The Autistic School Transitions Therapist

The Autistic School Transitions Therapist I help mums of autistic children face the transition they’ve been dreading and walk into it feeling steady, clear, and ready.
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Hi, I'm Tracy and I have two children, an 18 year old daughter and a 13 year old son who is autistic. I am an advanced level therapist coming from a background in education and my passion is empowering parents of neurodiverse children to become the best caregivers they can be, to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to be effective advocates for their children and to learn to love life again, no longer surviving, but thriving!

“Am I overreacting in my fears about my child moving into secondary school?”This is one of the top questions mums ask me...
15/05/2026

“Am I overreacting in my fears about my child moving into secondary school?”

This is one of the top questions mums ask me.

And honestly?

After years of being made to question yourself, it’s no surprise you feel this way.

Years of:
Being dismissed.
Not being believed.
Being told your child is “fine” in school.
Feeling blamed for getting things wrong as a parent.

Over time, many mums start doubting their own instincts.

You wonder:
“Am I just overprotective?”
“Am I overreacting?”
“Is this all in my head?”

But those worries that keep you awake at 3am?

They are real.

And they are valid.

The transition to secondary school is one of the most overwhelming periods many autistic families will face.

Because it’s not just a school move.

It’s the fear of what this next stage could mean for your child emotionally, socially, and mentally as they move towards adolescence and adulthood.

It’s often the point where masking becomes harder to maintain, anxiety increases, and emotional-based school avoidance can begin to appear.

The pressure to get this “right” can feel enormous.

And by September, many mums are already exhausted, overwhelmed, and running on empty after months of worrying, planning, advocating, and trying to hold everything together.

You do not have to carry this alone.

As a therapist with 12 years’ experience working in SEND settings — and as a mum who has personally walked this path — I support mums through the emotional rollercoaster of school transition.

So you can feel calmer, steadier, and more supported while navigating it all.

I offer a small number of free telephone chats each month.
If this resonates with you, send me a DM and let’s talk.

Many parents of neurodivergent or SEND children are not just “a bit stressed”.They are often exhausted, overwhelmed, and...
11/05/2026

Many parents of neurodivergent or SEND children are not just “a bit stressed”.

They are often exhausted, overwhelmed, and carrying far more than most people realise.

It’s the constant thinking.
The appointments.
The emails.
The meetings.
The explaining.
The worrying about what comes next.

And often doing all of that while trying to keep everyday life going.

For many parents, this isn’t a short phase — it’s ongoing.

And it takes its toll.

That’s why general support doesn’t always feel enough.

Parents often need a space where they don’t have to explain everything, where they feel understood, and where they can put some of the weight down for a while.

Because when you’ve been holding everything together for so long… you deserve support too.





Secondary school is coming. And if your child is autistic, you already know this isn't just a big deal, it's the thing y...
11/05/2026

Secondary school is coming. And if your child is autistic, you already know this isn't just a big deal, it's the thing you've been quietly dreading for years.

You know you'll always do your best to be there for your child, but who is there for you?

Hi, I'm Tracy, a mum of an autistic teenager and adult daughter, and a therapist who has sat exactly where you're sitting now.

I specialise in supporting mums of autistic children, like you, through the school transition that keeps you awake at 3am, full of what-ifs, worst-case scenarios, and a fear that nobody at that school is going to truly see your child.

I work with mums who are worried about their child becoming lost in the chaos, slipping under the radar, or being led astray - and who are running on adrenaline, love, and not nearly enough sleep.

I help you go from pulling your hair out… to feeling steady, calm, and ready.

Because your child needs you strong and well, not just present.

There are three ways we can work together:

The Autistic School Transitions Circle – a monthly in-person support group with mums who truly get it.

The Autistic School Transitions Session - a single 90-minute session of therapeutic and practical support, just for you.

The Autistic School Transition Grounding - a programme of 1:1 therapeutic sessions, bespoke hypnosis, and weekly WhatsApp support.

I have a few free telephone chat spaces each month, so if any of this sounds like exactly what you needed to find today, drop me a message and let's talk.

My child HATES school. 😫This time of year means the huge transition from primary to secondary education is looming for m...
06/05/2026

My child HATES school. 😫

This time of year means the huge transition from primary to secondary education is looming for many autistic children.

