AJ’s story

Meet AJ

AJ, a 15-year-old child of a Navy parent, has a diagnosis of Autism and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). AJ also experiences anxiety, partly stemming from a road traffic accident he was involved in at the age of four.

He is on medication to manage his ADHD symptoms and aid his sleep. He has an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) for school and is currently on a 12-month waiting list with CAMHS for anxiety therapy.

Navigating the world

Social situations can sometimes be challenging for AJ, especially in busy or noisy environments, and although headphones could help, he’s not comfortable wearing them. He often feels anxious when doors are left open, worried the dogs might get out, and feels uneasy when walking them near traffic.

AJ is also very aware of how others perceive him, which can sometimes make him hesitant to try new things for fear of getting it wrong. At times, he can be easily led by peers, making choices he might not otherwise make, out of fear of losing friendships.

How Kids supported AJ

AJ’s father approached us expressing concerns about AJ’s confidence and self-esteem. He enrolled AJ in the Understanding Me Young Person workshops run by Kids to support service families across the country.

This workshop is a six-week program tailored to neurodivergent young people aged 15–18 in Navy and Marine families. It aims to help participants develop practical skills to manage their needs, build a sense of identity, and embrace their individuality.

Creating a safe space

When we first met AJ, he was understandably nervous as it was his first time participating in a programme like this. In the early sessions, we explored topics like personal identity, anxiety, and emotions.

As the weeks progressed, AJ began to open up about his thoughts and feelings. He spoke openly about his school experiences and engaged in discussions on strengths and qualities.

Through these conversations, AJ started to recognise his unique abilities and qualities, which helped him gain a more positive view of himself.

Finding strength in his achievements

Throughout the sessions, we worked with AJ to identify strategies to help him manage his challenges. For instance, AJ was very anxious about an upcoming school presentation, worrying about speaking in front of his classmates and handling questions afterward.

We suggested he ask his teacher if he could record the presentation and have it played for the class to ease the pressure. AJ embraced this idea and later shared with pride that he had actually completed the presentation. It lasted 12 minutes – well beyond the 5 minutes he initially planned for. His sense of achievement was hugely evident and signified a change in his confidence.

During our sessions, AJ shared his aspiration to become a firefighter. We discussed how his strengths, compassion, a desire to help others, and determination, would serve him well in this role. It was inspiring to see him recognise how his qualities align with his ambitions.

A journey of transformation

AJ’s parents have noticed remarkable growth in him over the course of the workshops. His father, who initially shared that AJ was hesitant to celebrate his achievements, later expressed joy in seeing AJ take pride in his progress. By the end of the workshops, AJ was eagerly sharing his accomplishments with confidence and pride.

We are incredibly proud of AJ’s progress. His parents’ pride in him is very noticeable, and we feel privileged to have been part of his journey. The transformation we have witnessed in AJ – from a nervous young man to someone beginning to embrace his strengths and identity – has been truly rewarding.