Overview
A social group for Autistic and/or ADHD girls (age 8-18) who live, or attend a school, in Berkshire.
The group meets monthly (excluding the summer holidays) to have fun, build confidence, form friendships, and allow them to be their authentic selves in a safe and nurturing space.
This month we are running a Yoga session.
When we meet at our regular venue we also have a support group that runs at the same time for parents and carers. You can attend the support group without a child attending The A Team.
Parents/Carers: if you would like to attend the Support Group you can book here: Autistic/ADHD Girls Parents/Carers Support Group
Event outline
Come to The A Team and
- Make friends
- Build confidence
- Be your authentic self
- Have fun!
Facilitators
Mary van der Merwe
Parenting, Sleep & Neurodivergent CYP Practitioner
Mary van der Merwe is a dedicated neurodiversity advocate with experience in supporting and training individuals and professionals on Autism and trauma. Within PSC, she leads the A-Team, a group for autistic and ADHD primary and secondary aged girls, providing a space where they can meet other neurodivergent girls and be their authentic selves. As well as this, Mary delivers specialized training programs that emphasize the neurodiversity paradigm, and co-ordinates and delivers specialist 1:1 support. Mary is also a trainer on the National Autism Trainer Programme training CAMHS and the NHS to help improve outcomes for Autistic individuals.
Coming from a neurodivergent family herself, Mary’s personal insights and professional expertise drive her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Amy Plumer
Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Amy is a paediatric occupational therapist who plays a vital role in PSC by co-facilitating our social group for neurodiverse girls and young women, known as ‘The A Team’, where she helps create a supportive and empowering environment. In addition, Amy facilitates the Sensory Processing and Interoception workshops, using her specialized knowledge to educate and support families and individuals in understanding and managing sensory processing.
Anna Cook
Neurodivergent CYP Support Practitioner
Anna began working with CYP services at Parenting Special Children during her placement for her BSc in Psychology at the University of Reading, where she later completed her Master's. Her role has since expanded to include leading groups within CYP services. Her diverse professional background has provided her with experience in mentoring, research, and evidence-based practice in clinical and educational settings. Her experiences of mental health, neurodivergence and additional needs in her professional, personal, and family life underscore her dedication to supporting those with additional needs and making a positive impact in psychology, education, and social care.
Norah Richards
Volunteer
Norah has volunteered with Parenting Special Children since 2023 and works with The A Team. She is a doctoral student at UCL where her research focuses on the transition experiences of autistic young people with high support needs as they move out of education and into adulthood. She also holds an MSc with distinction from UCL in Language and Communication Needs in Education. Her research work is shaped by her past professional background as a teacher, and personal experience.
Attending details
Parents/Carers: if you would like to attend the Support Group you can book here: Autistic/ADHD Girls Parents/Carers Support Group
Parents/carers of children who require 1:1 support will need to stay in the session with their child.
Please note that we aren’t able to accommodate siblings unless otherwise specified.
Parking is available at the venue and in the surrounding residential streets.
Please let us know if you book places and then cannot attend so we can allocate your places to waiting children. This event is non-refundable.
Found this useful?
As a charity we rely on donations to keep doing what we do. We’d love your support to do this.
