Understanding Alfie: Offering Support, Acceptance, and Belonging
Alfie, 4, is a cheeky chappy who loves soft play, toy trucks and scooting around everywhere! His mum Sophie explains how Rose Road is Alfie's "happy place"
“Rose Road are absolutely incredible, I don’t even have the words. My son loves being with you, he loves the staff and gets so excited. When he knows he’s going to Rose Road after school, it helps us get through the day, and he always looks forward to his Saturday morning session".
"I think it’s become his happy place".
Alfie has autism and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), and suspected ADHD and dyspraxia. He is very hyperactive and impulsive and can be aggressive when frustrated.
Sophie says "He’s judged everywhere as “the naughty child”. And I’m judged too, people try to intervene and tell me what to do. They don’t understand. But at Rose Road, everyone understands him".
"I think Alfie can see that it’s normal to be different at Rose Road, it’s a place where he feels normal and like he can be himself".
"It also gives me some time with his younger sister, who at two years old can struggle to get a word in edgeways at times. It’s bringing a nice balance to our life and enabling Alfie to feel he has somewhere he’s happy, where he belongs”.
Megan Hepworth, who supports Alfie during his outreach sessions, says:
“Alfie has come such a long way since he started with us last year. His behaviour has improved significantly thanks to the trusted relationships he has built with key staff and the consistency we provide him, as well as creating an environment where Alfie can interact with peers, engage in activities led by his interests, and truly be himself!
I know the family really appreciate the support in the school holidays too, last summer we managed to offer him 16 full day sessions across 4 weeks of the summer holidays. I know this would have had a really positive impact on Alfie as he is constantly on the go and needs activities and routine which can be difficult to manage consistently at home."