Case studies
Below you will find some examples of family situations that we have worked through. It will give you a clear understanding of how Family Avenues can make a difference in your own family. False names are used and all identifying information has been removed or changed for the purposes of this.
Noah
Supporting a Family Through Challenging Behaviour at Home
How Family Avenues helps parents feel understood, supported, and confident about next steps.
A family came to us feeling exhausted and unsure where to turn.
Their 8-year-old son, Noah was a model pupil at school, but at home he was having intense outbursts — shouting, breaking things, and sometimes saying he wished someone would hurt him. His behaviour dominated family life and his parents were worried about the impact on their other child too.
They’d already spoken to school, the GP and the school nurse, but were told very little could be done because the behaviour wasn’t happening in school. They were given general advice around boundaries and anxiety, but they were already doing those things. Understandably, they felt stuck, frustrated, and unheard.
This is when they came to Family Avenues.
What we did together
We first asked the parents to complete a timeline of important events, which helped us piece together patterns and possible triggers. Unlike many services, we looked at the whole family, not just the behaviour itself.
Together, we explored:
what might be driving the outbursts,
how unseen neurodiversity can sometimes present very differently at school and at home,
the emotional impact on siblings,
parental wellbeing and the stress they were carrying.
We talked through different professionals and services that could help, and we offered clear guidance on how to approach school. Even though the behaviour wasn’t visible there, we discussed the possibility that he might be masking — working incredibly hard to “hold it together” all day, then burning out at home.
Our guidance and recommendations
While we don’t diagnose neurodiversity, we can help parents understand whether there are enough indicators to seek an assessment. We also gave practical behaviour strategies tailored to what we were seeing, rather than generic “parenting advice” that wasn’t landing for them.
We looked at how to support their other child emotionally and how to create a wider support network during difficult moments to keep everyone safe.
The outcome
Our report gave the family:
a clear picture of what was happening and why,
language they could use with school and other professionals,
a plan for next steps,
reassurance that they weren’t “failing at boundaries” — something many parents are wrongly told.
Ongoing support
We offer a follow-up discussion once families have read their report, and we’re always here in future if things change. Parenting is ongoing, and so is our support.
If this case study feels familiar, please know you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Find support with a Family Assessment.
Turning challenges into new avenues for growth.
Lily
Recognising how autistic girls may present differently to boys
Family: The Harrisons
Child: “Lily,” aged 14 (autistic, awaiting ADHD assessment)
Background
The Harrisons contacted Family Avenues when their daughter, Lily, a bright and creative 14-year-old, began struggling more at home and school. Although she had an autism diagnosis, the family felt unsure how to support her emotional needs, manage increasing anxiety, and navigate the changes that come with teenage life. They described feeling “stuck between knowing something wasn’t working, but not knowing what to do next.”
Her parents shared that Lily masked heavily in school, had daily shutdowns at home, and avoided social situations she previously enjoyed. Homework had become a major flashpoint, and the family felt communication was becoming strained. They wanted guidance, reassurance, and a clearer understanding of her needs.
What We Did
The Harrisons booked a Family Assessment so they could speak openly about their worries and get tailored advice. During the assessment, we:
Explored Lily’s sensory, emotional and communication needs
Looked at patterns around meltdowns, shutdowns and overwhelm
Identified specific triggers at home and school
Discussed how masking was affecting Lily’s energy, wellbeing and behaviour
Reviewed current supports in school and at home
Highlighted strengths and coping skills that could be built on
Helped the family understand how puberty and anxiety can interact with autism
Together, we created a clearer picture of Lily’s profile — not just the challenges but the underlying reasons behind them.
Recommendations & Support Plan
By the end of the session, the Harrisons had a personalised plan that included:
Simple home adjustments to reduce overwhelm (predictable routines, sensory breaks, communication scripts)
Strategies for managing homework stress, including reduced demands and alternative formats
A communication approach that helped Lily feel heard without pressure
Support around masking, including ways to help her decompress safely
School recommendations, such as flexible seating, downtime passes and clearer transition planning
Emotional regulation strategies, tailored to Lily’s personality and sensory profile
They also received a written summary to share with school and use for future planning.
Outcome
A few weeks later, the Harrisons told us they felt “more confident, calmer, and like we finally understand Lily properly.” They noticed:
Fewer after-school shutdowns
Improved communication at home
Better school/home consistency
Lily feeling more understood and less pressured
A reduction in conflict around homework
Increased confidence in speaking with school about support
Most importantly, the family reported feeling more connected and better equipped to support Lily through her teenage years.
Every family deserves understanding and a clear plan. If you’re ready for support that actually feels supportive, book your session today.