It also means that over a third of them will experience Emotionally Based School Avoidance when the transition doesn't go well. 😔

😢 The move from primary to secondary school is one of the highest risk times for children to develop school attendance difficulties.

The demands in school begin to increase in years 5 and 6.

Many children who have "masked" until this point become so overwhelmed that the mask starts to drop.

And when the move takes place, the new environment, routines, and social pressure simply become unbearable for many, and they are no longer able to attend school.

As a mum, this can be devastating. 😭

Either trying to push through the heartbreak every day, giving "tough love" because you know your child needs (and is entitled to) an education, even if you know deep down it's not that they don't want to go, it's because they can't go. But you just don't know what else to do.

Or giving up and accepting that they need to stay at home. Protecting them from trauma and harm, but knowing it's at the expense of their education and social opportunities.

The mum guilt that follows. Either for forcing your child into school while your instincts scream at you to stop. Or for going against the rules, because children have to go to school right?

As a mum, I've been through this turmoil with my child, and this is why I am determined to make sure you don't have to navigate this transition alone. ❤️

Because it's a significant part of your child's life, and so anxiety provoking for both of you, and you want to get it right, but its such agonisingly hard work that you find yourself reaching breaking point. 💔

Comment or DM me to find out about my in person support group for mums of autistic children. A safe sanctuary where you can breathe, regulate, and work out how you can navigate this transition feeling calm, steady, and clear.

3 ways to help you cool down when you feel like an erupting volcano! 🌋As a mum to an autistic child, you face so many ch...
04/05/2026

3 ways to help you cool down when you feel like an erupting volcano! 🌋

As a mum to an autistic child, you face so many challenges on a daily basis.
Dealing with meltdowns and difficult ‘behaviour’, unavoidable changes to routines and plans which can disrupt a whole day (or a week!), meetings with professionals that never seem to go your way… 🤯

Just like a snowball effect, these experiences can really take their toll, leaving you simmering like a volcano, never knowing when you will erupt or who will bear the brunt! 💣

It can feel like you’re a walking volcano all of the time, with so much bubbling under the surface that the slightest thing could cause that explosion.

And as a busy mum, it’s hard, or even impossible, to focus on yourself for long enough to turn down the heat and cool off so you don’t erupt.

You need something super quick and simple, but something that’s effective so you can cool off and carry on!

Something that could really help you today is journalling. And the best thing? It can be done in 2 minutes and you don’t even necessarily need a pen! 🥳

Here’s how:

Grab your phone and open a notes app or something similar (or use a notebook and pen if you prefer).

You can do this while the kettle boils, when you’re waiting for your child to come out of school, or even when sitting on the loo! 💯

Notice what you’re feeling. Don’t tell yourself off for it. Just acknowledge it and write it down, including how intense the emotion is.

Now think about what triggered it. Was it an event or situation? A thought or a worry?

Next, think about what you’d say to a friend who was feeling this way. What advice would you give? Write this down too.

You can choose to keep this private so you can refer back to it in the future or build on it when you have more time. Or you can delete it if you prefer.

I see you, trying to hold it all together, but never quite knowing when you might fall apart. 😢

I’ve been where you are. Now I help mums like you move forward with strength, support, and strategy. 💖💖💖

If you want help to cool down in those heated moments, please join me in my new group on Friday 22 May at The George, George Road, Oldbury, B68 9LN.

World Laughter DayLaughter can feel like something that should come easily.But when you’re a mum of an autistic child, r...
03/05/2026

World Laughter Day

Laughter can feel like something that should come easily.

But when you’re a mum of an autistic child, running on very little sleep, managing constant demands, and carrying so much responsibility… it doesn’t always come naturally.

Some days are just about getting through.

It’s not that joy is gone.
It’s that you’re exhausted.

When you’re constantly in “doing, managing, thinking, worrying” mode, there isn’t much space left for lightness.

Support makes a difference.

When things feel a little calmer, when you feel less alone, when someone is finally listening… something softens.

And often, without forcing it, laughter begins to come back.

Not because things are perfect.
But because you have a little more room to breathe.

Sometimes laughter fades when you’re carrying too much.




There was a time when even the idea of “going to a group” felt like too much.Not because I didn’t need it…But because I ...
03/05/2026

There was a time when even the idea of “going to a group” felt like too much.
Not because I didn’t need it…
But because I did.

