Qualifications

Level 4 Diploma in Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Institution: Edge Hill University
Date Obtained: August 2024

This diploma provided an in-depth exploration of child and adolescent mental health, equipping me to support young people, particularly those with autism and ADHD, through evidence-based techniques and practical applications.

  • Key Curriculum Highlights:

    • Developmental Psychology: Studied the psychological growth of young people, focusing on autism and ADHD impacts throughout childhood and adolescence.

    • Assessment Techniques: Gained proficiency in diagnostic and observational techniques to tailor approaches to neurodiverse individuals.

    • Intervention Strategies: Explored therapeutic approaches and counseling strategies designed specifically for autism and ADHD.

    • Practical Experience: Hands-on case studies and real-world scenarios allowed me to apply these concepts to support young people’s mental well-being effectively.

  • Skills Acquired:

    • Expertise in addressing autism- and ADHD-related mental health challenges in young people.

    • Ability to create individualized, developmentally appropriate intervention plans.

    • Compassionate communication strategies to build trust and understanding with clients and families.

    • Experience in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive support.

  • Professional Impact:
    This diploma reinforces my commitment to child and adolescent mental health best practices, providing me with practical tools and academic knowledge to support neurodiverse children and adolescents effectively.

Additional Level 4 Certificates

Further Level 4 certifications have broadened my understanding of mental health and family dynamics, empathy, and responsive communication, allowing me to approach each client with depth and sensitivity.

  • Foundations in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Well-Being: Expanded my knowledge of essential mental health principles and well-being in children and adolescents, focusing on neurodiversity.

  • Child Development, Attachment, and Family Functioning: Studied developmental psychology and attachment theory, emphasizing family dynamics in supporting neurodiverse children.

  • Introduction to Empathy and Emotional Responsiveness in a Helping Relationship: Trained in using empathy and responsiveness to foster connections, a key aspect when working with neurodiverse young people.

  • Developing Empathic Listening Skills in Helpful Relationships: Focused on active and empathic listening to support young people who may struggle to communicate their feelings or experiences.

Safeguarding Children and Young People Course

Institution: National College
Date Completed: May 2024

This course provided essential skills for safeguarding vulnerable young people, with a special emphasis on neurodiverse children who may face additional risks.

  • Course Highlights:

    • Legal Frameworks: Examined UK safeguarding laws such as the Children Act, with applications for children with autism and ADHD.

    • Identifying Abuse and Neglect: Developed skills to recognize signs of abuse and neglect, especially in individuals with communication challenges.

    • Reporting and Response: Practiced reporting processes and engagement with authorities to ensure comprehensive protection.

    • Promoting Safe Spaces: Focused on creating supportive environments tailored to neurodiverse young people’s needs in schools, social settings, and professional spaces.

  • Skills Acquired:

    • Advanced understanding of safeguarding procedures, particularly for neurodiverse individuals.

    • Recognizing and responding to abuse indicators effectively.

    • Ability to report and collaborate on safeguarding matters, ensuring holistic care for vulnerable children.

  • Professional Impact:
    This training strengthens my ability to create secure, protective environments for children and teens, reinforcing my commitment to ethical and professional safeguarding practices.

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check

Date of DBS Check: April 2024

An Enhanced DBS check supports my commitment to maintaining the highest standards of conduct when working with children and vulnerable individuals.

  • Details:

    • Comprehensive background verification confirming my suitability for roles requiring trust and responsibility.

    • Regular monitoring of DBS status to stay current with safety standards.

  • Relevance:
    My Enhanced DBS check assures clients and their families that I prioritize safety and adhere to professional standards of conduct.

20 Years of Personal Experience with Autism and ADHD

My personal experience brings a unique and empathetic perspective to my professional qualifications, enhancing my understanding of neurodiversity with firsthand insights.

  • Personal Journey:
    Diagnosed with autism in my teens and ADHD at 17, I have lived with both conditions, experiencing the challenges and strengths of each firsthand. This journey has equipped me to relate to clients on a deep, personal level.

  • Dual Diagnosis Insight:
    Managing autism and ADHD myself allows me to understand overlapping challenges, such as sensory sensitivities, attention regulation, and impulse control.

  • Empathy and Advocacy:
    My experience has instilled a passion for advocacy, resilience, and self-advocacy, which I aim to foster in my clients, empowering them to embrace their strengths.

  • Professional Impact:
    Combining personal insights with professional skills enables me to support neurodiverse young people and their families in a truly empathetic and impactful way. My journey fuels my dedication to helping others feel valued, understood, and empowered.