach their full potential.
