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. 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. Please book a parent/carer ticket.
This month’s topic: Christmas Crafts and Board Games.
TICKETS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL AGE HAVE SOLD OUT.
If you would like to join the waiting list please email admin@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk
Event outline
For the girls and young women:
- Make friends
- Build confidence
- Be your authentic self
- Have fun!
For the parents and carers:
- Information and advice
- A regular meeting place
- Emotional and moral support
- A listening ear
To see a video of one of the members talking about the group see this page of our website: The A Team.
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.
Olive Kayongo
Peer Supporter
Olive draws on her lived experience caring for her neurodivergent children to offer parent/carer peer support. She facilitates the support group that runs alongside our social group for Autistic Girls, known as The A-Team. Additionally, Olive leads the ‘My Family’ monthly peer support group in Marlow, which focuses on parents and carers of young people aged 11-25 with mental health challenges. This initiative is a collaborative effort between PSC and 'Brighter Futures Together’.
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 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 families. This event is non-refundable.
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