Options Autism

21/03/2025

A call for greater inclusion of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pupils in mainstream schools is welcome - but it must be carefully considered.

How the Government approaches this issue is crucial, says Options Autism’s Managing Director, Emma Sanderson.

Assuming that all children and young people with SEND can thrive in mainstream settings overlooks the reality that some pupils with higher needs will always require specialist interventions.

Read Emma’s insights in her latest article for Education Today: https://bit.ly/41AMDLB

19/03/2025

Thinking about the future can be daunting for the parents of autistic children. But sharing our experiences can be a huge help to ourselves and others.
In the latest episode of , we learn that it’s OK to say that what life puts in front of you can be really hard.

In the end, it’s part of understanding that your child is going to be capable of great things. ❤️

Do take some time to listen – it will bring a whole new brightness to your day 🥰 https://bit.ly/3DAcXNq

17/03/2025

Come and visit one of our schools! 🏫

Standing in beautiful settings, often in acres of land, all our schools offer plenty of outdoor space along with dedicated vocational areas where pupils can build skills and career-focused experiences, preparing for futures in which they can thrive. 🤩

Every one of our schools holds regular open days, to find an open day near you, visit our website: www.optionsautism.co.uk/options-admissions/

17/03/2025

🌟 Neurodiversity Celebration Week 🌟

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a time to recognise and champion the strengths, creativity, and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals - because different ways of thinking make the world a richer, more innovative place.

At Options Autism, we are proud to support and empower neurodivergent pupils through tailored approaches that nurture their potential, build confidence, and unlock opportunities.

💡 Let’s shift the narrative from awareness to appreciation! Join us in celebrating the talents, achievements, and voices of neurodivergent individuals this week and beyond.

🔗 Find out more: www.neurodiversityweek.com/

Neurodiversity Celebration Week aims to bring about worldwide neurodiversity acceptance, equality and inclusion in schools and workplaces.

14/03/2025

Autism Unpacked isn’t just a podcast - it’s a celebration of real stories, real challenges, and real triumphs. Our latest episode, "Parenting Through Complexity," dives deep into the world of Karen Broomhead, a devoted mum to nine-year-old Lois, who has complex autism.

Karen’s journey is one of raw honesty, from the “punch in the stomach” feeling at Lois’s diagnosis to the immense relief and clarity it brought. Through daily hurdles and pure joy, Karen offers a powerful and heartfelt glimpse into life with Lois - where every day is a mix of love, learning, and discovery.

🎧 Listen now: https://bit.ly/3DAcXNq

✨ Join us in exploring Karen’s story and the beautiful complexities of parenting through autism.

13/03/2025

📣 Copper Fields School is now open! 📣

A place where pupils are empowered to achieve their best outcomes in life, Copper Fields is a brand new school now open and taking referrals.

Set in specially developed buildings in the beautiful county of Cornwall – close to Dartmoor and the Cornish coast 🌊 ☀️ ⛱️ - the school provides many opportunities for utilising the great outdoors.

You’ll find a nurturing and balanced curriculum for autistic children and young people aged four to 16 whose needs are not met by mainstream education provision.

To arrange a visit of the school, get in touch via the website: https://bit.ly/420ThvP

11/03/2025

In Episode 6, host Rosie Gill-Moss dives deep into family life with a remarkable mum who shares her everyday lived experience of supporting a child with complex needs.

Hear firsthand about:
✨ The unique challenges and triumphs of parenting a child with autism
✨ How family dynamics evolve and grow
✨ The invaluable support and resources that make a difference
✨ The profound joy and inspiration that comes with every step of the journey

This isn’t just a story - it’s a source of strength, understanding, and hope. Whether you’re navigating a similar path or simply want to broaden your perspective, this episode is a must-listen!

👉 Tune in now: https://bit.ly/3DAcXNq Listen here or find us wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to subscribe, share, and spread the word!

10/03/2025

One of the incredible pupils from Maple Grove School spent an amazing day at our head office, gaining a fantastic insight into the world of work! 😍

As part of gaining invaluable hands-on work experience in the finance department, he kicked off his day with a Teams call and even assisted a client with an invoice. His highlight was a meeting with our UK CEO Richard Power, where he learned how investments work.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make his day such a success, and a very well done to our mathematically minded pupil!

06/03/2025

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A family’s journey with autism 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

In the latest episode of , we talk to parent Karen Broomhead. She’s a mine of advice, encouragement and insight as she shares the warts and all story of her family journey.

