Natasha and Jayden’s story
“It has been a massive boost to our lives”
Natasha’s son, Jayden, was diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2019. He is 13 years old and in his second term at HorseWorld.
Natasha explains why the Discovery programme is so important to them both
"It has given him confidence. He’s back to seeing the world again but in a slightly different way to how he was seeing it before.
Jayden had a difficult transition from his specialist primary school to secondary. Although he is still enrolled, he hasn’t attended full-time for a few years. He suffered with severe anxiety, and we were at the point where he didn't even leave the house for almost two years. We were going backwards with his schooling, so I started looking at alternative provision."
I came across HorseWorld online and, as he is quite interested in horses and animals, I got in touch. Graham encouraged me to come in and so he could meet with Jayden. I wasn’t sure how Jayden was going to react, but Graham was fantastic with him.
The meeting was a success because Graham spoke to Jayden at his level. Small actions like asking Jayden if he was comfortable shaking hands or would prefer a high-five and if it was ok to speak to me alone – it made him feel heard. For me, it was great to see him listening and attentive. Graham talked him through how to act when some foals were passing as Jayden was getting a little hyper. It was also a massive step for Jayden to go off with one of the other staff, Lorraine, as he very rarely goes anywhere without me.
“His confidence is building”
HorseWorld were very helpful in making the placement happen and kept a place open while we sorted out the funding with the school. Graham had some excellent advice about keeping on the school register and offered to be a point of contact, even if Jayden wasn’t on the programme.
Jayden is on his second term and is doing amazingly. I can leave him at HorseWorld, knowing that he is comfortable and his confidence is building. Attending is never an issue. He is always willing to get ready for HorseWorld on a Friday morning.
The experience has helped him engage in other activities in the outside world. He was enrolled with St John’s Ambulance Cadets, as he loves anything to do with the emergency services but it was really hard to get him to attend. Since starting with the Discovery programme, he now has the confidence to also take part in the St John’s training sessions which he also enjoys.
At home Jayden is always talking about HorseWorld. He’s now having proper conversations with his key workers. It has been a massive boost to our lives. I just think it's fantastic and the team is brilliant.