New beginnings

February 2022

Firstly, thank you for visiting Kent Autism Education Service website.

This is a very new venture. Having worked within the education sector for 25 years (and after a considerable amount of thinking time) I have decided that the time is right to take the plunge and set up an organisation working directly with families and education providers to improve how autistic children and young people experience education in Kent.

Of course not all autistic children have a negative experience of school but unfortunately, many do. I don’t believe that it’s an exaggeration to say that for some autistic people, their journey through school (if they were able to maintain attendance) has been traumatic. I have always found this so frustrating as it doesn’t have to be like this; autistic children and young people need to be supported by the education professionals with understanding, compassion and admiration from the time they enter the education system. Where their strengths and needs are identified and supported early on, an escalation of need can often be avoided and autistic children will make good progress across the curriculum, socially and emotionally.

Having said that, I also believe that for some autistic children and young people, any environment that resembles a traditional school or college environment will be overwhelming and unmanageable. Some autistic children need something different.

Navigating the SEND system can be frustrating, upsetting and exhausting for parents - I know from my own experience as a parent of an autistic child (now an adult!).

I will be working as hard as I can for families to make sure that their autistic children receive the education they need, deserve and are entitled to.

If you would like to have a chat about your child, please contact me to arrange a time. I always offer a free 45 minute appointment to discuss your situation.

With very best wishes,

Louise