“Emily has provided skilled care for my son every week for over 2 years. My son has a rare chromosome disorder and autism. He has multiple complex disabilities including extremely high anxiety and sensitivity to noise.

Emily has been unique in her ability to engage my son in activities such as music and cooking, communicating at his level and pace. She is extremely perceptive and patient with him, presenting activities at the right standard, in the right manner, and keeping him feeling safe, focussed, and happy. Emily has a clear understanding of autism and learning disabilities. She is sensitive to how my son’s mental health can affect his time with her and has an innate ability to adapt the sessions. 

I strongly recommend Emily, we feel extremely lucky to have her work with our son.”

Melissa, MPhil BSc Hons

“Emily supported my children for two and a half years. Both my children are understood to be on the autistic spectrum (they are on the CAMHS waiting list for diagnosis). Throughout her time with us there were significant changes in our family, which impacted on the children emotionally and practically. 

Emily looked after and supported the children brilliantly. She has a naturally calm, unphased approach, even to situations which are objectively challenging. She has a deep understanding of children’s needs and how to meet them, based on her significant academic background, her experience, and her natural skills. She also brought fun and creativity to her time with the children, and an unfailingly organised, friendly, caring and professional approach. I feel incredibly lucky that Emily helped our family and recommend her without hesitation: I cannot fault her.”

Anonymous

“Emily has worked with our daughter for nearly ten years. Our daughter has autism and a severe language delay. Regrettably, over the last ten years she has had Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Communication is tricky for her particularly if pressured. This is even harder when she feels fatigued. She uses gestures, some Signalong signs and is able to say some words. The latter takes a lot of resources from her in terms of energy and she tends to only use words when with a trusted adult where she feels relaxed and knows she will be listened to and her requests/comments honoured. Emily developed a special rapport with our daughter at an early stage. Emily uses Signalong to sign, and understands the need for processing time and presenting activities in a calm, straightforward way. This has led to some amazing communication between them.

Emily is so respectful and gentle, she judges our daughter’s energy & mood adapting her pace, volume of voice and communication method/style to successfully be alongside and engage her. Although maybe two/four words level, our daughter often uses words to comment on past events, identifies what she wants on her iPad and set Emily the task of finding it/arranging it for her. Our daughter also feels comfortable with Emily to direct Emily’s involvement with her. For example, she will ask Emily to sit next to her, a testament to their relationship.

It has been wonderful to see her be an equal and have some input and control over her life with someone who can anticipate and adapt in a caring, professional manner. We never want her to leave!”

Wendy Laurent