Uncommon

How do I know these sessions will help my child?

We’ve designed these sessions to work for a range of neurodivergences from autism to ADHD to PDA. They’ve all had clinical oversight from Dr Iain Jordan, our clinical lead.

You’re welcome to attend any of our introduction sessions.

 

Do you offer support for parents as well?

We do! We run regular parents evenings and will email you dates to book. These are included in the cost of the courses. We also offer regular free parent information sessions for parents considering booking - sign up here.

​

My child has unique needs. Can you cater to them?

We do our best to accommodate a range of needs within a group setting, including a wide variety of ways to engage with our sessions. Please email us at hello@uncommonminds.co.uk if you have questions about whether we can meet your child’s needs during sessions.

 

How experienced are your facilitators?

All of our facilitators have a lifetime of experience as neurodivergent people, as well as a variety of experience working in neurodiversity advocacy, performance, and with young people.

All facilitators have extended DBS checks and have undergone extensive training with us at Uncommon.

 

How is the curriculum developed and who is it developed by?

As a research-based organisation, Uncommon’s learning materials are based on a wealth of academic knowledge and user research.

The workshops themselves are designed by and for neurodivergent people and reviewed by our clinical lead, Dr Iain Jordan.

 

My child doesn’t like online learning. What makes yours different?

Our approach allows young people to interact only in the ways they feel comfortable. Cameras don’t need to be on, interaction is not required, and we give young people the option to answer questions anonymously in order to reduce stress.

We focus on interactivity and validating our young people’s feelings and experiences, so our sessions never feel like school.

 

My child is really anxious about attending. What should I do?

Before the session we recommend you watch our introductory videos. They introduce our sessions and facilitators. This may help get your child more comfortable with what is to come in the session.

3 days before the start of the first session, we will send you a series of ways to help your child prepare. Tips from parents who’ve taken part include:

• having their favorite food on hand

• showing the introductory video

• joining on behalf of your child and letting them listen to see if they’re interested.

• giving enough transition time between a previous hyper-focus activity and the session

• make sure they know they don’t need to participate, can just listen, and can leave at any point!

 

My child isn’t in a place to listen to my suggestion about joining. What should I do?

Some parents in this situation have found it useful to simply join the session while in the same room as their young person and allow them to overhear what’s going on without any pressure to pay attention or participate.

Eventually your child may become interested and decide to join in.