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Peter
Young person with autism
 
Before attending the Tools for Success course,
Peter struggled to control his emotions, and make and maintain friendships.

The following gives a flavour, through his own eyes and those of his keyworker, of the difference the course made to him..... 

"As he said in today's session, Peter had a major breakthrough this week. His teacher was struggling to control the class, and the disrespectful behaviour of the other students was making Peter furious. He said he has never had any success with breathing techniques in the past, but, after last session, decided to give it a go, or he said he was going to explode.

 

He sat and did the breathing exercise and felt much calmer - despite the chaos going on around him - and then got up and went and found the Headteacher to come and help settle the class. He said that, although it was unusual for him, he managed to read the body language of the teacher, and realised she needed help. She thanked him for his help in sorting it out.

 

Peter was really proud of himself for calming himself down and for his ability to read the situation and respond appropriately and helpfully. "

"As you know, Peter isn't allowed much freedom, due to his difficulties. However, I wanted to share with you that last week I took him to a local youth group, so that he could work on making friends and being more independent. His Mum agreed that he could go, but only for a short period and only if he was chaperoned by his older sibling.

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I met with Peter again today. He has been to the youth club every day and was absolutely beaming! He's used his new tools to help him be less self-conscious and has introduced himself to everyone who has come along. Peter has made a new friend, played all the sports with the other kids there, and is now allowed to go by himself! He is absolutely loving his freedom and I'm so impressed that his Mum now feels able to trust him to go out by himself to a social group - this has never happened before"

"I just wanted to ask whether Peter could go on the Tools for Success course again? His paediatrician asked if this would be possible, after his success on the course, as he benefits from repetition.  Peter is super-keen to do it again, if he's allowed?

"Before the Tools for Success course, I was in my panic zone and struggled to make friends and control my anger and anxiety.

On the course, I learnt:

  • to come out of my shell more

  • how to use breathing techniques

  • to think more positively

  • that talking about my problems helps

  • that I can manage my anger

  • I'm less self-conscious

  • I'm more happy to be myself

  • I'm more independent 

  • I've made a friend

 

THE COURSE WAS BRILLIANT, EXCELLENT, IT COULDN'T BE IMPROVED. I REALLY MISS THE WEEKLY MEETINGS AND WOULD LOVE TO DO IT AGAIN :)

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