As Children Grow...

As children develop, for some, the focus of our groups naturally evolves to reflect their individual needs, developmental stage and readiness. While every group is different, older children often begin exploring more complex social and emotional experiences in a safe, supportive environment alongside other neurodivergent peers.

As trusting relationships develop, children have opportunities to:

• Build genuine, lasting friendships with other neurodivergent children.

• Develop strategies for managing anxiety, emotional regulation and everyday challenges.

• Explore emotions, recognise how feelings influence behaviour and develop practical coping strategies.

• Practise communicating during disagreements, coping with winning and losing, and solving problems together.

• Develop confidence, positive self-worth and self-advocacy skills.

• Share experiences with peers who understand their perspective, helping them feel less alone and more understood.

• Discuss everyday social situations and work together to find practical ways of navigating them.

  Where appropriate, children may also have opportunities to talk about autism, celebrate neurodiversity and explore their own experiences in a positive, accepting environment. For many, spending time with other neurodivergent children who genuinely understand them is one of the most valuable parts of attending Emerge.