Because I knew what it meant.
The noise.
The pressure to speak.
The unpredictability.
That feeling of walking into a room and instantly needing to “hold it together.”

So I stayed home instead.
And I know I’m not the only one.

So I’ve created a space for that version of me.
And for the version of you who might be reading this now.
The one who is holding everything together…
But quietly wondering who is holding you.

This isn’t a typical group.
It’s a soft place to land.
A calm room.
A space where you can walk in, sit down, and not have to be anything other than exactly who you are.

No pressure.
No expectations.
No explaining.

Just a moment to breathe.

It’s a small group so you don’t feel overwhelmed walking in.
And if you are feeling cautious, I’ll meet you at the entrance and walk in with you.

This is a local small group of mums of autistic children.
Because we know how tough it is, and just having a bit of time where you can breathe, slow down, and talk to others who get you can make such a difference.

If that feels like something you’ve been needing…
You’re so welcome here.

The next one is on Friday 22 May at The George, George Road, Oldbury, B68 9LN.

Imagine a space just for you, with other mums of autistic children who get you.Hi, my name is Tracy, and like you, I’m a...
02/05/2026

Imagine a space just for you, with other mums of autistic children who get you.

Hi, my name is Tracy, and like you, I’m a mum too of two wonderful autistic children.

And as a therapist helping others since 2013, I have professional expertise but also lived experience.

So I know how important it is to have space, and I am launching a new support group on Friday 22 May.

Why this space exists

Because autistic mums give so much.

And rarely get the chance to pause, be supported, or feel understood themselves.

This is for you if…

• You feel exhausted and need time to breathe

• You struggle with traditional groups but still want connection

• You want to feel understood without having to explain yourself

• You’re craving calm, not chaos

• You want a space where you don’t have to hold it all together

You don’t have to push yourself into something overwhelming.

You can take one gentle step into something that feels safe.

This one really is different.

• You’ll be welcomed into a calm, quiet, home-from-home space

• There’s no formal start or pressure - you can arrive, settle in and take your time

• Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available so you can get comfortable

• You’re free to sit quietly, chat, listen or simply observe

• Optional colouring and quiet activities are available if you prefer something to focus on

• Gentle meditation and mindful moments will be offered (always optional)

• Sensory objects will be available to help you feel more regulated and at ease

You are always in control of how you take part.

There is no expectation to speak, share or join in.

You can just come and be.

So you don’t have to imagine—this small group will meet on Friday 22 May at The George, George Road, Oldbury, B68 9LN.

This one feels different.A calm space created by another autistic mum… who knows you need to breathe.If you’re an autist...
01/05/2026

This one feels different.
A calm space created by another autistic mum… who knows you need to breathe.

If you’re an autistic mum, or a mum of an autistic child, you’re likely used to holding a lot.

Holding it together for your child.
Holding the routines.
Holding the emotions, the appointments, the constant thinking ahead.

And often… holding it all at the expense of yourself.

You might be feeling exhausted.
Overwhelmed.
In need of a break…

But also unsure about joining groups, because they can feel:
• Too loud
• Too pressured
• Too unpredictable
• Too much

So you stay home instead.
Even though part of you knows… you need something more.

This space was created with you in mind.

This is not a typical group.
There is no pressure to perform.
No expectation to speak.
No need to explain yourself.

You can simply come as you are.
And everything is optional.

• Tea, coffee and biscuits – because comfort matters
• A relaxed, understanding environment where you can just be
• Optional quiet activities like colouring
• Gentle meditation and mindful moments
• Sensory objects to support calm and regulation

It’s a small group, so it won’t feel overwhelming.

And if walking in feels hard, I’ll meet you at the entrance and walk in with you.

“There must be something wrong with me…”I hear this so often.The truth is, your mind isn’t trying to ruin your life.It’s...
01/05/2026

“There must be something wrong with me…”

I hear this so often.

The truth is, your mind isn’t trying to ruin your life.
It’s trying to protect you, based on old patterns that no longer apply.

Hypnotherapy helps you update those patterns so your mind works with you instead of against you.

You don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode.

If this resonates, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep feeling this way! Contact me today to see how we can work together

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