1-1 meetings and consultations, for adults who are wondering if they are neurodivergent, for new identified/diagnosed adults wanting to understand things like burnout or for parents of neurodivergent children experiencing burnout.
I can also work with parents of PDAers wanting to better understand creating low demand home environments and what helps with connection and co regulation.
You can meet with me via zoom, to discuss a new diagnosis, your situation or your family's situation - such as experiencing autistic or PDA burnout and the effect upon you or a child/young person's life.
You might want a supporting letter about an autistic child or teenager (for school, social services or the LA) regarding things such as autistic or PDA burnout and how it is impacting you or your child/family.
Adults who are newly identified or diagnosed may want to discuss what it means for them to be neurodivergent and how to thrive rather than survive. Adults experiencing autistic burnout can meet with me regularly for support on your recovery journey.
These sessions are not therapeutic and I am NOT a medical or mental health professional, but an expert by experience. I have many years experience of providing counsel, guidance and mentoring to others.
If you need me to advocate for you regarding your situation I do this by attending meetings or writing supporting letters.
"I recently booked a 1:1 with Viv Dawes as my son has been presenting with signs of burnout and I had become aware of Viv’s resources on this topic which resonated highly with our situation. Having previous trauma from professionals misattributing the signs of autism to neglectful parenting, I am always slightly on edge around explaining my son’s presentation to anyone at all, but I knew immediately that I was in safe hands. Viv has a very calming presence and this coupled with the knowledge that she has so much experience; both professional and personal, made it a very safe space for me to be able to have frank and honest discussion without feeling judged. Viv listened carefully and was able to feedback astute observations despite my disjointed attempt at explaining my child’s long, complicated history. The session gave me the confidence to know that I was on the right track and I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the salient issues, as well as feeling validated which as SEN parents we often don’t!! The ideas and feedback I received during the 1:1 session enabled me to explore the topic with other professionals in my son’s Multidisciplinary team. Having a child with trauma and an Extreme PDA profile, I am aware that I always need very strong advocates to bring our situation into the correct ‘Arena’, given that PDA and burnout are often misjudged. Viv is not only a strong advocate but also an effective listener and passionate about these topics. I am delighted to have met her, engaged with the resources and I would value her input highly going forward." (Parent)
Feedback
"I just wanted to say that I just received confirmation that panel have agreed to Elective Home Education.
Thank you so much for your support and assistance that has contributed to a much needed welcome and positive result after what has been a lengthy battle. I feel massively relieved and now hopefully and can now deal with my own ongoing burnout and unmasking journey alongside my sons.
I have gradually come to realise that I am very high masking Autistic and a PDAer
I’m obsessively reading everything I can find on PDA profile as it resonates with my child's presentation, previous masking and burnout as well as my own 60 years of masked life and incredible challenges
I have made the decision to seek an assessment/diagnosis as I feel it to be important for myself in terms of reframing my past and present and coming to a deeper self compassion and self acceptance, forgiveness and healing.
This whole experience has been/is a revolution in my life and in our family’s lives.
If my child had not reached burnout maybe I wouldn’t have come into awareness of all this, both for him,and myself!
I really appreciate the work you are doing to raise awareness and offer resources and support for parents and families and professionals; it’s because of you that I came to understand what was happening to my child and learn about burnout and set me on a path of self discovery and finding missing puzzle pieces of my personal journey.
Wow! Everything is beginning to make a lot of sense for the first time." (Parent)
4 x 121 sessions plan (reduced price)
For a reduced price you can purchase 4 x 121 sessions via zoom by going to the plans and prices page and finding the plan.
Once you have purchased the 4 x 1-1 sessions plan you can come back here to book your sessions via this link
(Please ONLY use this link if you have purchased the 4 session plan)
Terms and conditions of 121 support and advocacy
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The 1-1 session is for an hour. It is an opportunity to discuss you or your child's situation and I will share my insights and suggestions as a Neurodivergent adult and parent, in line with my books and resources.
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I am not a medical or mental health professional
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I can give constructive feedback and guidance.
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Any advocacy work I do is usually in the form of letter-writing, phone calls, and attending meetings with you. I cannot attend on your behalf.
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You can book and pay via the appropriate Calendly link - if you cannot use PayPal please contact me and I can send you another way to book and pay
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By paying for our 1-1 meeting you are agreeing to the terms and conditions that I am not liable in any way for any circumstances, incidents or situations that occur after our discussion regarding your situation.
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I cannot give a refund for a session if you cannot attend but I may reschedule at no extra cost
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I do not work directly with children but only adults 18+
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121 sessions are on Zoom and cost £50 for an hour
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If you require a supporting letter the cost is £130 and includes a one hour 121 session beforehand



