Helping families M's story

M is a very intelligent thirteen-year-old with a brilliant sense of humour. We began supporting him in September 2023. Due to his complex needs he was unable to access the support of his on-roll school and had become socially isolated at home. 

As our sessions increased, he slowly began to engage with his specialist teacher. During this time, M’s team alerted the Welfare Lead to concerns about the family’s welfare, especially that of his sibling and mother. M’s behaviour had become increasingly verbally and physically aggressive, often controlling of other members of his family. This had become a very challenging time for the whole family.

M’s behaviour highlighted his heightened sensory needs, especially interoception linked to self-care, toileting and navigating the world around him. We knew that this needed to be addressed to allow him to fully access support offered and feel regulated.

We also made referrals to establish specialist mental health and social care support. Once this was established, we maintained communications between all professionals to ensure we worked collaboratively to support M and his family.

M worked alongside his Specialist Teacher to create his own safety plan and list his own needs. This allowed him to feel a sense of control and express his thoughts and feelings. M’s Specialist Teacher joined the SENse Learning Interoception training group, to support the needs identified. 

M’s family reports a positive change in his well-being. He is able to attend SENse Learning Forest School, supported by his specialist teacher, every week. He continues to complete learning activities, including cooking for his family. He has been on bike rides with his family and has begun to socialise again, with his peers.

We are so very proud of M and the progress he has made.