Finding Confidence Again: Returning to School with Renewed Hope

Our client, a young person with autism had been having a very difficult year. Bullying at school had left them feeling unsafe and anxious, and the lack of autism-friendly support made everyday life feel overwhelming. Their mum had been trying hard to get help, but struggled to find the right support.

When they were referred to the Children and Young People’s Social Prescribing service, the aim was simple: help them feel more understood, calmer, and ready to reconnect with school. Over six sessions—some at home, some on the phone, and some at school—the link worker got to know them and their mum, helping them explore what triggered their anxiety and what adjustments could make school feel safer.

Together, they created a small, achievable goal: try attending one structured activity each week to build confidence again. The social prescriber also helped the family connect with specialist autism services, emotional-wellbeing support for the parents, and guidance on SEND processes so they knew what they were entitled to.

Slowly, things began to change. Our client started to understand their sensory and emotional needs better and felt reassured that adults were taking their concerns seriously. Their parent said the support was “exactly what we needed,” and they shared that it helped them feel less alone and more hopeful about returning to school.