Initial Consultation
What does this involve?
Our initial meeting is designed to help us get to know both you and your child. We may begin this process with a phone call with you to learn a little more about your child, their strengths, interests and any areas where they may need support, without them being present.
This is followed by a relaxed, child-led session where your child can explore the environment at their own pace. Through play and conversation, we can get a better understanding of what they enjoy, how they interact and the type of support or group setting that may suit them best.
During the session we will:
Spend time getting to know your child through play, following their interests and creating a positive first experience at Emerge.
Learn about the types of play, activities and toys your child naturally enjoys, helping us identify the group that will be the best fit for them.
Observe how your child engages with the environment, allowing us to carefully match them with peers of a similar age, developmental stage and interests where possible.
If your child feels comfortable and settled, parents have the option to step out for part of the session. This gives your child an opportunity to spend some one-to-one time with the facilitator and begin building a relationship with them before joining a group.
Answer any questions you may have and provide practical, evidence-informed guidance about autism, neurodiversity and any relevant supports or services that may be helpful to your family.
For many parents, this meeting is also an opportunity to talk through a recent diagnosis or discuss any concerns they may have. We understand that beginning this journey can feel overwhelming, and we aim to provide a welcoming, supportive space where you can ask questions, gain clarity and feel reassured.
Our goal is to ensure every child has a positive first experience with Emerge while helping us determine the most appropriate group for them, either within an existing group or as part of a future group as spaces become available.
Please note: Attending an initial meeting does not guarantee a place in one of our groups. The purpose of this session is to help us determine whether Emerge is the right fit for your child at this stage and, if so, which group would best meet their needs.
If we feel that group sessions are not the most appropriate option right now, we will always discuss this with you honestly and explain our reasoning. Our priority is ensuring every child is in an environment where they can feel comfortable, succeed and genuinely benefit. Where appropriate, we will also suggest other supports or next steps that may be helpful before joining a group in the future.