Wellbeing Support
Our wellbeing support services are designed to nurture the emotional health of both children and their families, offering guidance, care, and connection every step of the way
Caring for a child with autism brings unique joys, but also complex challenges that can affect the whole family’s emotional wellbeing. Families, carers, and children often face feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion while navigating therapies, appointments, and daily routines. For children, managing sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, and social expectations can be overwhelming.
Our Wellbeing Support is designed to meet these challenges with compassion and understanding. We provide a safe, supportive space where parents and carers can access guidance, emotional support, and connection with others who truly understand. At the same time, we support children in building emotional resilience, self-regulation skills, and confidence — helping them thrive not just in therapy, but in life.
At SEND Horizons, we believe that supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing is as important as any therapy programme. By caring for the whole family, we help build stronger, more confident parents, happier children, and healthier homes.
Emotional Wellbeing Challenges for Families, Carers & Children:
For Parents & Carers:
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Emotional exhaustion and burnout from constant care and advocacy
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Chronic stress from managing appointments, therapies, schools, and services
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Feelings of isolation and loneliness (few people truly “get it”)
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Anxiety about the child’s future, progress, or independence
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Guilt or self-doubt about decisions or perceived setbacks
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Marital or family strain due to ongoing pressures
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Lack of time or space for self-care or personal wellbeing
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Difficulty accessing consistent support or services
For Children:
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Anxiety and emotional overwhelm (due to sensory overload, transitions, unpredictability)
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Struggles with emotional regulation and coping with frustration or change
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Social isolation or difficulty forming friendships
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Low self-esteem or feelings of being “different” or misunderstood
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Communication struggles leading to frustration or emotional distress
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Sleep difficulties affecting mood and energy
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Exposure to bullying or exclusion, impacting confidence and wellbeing
Wellbeing Services
Our wellbeing offering is growing. We are developing new services to better support the emotional wellbeing of children and families at every stage of their journey.
These are just a few of the wellbeing services we offer to support children and families
Parent Wellbeing Workshops
What it is:
A small group workshop where parents and carers come together in a safe, supportive space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and build emotional resilience.
How it helps:
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Learn practical ways to manage stress, anxiety, and overwhelm
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Develop self-care routines that fit into busy family life
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Connect with other parents who truly understand your journey
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Gain confidence in navigating the ups and downs of raising a child with autism
Who it’s for:
Parents and carers looking for emotional support, guidance, and practical tools to support their own wellbeing while caring for their child.
Would you like a few more examples? For instance:
Emotional Wellbeing Workshops for the Whole Family
Caring for a child with autism affects the whole family. Our Emotional Wellbeing Workshops support children, parents, carers, and siblings — helping families grow stronger together.
In each workshop, we focus on:
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🧠 Emotional Regulation: Practical tools to manage big emotions.
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🤝 Resilience: Coping with stress and daily challenges.
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🗣 Communication: Strengthening family connection.
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🌿 Parent Self-Care: Supporting carers’ wellbeing.
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👫 Sibling Support: A safe space for siblings to share.
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💬 Peer Support: Connecting with other families who understand.
Who it's for:
Families of autistic and neurodivergent children wanting to build emotional wellbeing and resilience.
How it works:
Small group workshops, in-person or online, led by experienced therapists.
Parent Coaching & Emotional Support Sessions
Being a parent or carer of a child with autism can feel overwhelming at times. Our 1:1 Parent Coaching and Emotional Support sessions offer a safe, confidential space where parents can talk openly, receive guidance, and build confidence in managing daily challenges.
What we offer:
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Personalised emotional support for parents and carers
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Practical coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and overwhelm
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Guidance on managing difficult behaviours, meltdowns, and emotional regulation
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Help navigating the system (EHCPs, schools, services)
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Building confidence as an advocate for your child
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Flexible sessions — in-person or virtual
Why this matters:
When parents feel supported, empowered, and emotionally strong, they’re better able to support their child’s growth and wellbeing.
Isolation & Lack of Support:
Many parents report feeling socially isolated, misunderstood, or unsupported by wider family, schools, and services.
— (National Autistic Society, UK)
Emotional Impact on Siblings and Family:
The emotional strain of caregiving can affect family relationships, siblings' wellbeing, and marital satisfaction, increasing the need for whole-family wellbeing support.
— (Hartley et al., 2010)
Overwhelmed
Nearly 60% of parents of autistic children report feeling overwhelmed "most or all of the time", with over half saying they have little or no time to care for their own wellbeing.
— (Ambitious about Autism, UK Parent Survey, 2021)
High Parental Stress
Research shows that parents of autistic children experience significantly higher levels of stress than parents of neurotypical children.
— (Hayes & Watson, 2013, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Parent Burnout Risk
Up to 50–70% of parents of children with autism report symptoms of burnout, exhaustion, or emotional fatigue due to the demands of caregiving.
— (Pottie & Ingram, 2008; Zablotsky et al., 2013)
Mental Health Struggles
Studies indicate that 40–60% of parents of children with autism experience clinical levels of anxiety or depression at some point.
— (Weiss et al., 2012)
