Our Approach
We are not in the business of “fixing” autism or changing autistic people.
Our core philosophy is one of radical acceptance. We accept and celebrate every person we work with for being exactly who they are. We recognise every person has something beautiful and unique to bring to our relationship with them and it is our joy to discover people as they are. Acceptance is no barrier to growth - in fact we all grow faster when we are accepted. Your autistic loved ones are no different.
Your autistic loved one wants to be accepted and loved for who they are.
Acceptance is at the heart of our relational approach. All of our communication, learning and interactive skills are developed through our relationships. Through guiding you in building connection with your autistic loved one, we can help them learn and grow without sacrificing their ability to be themselves! Our relational approach to play therapy gives you the tools to help your child, whilst centring the importance of loving them just as they are.
Parenting an autistic child can be a lonely journey.
Autism is about our loved ones, but it is also about YOU. At AOI we find the most effective way forward is to support you both. We don’t just offer you practical solutions and doable steps to support your autistic child. We offer you the same acceptance and compassion that we offer everyone we work with. Our experienced consultants can help you through the emotional challenges of supporting your child, coaching you back to a place of optimism when times get hard (and they do get hard).
Our clients report increased confidence in their parenting, less overwhelm, increased clarity in how to support their children, and less fear of the future.
Our approach is based on consent and trust.
If you work with us, we will:
encourage and equip families with the knowledge of how to look for signs their child is ready and open for learning.
ensure that learning is fun!
use scientifically-backed developmental curricula to create individualised programmes for the families we support.
focus on the unique skillsets of each person we work with, helping to build confidence, compassion and understanding.
never, ever force someone to act in a way that does not feel comfortable for them.
Many non-speaking autistic people are severely underestimated. We presume competence in all people, and will work with you to create a stimulating, age-appropriate education programme for your child, no matter their age.
In this modern world, let us be your village. We have built an international community of likeminded people who are all parenting in a relationship-led and compassionate way - we can’t wait to welcome you into the AOI family!
“Put aside your need for the person you’re with to be different.”
— Jack Mason-Goodall