Support for autistic children and the people who care for them
When an autistic child is overwhelmed, burnt out, or finding school difficult, it can affect every part of family life.
Families often find themselves holding far more than anyone can see, trying to support their child while navigating uncertainty, pressure, and difficult decisions. The Green Shoots Project offers calm, care-led support that helps reduce pressure, rebuild trust, and create space for confidence, connection, and learning to grow.
The Green Shoots Project is an accredited Alternative Provider with Brighton & Hove City Council.
What families have to say
“Chris has been absolutely instrumental in helping our son recover… and rekindle a love of learning.”
Parent of Year 10 pupil
For the first time in a long time, we saw our daughter not just tolerate learning, but actually become interested in it.
Parent of Year 9 pupil
He creates a safe, supportive environment where our daughter feels comfortable to participate.
Parent of Year 8 pupil
It has been an enormous comfort to have such positive and proactive support at a time when we felt powerless.
Parent of Year 6 pupil
How support takes shape
Support is shaped around your child, their experiences, and what feels possible for them at the time — not around a fixed programme or set of expectations.
Sessions are built around a blend of tutoring and mentoring. Sometimes this begins with relationship-building and gentle support; at other times, children are ready to engage more directly with learning. Most often, it is a thoughtful combination of both.
Support may include
Rebuilding
confidence after school distress or burnout
Navigating
periods of change or uncertainty
Supporting
with learning, including preparation for qualifications where appropriate
A calm and responsive approach
Sessions take place at home, usually at a kitchen table or similar, in a space where children can feel more comfortable and at ease.
There is time to settle. Some sessions begin with conversation, games, or shared activities before moving into learning. Others move more directly, depending on how a child is feeling that day.
There is no pressure to perform, and no expectation that progress should follow a specific timeline. Support is responsive, thoughtful, and built over time. As a result, many children become more able to engage with learning, including more focused academic work, in a way that feels manageable and sustainable.
“Chris managed to engage with her… breaking through many of the barriers to learning.”
Parent of Year 9 pupil
Support for families too
Alongside direct work with children, The Green Shoots Project also offers space for families to talk, reflect, and make sense of what they are navigating.
This might include:
• autistic burnout and school distress
• EHCPs, EOTAS, and school meetings
• reducing pressure at home
• periods of change or uncertainty
• making decisions that feel aligned with your child’s wellbeing
Support is grounded in listening, clarity, and respect for parents and carers as experts in their own child.
“Not yet” is always an acceptable answer.
What to expect
Sessions are 1 or 2 hours
Support takes place in the family home
A parent or carer remains at home during sessions
Support is reviewed together over time
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