PLEASE NOTE: We are not a crisis service. If you are in crisis and in need of immediate mental health support call NHS 111 option 2 or Samaritans on 116 123, text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 or go to your nearest A&E department.

About Us

Action for Neurodiversity (AfN) offers bespoke, autism-specialist counselling and emotional support. The world can be a confusing and overwhelming place and we all need help at times. For those with autism/Asperger’s syndrome, and those living alongside them, it is important that when you do, you can talk to someone who has understanding and knowledge of autism/Asperger’s syndrome. 

We provide a safe and confidential space for you to talk about your issues and concerns, and where your counsellor will help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours so you can develop a better understanding of yourself and of others.

All our counsellors and emotional support workers have experience of autism/Asperger’s syndrome in their personal lives. Furthermore, the counselling methodology used here at Action for Neurodiversity has been developed based on the founder’s experience and her master’s research subject which was ‘a bespoke model of counselling for lives that have become adversely affected by the experience of Asperger’s Syndrome’. 

 

How can we help?

Action for Neurodiversity offers the following services:

  • Confidential counselling sessions on a short or long-term basis according to individual needs.
  • Advocacy and general advice on autism and Asperger’s Syndrome per-se (for clients only).
  • A one-off emotional support service for ‘flare-up’ situations and experiences.
  • Private messaging via our ‘Action for Asperger’s’ Facebook page. 
  • Brief (free) email support may be available depending on individual circumstances.

 

How do I make an appointment?

No GP referral is necessary, nor is a formal diagnosis necessary to make an appointment.

Due to our heavy workload, we do try to steer people towards making their initial enquiry via email to: [email protected]. However, if this is not possible, telephone 01536 266681 and leave a message.

For referral to a counsellor we request a small amount of information about your reasons for seeking counselling as this allows us to allocate to a counsellor who is suitable for your needs and situation.

 

Where will counselling take place?

The majority of our counselling takes place remotely via video consultation.  We use a multitude of video platforms; the client may request that the consultation takes place via a video platform of their choice, or alternatively, your counsellor may suggest a video platform to you.

We are able to offer some face-to-face appointments at our main office in Corby, Northamptonshire. 

We see individuals aged 15 years and under in person only in Northamptonshire, not by video.

 

Will there be a wait to see someone?

We aim to get you seen within 1-2 weeks from confirmation of your wishing to go ahead and access one of services.

 

Is there a charge for the services?

We do not receive funding from the local or national Government currently, and so funding from client donations for our services is essential to the provision of this service.

  • Our counsellors are charged out at £43 – £65 per hour (lower to higher incomes – the client decides where they are on this scale as the relationship is based on trust).
 
  • For couples counselling the rate is £50 – £70 per hour.
 
  • We also have student counsellors on board; these are individuals who are in their last year of counsellor training. Student counsellors are charged out at £22.50 per hour.
 
  • We have emotional support workers; these are individuals with strong caring qualities and with familial experience of autism/Asperger’s syndrome. The per hour charge we make for this service is £17.50 per hour.

     

    Our service can also be found on: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/