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Jack* is a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with autism and ADHD who faced severe bullying and escalating challenges at school.
Through Kids Inclusion Service, Jack and his mum found the support they needed to help Jack thrive and work towards a brighter future.
*Jack’s real name was changed.
Jack was a confident and happy student excelling academically and thriving on a rugby scholarship, until a serious rugby injury that required surgery on both his hips. Jack returned to school in a wheelchair and became the target of bullying.
One particularly distressing incident involved Jack being pushed over by his peers and left on the floor for 20 minutes, with requests for help being ignored.
This experience had a profound impact on Jack’s mental health. He became withdrawn, anxious about going to school, and started isolating himself at home. The bullying continued to escalate, including being physically attacked and locked in the school toilets. Eventually, Jack started to harm himself.
The school issued several suspensions, and Jack found himself isolated, with his concerns about safety at school being dismissed. The school warned that if Jack’s behaviour didn’t improve, he would be transferred to another school for six weeks, and if his mum disagreed, he would face permanent exclusion.
Jack’s Mum turned to Kids Inclusion Service, and we worked with them to create a comprehensive support plan.
Jack was understandably nervous, initially avoiding eye contact, but shared his feelings of loneliness and fear about school.
His Mum was struggling to balance work and caring for him. She was also deeply concerned about him self-harming, unsure of how to help him through these challenges.
Together, we developed a series of steps to help Jack and his mum:
We suggested that Jack’s Mum speak with their GP to request a referral to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), while keeping her informed of the long waiting lists.
To provide immediate support, we arranged a 12-week ‘Draw & Talk’ Art therapy programme. This gentle, holistic therapy was designed to provide Jack with a safe and supportive space to process and heal from his trauma. We began with three ‘Wishes and Feelings’ sessions to understand his emotions and hopes for the future.
We organised a series of FLASH (Families Learning about Self-Harm) sessions with Jack’s Mum. These sessions provided her with the practical tools and knowledge to support Jack and how to respond to his behaviours.
We attended meetings with Jack’s school, but initially faced some resistance, including the absence of the school’s SENCO at one of the meetings. The school focused on Jack’s behaviour without acknowledging the bullying or his fears.
After reminding them of their legal obligations under the Equality Act and SEND Code of Practice, the school agreed to implement a pastoral support plan, including a time-out pass and a designated adult for Jack to talk to. They also promised to investigate the bullying.
We worked closely with Jack’s Mum to help her navigate the complex process of applying for an EHCP to ensure Jack receives the support he needs.
Read about Jack, a 12-year-old boy with autism & ADHD, who faced severe bullying and challenges at school.
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