Understanding Myself Programme

The Understanding Myself programme is a six week programmed developed specifically for young people between the ages of 14 and 17 who either have a neurodevelopmental diagnosis or are experiencing traits associated with a neurodevelopmental diagnosis.

The programme was delivered to students in North East Lincolnshire in 2022/23 as part of the Autism in Schools project.

Students who participated in the programme said:

This has helped me in many ways to keep calm.
I’ve enjoyed doing this really like the mindfulness colouring.
I have enjoyed this I like being in a small group as I feel safer.
I liked the stress bucket.
I liked the would you rather activity.

Because of its success the programme will continue to be delivered this academic year.

SPACE Forum leads deliver the programme to any professionals that work with children and young people. This ‘train the trainer’ approach allows professionals to establish their own groups in their areas so the programme can make a greater impact. Throughout the three sessions they’ve already delivered in 2023 they have professionals from primary, secondary and post 16 settings, and social care.

Parent carers at Octobers SPACE Forum (previously Autism in Schools Parents Supporting Parents Forum) received an update on the programme this year.

They gained insight into the programme and learned about the strategies and resources used to help students, and that they can also use to support their child at home.

Topics include:

Session 1: Getting to know me
Session 2: Sensory challenges
Session 3: Anger and anxiety
Session 4: The 5-point scale
Session 5: Self-esteem & positivity
Session 6: Communication passports

Kirsty Allard, SENCo at Ormiston Maritime Academy delivered the Understanding Myself training to five groups last year.

She said:

“It improves relationships between the staff and the students, and increases their confidence. It’s lovely to see them grow throughout that period of time. It’s really useful for lots of different children.”

“We will definitely continue using the Understanding Myself intervention because the students have enjoyed it so much.”

Listen to what Kirsty had to say about the programme from one minute 36 seconds (1:36) in this video below.