SEND (Special Education Needs & Disabilities)

Why Mental Health is so important

Being neurodivergent can lead to challenges that may increase the risk of stress, anxiety or depression, and research indicates that neurodivergent people are more likely to experience mental health issues compared to neurotypical people.

Mental health is a critical aspect of well-being for everyone, but for neurodiverse individuals with conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive difference, the challenges can feel more difficult to manage on a daily basis, and require tailored support to best suit their needs. 

How is GRiD here to help?

We are committed to supporting the young people in Doncaster with their mental health and catering to SEND individuals by providing pathways to local services and organisations that offer a variety of support for mental health. There will also be opportunities offered to meet others who may be experiencing similar challenges and can help with understanding and encouragement. 

Mental Health Support

• Home - Kooth

For many neurodiverse individuals, managing money can be particularly challenging due to differences in understanding how money works, organisation, and impulse control. Conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia can make tasks such as budgeting, saving, and tracking spending more difficult. The abstract nature of financial concepts or the sensory overload of handling notes and receipts may also contribute to stress or confusion.

Help with money management

GRiD will help point you in the right direction for the best support on how to manage your money effectively through accessible lessons with Multiply (more information below) saving, credit and managing expenses using easier to understand language and visual aids. Information on other interactive sessions and online materials that are tailored to neurodiverse learning styles and accessible financial tools will also be available. 

Financial/ Self Advocacy Skills

• Multiply – Numeracy Support - City of Doncaster Council
• Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK
• Managing Money and ADHD: Money Management Schedule - CHADD
  

Many individuals who are a part of the neurodiverse community also face barriers such as limited support, misunderstandings of their abilities, and a lack of accessible workplace accommodations. However, with the right environment, support, and accommodations, neurodiverse individuals can thrive in the workforce, contributing valuable perspectives and skills. Every individual has unique traits and talents, and it is all about finding the best ways possible to give young people the opportunity to match these skills to the right career!

Encouraging self awareness and developing confidence can play a huge role in finding employment. Apprenticeships and work experience are both incredibly beneficial options and teach the fundamentals of working in a professional environment instead of diving straight into the deep end and feeling overwhelmed. 

School career advisors or external services that specialise in this by being autism support specific can also offer mentorship programmes and allow people to work alongside young people in order to help them with their journey. 

Exploring alternative pathways

Not all career pathways are traditional, everyone's learning and work style is different and it is not a race to the end! 

Career Information & Support

• Lightyear Foundation
  
• Adult, Family and Community Learning - City of Doncaster Council
• Employment Opportunities For Autistic Adults | Employment Is For Everyone
• PathwaysSheffield
• Pathways to employment - The Education and Training Foundation

The transition to adulthood, especially from high school to college, can bring about heightened stress and anxiety due to changes in routine, social expectations, and the increased demand for independence. Neurodiverse individuals may experience mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, or burnout more intensely, partly due to the societal pressures to "fit in" or adapt to environments that may not be tailored to their needs.

Read this blog post detailing how a neurodivergent individual managed their struggles and found the best possible support for them:

"As someone who was recently in the same position and is also part of the neurodiverse community, I can wholeheartedly advocate for the immense benefits of activities similar to these through GRID.  

Bridging the gap between education and work can be challenging, especially for neurodivergent individuals, but with the right support and opportunities, the experience can become much more manageable.  

The career advice, apprenticeship opportunities, social events, and networking experiences aimed at connecting like-minded peers provided invaluable exposure and really helped me to build a strong professional understanding.  

These experiences helped to create a sense of belonging and develop relationships that I found have the potential to go beyond just job prospects. They helped me to develop essential skills - like self-advocacy and confidence while reducing the isolation that can come with the transition from education to employment. 

Additionally, the importance of practical support from my perspective cannot be overstated. Services that specialise in connecting neurodivergent individuals with job placements, as well as housing and money management resources, are vital. They can ensure that we have the tools we need to thrive both professionally and personally. 

One of the biggest things that I struggled with was maintaining my mental health and well-being. Regular mental health check-ins and activities that promote relaxation and stress management are crucial for staying balanced as I navigated change. 

Overall, having access to such a comprehensive support system not only helped me to transition smoothly into the workforce but also allowed for my personal growth along the way.  

I can honestly say that without access to opportunities like this, I wouldn't have felt as confident and prepared for the next steps in my career. I encourage others in the neurodiverse community to take full advantage of these resources as they make all the difference."