While she unpacks her fears for the future, it’s ultimately a story of hope, optimism and unconditional love.

“What I quickly realised is my hopes and dreams aren’t necessarily Lois’s hopes and dreams.”

Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/3DAcXNq

05/03/2025

We are proud to offer individually designed pathways that meet the specific future needs of our pupils.

Our Futures Team advisors provide a consistent and accessible point of contact, ensuring nothing is off the table when it comes to supporting our pupils' aspirations. 🙌

Our holistic approach carefully considers all needs, delivering support that is meaningful, impactful, and tailored to each stage of life.

Want to know more? Take a look here: https://bit.ly/430hCmK

Aspiration – Advice – Accessibility.
We are there every step of the way. 👣

03/03/2025

🚀 New Episode Alert! 🚀

The latest Autism Unpacked is here, and this one’s a must-listen: https://bit.ly/3DAcXNq

In Episode 6, we dive into the parents’ perspective with the incredible Karen Broomhead. She shares her raw, real, and deeply personal journey of raising two children - one neurotypical and one with complex autism.

💬 “I don’t share our story for pity or sympathy,” says Karen. Instead, her story is one of strength, honesty, and inspiration - a guiding light for other parents navigating their own path. “Champion your child and acknowledge your struggles.”

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or just curious about life behind the scenes of an autism journey, this episode is for you! 🎙️💙

📲 Listen now & let us know your thoughts in the comments!

28/02/2025

WOW! 😍😍 We certainly have some creative and talented pupils!

Closeburn House School has held its annual art exhibition, 🎨 playing host to a stunning variety of pieces that showcased the incredible talent of our young people.

A huge well done to everyone who took part and helped make it happen – the stage wall became a giant art gallery!

27/02/2025

Tune in for some unique insight in the next episode of . 🎙️

Mum-of-two Karen Broomhead – a lecturer in Special Educational Needs and mother to Lois, who is autistic – shares her real-life journey. Karen reveals all about the family dynamic and her hopes, fears, and aspirations for the future.

Her love, dedication for her family, and optimism for the years ahead shine through.

🎧 The new episode drops on Monday 3rd March – make a date so you don’t miss it! 📅

25/02/2025

Access to support when pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEND) move out of structured education can descend into a postcode lottery.

The impact can result in young people falling out of work, a lack of training opportunities and – even if they do find a job – much lower wages.

Effective transition is crucial if pupils are to be supported in ways that give people a chance to shine, says Options Autism’s MD Emma Sanderson. She says school leaders can help by beginning support early, being creative, and educating pupils and their families on their rights.

Read what Emma has to say in her latest article for Education Today: https://bit.ly/4ka4GRc

24/02/2025

🌟 A NEW Autism Unpacked is on the way! 🌟

Host Rosie Gill-Moss gains a parent’s perspective, speaking to a mum of two children, one of whom has complex autism.

She speaks movingly about what it means to be a mother – the struggles, the celebrations and the joy she draws from just being a part of her daughter’s world.

The new episode is here in three days. Make a date in your calendar – you won’t want to miss this sparkling conversation! 📅 👀

21/02/2025

The Early Years and Primary pupils at Brinksway School are already loving their brand-new soft play room! This incredible space is designed to meet sensory needs and support motor skills development, giving our students the tools to thrive. 🌟

Installed in line with our Soft Play Standards - carefully developed by our Clinical Standards and Practice Team - this facility sets a new benchmark for consistency and excellence across all our schools. 🏫✨

Brinksway School, a newly opened haven for autistic children, is dedicated to creating enriching environments where every child can grow, play, and succeed.

20/02/2025

The people behind Options Autism’s Futures team have their own amazing stories to tell! In Episode 5 of , advisor Oli Masters discusses what inspired his career path and how the neurodiverse young people he supports are full of ambition and potential. 🙌

🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast platform.

Oli also shares his personal journey as an autistic person in an interview with the National Autistic Society - offering insights, lived experiences, and valuable advice for others. Read his story here: https://bit.ly/4gxWPK3

Oli on being a careers advisor to young autistic students and how his journey led him to help others find their path.

18/02/2025

Options Autism’s Futures Team focuses on the whole picture for young people after school – not just their careers. Part of that process is helping neurodiverse young people understand that life is a series of small decisions.

Often, the conversation about the future is about precisely where the young person is right now.

🎧 Tune into the latest with advisors Kelly Guthery and Oli Masters to find out how they help pupils prepare for the right destination in life. Listen here: www.optionsautism.co.uk/autism-unpacked-podcast/