Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why Social Work?

    At Family Avenues, all of our assessments are led by experienced social workers — and there’s a good reason for that.

    Social workers are trained to see the whole picture. We look at how different parts of life connect — family relationships, school, health, work, and the wider systems around you. We’re interested in what’s really going on underneath the surface, not just the behaviours or challenges that others might see.

    Our training covers human development, relationships, and how to balance different professional perspectives while keeping the person or family at the centre. It teaches us to stay curious — to ask why things might be happening and what might help, rather than jumping to conclusions.

    Social workers work in all kinds of settings — hospitals, schools, mental health teams, and family support — and every one of us comes into the profession because we care deeply about helping people be heard, understood, and supported.

    That’s what makes social workers such a good fit for Family Avenues assessments. We bring professional knowledge, lived experience, and genuine compassion. Our job is to help families make sense of what’s happening, recognise their strengths, and find clear, realistic next steps that feel right for them.


    “Our approach is rooted in social work values: understanding, empowerment, and respect for every family’s unique journey.”

  • Of course, we offer a free 30 minute discovery call before the Family Assessment so that you can really understand whats involved to make sure that its right for you.

  • No. Our focus is hearing from the real experts—parents and carers. 

    Meeting your child doesn’t help us understand your family dynamic in the same depth, and we want you to feel free to speak openly without needing to filter your words or worry about how the conversation might make your child feel. 

    If you’d like to explain the process to your child, we can help you with that in a gentle, age-appropriate way. 

  • 100%. We know that family life, work life and parenting doesn’t always leave room for appointments. Thats why we can offer weekend or evening appointments. Just let us know what would suit you and we will fit around you.

  • You don’t need to leave your home! The assessment and DLA workshops are done online by video. You will be sent a video link and clear instructions on how to join.

    Your assessment can last up to 3 hours, and we can take breaks whenever you need.

    If 3 hours in one go feels difficult, just let us know and we’ll plan something that works. 

  • Being neuro-affirming means we respect and value autistic identity and neurodiversity rather than trying to change it. We focus on strengths, reducing distress and increasing wellbeing—not forcing children to meet neurotypical expectations that don’t fit them. 

    Our approach asks “What does this child need?” rather than “How can we make them behave differently?” 

  • Parents, carers and families who are looking for clarity, understanding and practical, neuro-affirming support for their autistic or potentially neurodivergent child. 

    Whether you’re exploring traits, waiting for assessment, or already have a diagnosis—we meet you where you are. 

  • Our service is open to families whether there is a diagnosis or not.

    A diagnosis doesn’t automatically provide support, strategies or understanding. Lots of families tell us they receive the diagnosis and then feel: 

    “OK… but what now?” 

    We know there is a gap in professional knowledge and services—and this is where Family Avenues really helps.

    We explore: 

    • learning profile 

    • emotional regulation 

    • sensory needs 

    • communication profile 

    • behaviour in context 

    • family stress 

    • specific struggles 

    …and we offer practical, realistic strategies that genuinely help day-to-day family life. 

    You don’t need a diagnosis to deserve understanding, support or reasonable adjustments. Your child’s needs are real—and we take them seriously. 

  • Yes. We have extensive experience in Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and use approaches that recognise nervous-system overwhelm, threat response and demand avoidance. 

    Our strategies are gentle, relational and based on connection—not compliance. 

  • Not during the meeting. The session itself is focused on listening, understanding and gathering the information we need to build a full picture of your child and family life. 

    Afterwards, we take time to reflect, discuss as a team and draw on our collective knowledge. You then receive a detailed Family Avenues assessment report and we arrange a follow-up session. 

    During that follow-up we go through everything together, answer questions, and make sure you feel completely supported. 

  • No — we’re not a diagnostic service and we’re not medically trained.

    We do have a deep understanding of neurodiversity and the many different ways autism and ADHD present across children and young people, including girls and those AFAB (who are often missed).

    We understand communication differences, sensory needs and the everyday challenges that come with being neurodivergent—and why they’re sometimes misunderstood in schools and services.

    If you’re unsure whether your child could be autistic or neurodivergent, we can help you:

    • explore your concerns

    • notice neurodivergent markers

    • understand what might be going on

    • think through options

    • plan next steps

    We look at real life experience and offer practical, realistic strategies that genuinely help your family.

  • We don’t diagnose autism or ADHD, but we absolutely can:

    • understand your child

    • explore traits

    • help gather evidence

    • offer practical strategies

    • guide next steps

    • walk alongside your family

    Diagnosis or not—your child’s needs are real.