R’s Experience with Autistic Girls Network Mentoring

R, a non-binary teenager. They struggled with sensory issues, self-regulation, masking, alexithymia, and managing anxiety. Seeking support, R participated in a free mentoring programme provided by Autistic Girls Network, engaging in six one-on-one sessions.

Throughout six sessions, R worked with their mentor, Heather, in a supportive and understanding environment. R became more comfortable as the sessions progressed. They found Heather approachable and engaging, which allowed them to be chatty and open during discussions.

The mentoring sessions covered key topics tailored to R’s needs, including:

• Sensory processing challenges and strategies to manage.
• Techniques for self-regulation to cope with overwhelming situations.
• Understanding masking.
• Recognizing alexithymia (difficulty identifying and expressing emotions).
• A toolkit for managing anxiety in daily life.

R actively engaged in conversations, asked insightful questions, and demonstrated a growing understanding of their autistic identity. The supportive and judgment-free nature of the mentoring sessions enabled R to explore these topics in depth, gaining confidence in their self-awareness and coping strategies.

R’s experience with the mentoring programme had a profound positive impact, both on them and their family. They expressed genuine enjoyment and appreciation for the sessions, describing Heather as “awesome.” R felt empowered to ask important questions about their diagnosis, something they had previously found difficult.

Their parent also noted significant benefits from the mentoring programme:

“We found it beneficial as R doesn’t feel comfortable talking to people about their diagnosis and learned a lot and asked questions that needed to be asked after sessions with Heather.”

Through the mentoring process, R developed greater self-awareness, improved self-regulation techniques, and gained practical tools to navigate their daily experiences as an autistic person. They felt more equipped to manage anxiety and sensory challenges, fostering a sense of self-acceptance and confidence.

The free mentoring provided by Autistic Girls Network proved to be a valuable resource for R, offering them a safe space to explore their autistic identity and develop essential coping strategies. The mentoring’s impact extended beyond the sessions, fostering lasting positive changes in R’s self-understanding and ability to advocate for their needs. R’s journey highlights the importance of accessible mentoring programmes in supporting autistic young people as they understand and process their diagnosis and their neurodivergent identity.