An image of Cathy Wassell, CEO of Autistic Girls Network and The haven. Overlaid text reads - “You cannot talk about empowering women if autistic girls are still being overlooked.”
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate autistic girls and women. We celebrate their voices, their identity, and a future where autistic girls and women are recognised, supported and empowered.
An image of a young girl lying in a flower field smiling, appearing calm. Overlaid text reads “Autistic joy can look like” and lists examples such as listening to a favourite song on repeat, engaging deeply in special interests, creating art, being with a like-minded community, finding peace in nature or with animals, enjoying immersive worlds, happy stimming (flapping, rocking, spinning, humming or jumping), and finding comfort in routines or rituals.
So much of the conversation around the SEND White Paper feels heavy & focused on what’s “not working,” so it’s more important than ever to hold onto something powerful: autistic joy is real & deserves to be seen. These moments matter just as much as the challenges dominating headlines & debates.
A collage-style image titled “My time away in Belgium – By Matilda.” Four polaroid-style photos are arranged on a soft pink background. The photos show: the illuminated Menin Gate memorial at night; a red remembrance wreath with a St John Ambulance Cadets emblem; several wreaths arranged on stone steps; and a night-time street scene with historic buildings lit up. The Haven logo appears at the bottom of the image.
Matilda travelled to Belgium with St John Ambulance to lay a wreath. She came back with an idea. She wants to help develop a First Aid course at The Haven, so more learners can gain skills that could one day save a life. When young people are given space to explore their passions, they truly grow.
As SEND reform evolves, there’s a real risk that children who mask their needs — appearing compliant or high-achieving — will be overlooked, despite carrying significant hidden anxiety and exhaustion. At The Haven, we believe true inclusion starts with emotional safety, so young people can unmask, belong, and be valued for who they are — not just how well they cope.
As SEND reform evolves, there’s a real risk that children who mask will be overlooked, despite carrying significant hidden anxiety & exhaustion. We believe true inclusion starts with emotional safety, so young people can unmask, belong, and be valued for who they are, not just how well they cope.
A young student with long brown hair sits at a desk reading an open book, appearing calm and focused. The text on the image reads: “Do not confuse academic achievement with level of need.” The Haven logo appears at the bottom.
We understand that masking is real & that high attainment doesn’t mean low support. We know our young people can be carrying far more than we see on the surface. If this resonates, we’re here to listen. Get in touch to learn how we support the whole child, not just what shows up on paper.
A pink-tinted image of a teenage girl sitting at a table, looking down at a plate with a single piece of broccoli. She holds a fork near the food and rests her head on her hand. A glass of water sits beside the plate. Overlaid text reads: “Autistic people are at higher risk of developing eating disorders.” Source: Autistica. Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Early recognition can make a huge difference. Dr Elizabeth Shea, a Clinical Psychologist who specialises in food & eating issues, joined @autisticgirlsnet.bsky.social to share guidance on recognising eating challenges in young people and how to support them. 👉https://bit.ly/AGNEDarfid #EDAW2026
Permanent exclusions are rising. CAMHS waiting lists are growing. Families are exhausted. The cost, financial and human, is enormous.
What if we invested earlier in environments designed for neurodivergent learners?
The Haven: Small cohorts. High staff ratios. Emotional regulation embedded into the school day. Individualised pathways. Not as an “add on”, as the foundation.
If you commission, refer, or influence SEND placements, this matters. Come and see what early, specialist intervention actually looks like. Visit our website to find out more or send a message.
We are witnessing the managed decline of our children's futures. To deny support based on age rather than need is a betrayal of the very principle of inclusion. Cathy Wassell - Autistic Girls Network & The Haven.
Inclusion cannot be conditional. We stand with families, practitioners and sector partners in calling for reform that is genuinely collaborative, evidence-informed and grounded in lived experience. SEND reform must strengthen inclusion, not redefine it out of reach.
When autism is discussed it’s often about challenges, but joy is real too, rich, intense & deeply personal. For autistic people joy may come from sensory comfort, routines or special interests. At The Haven we celebrate all the unique ways joy shows up.
A muted pink-toned image of an adult and a child standing side by side, viewed from behind. Overlaid text reads: “What is one thing you wish teachers knew about your child’s needs? ‘Work with parents and don’t dismiss them. They know their own child better than anyone and can suggest things that might help at school.’ – Catriona.” The Haven logo appears at the bottom.
Many families come to us having felt unheard. We do things differently. Parents are essential partners, bringing insight and strategies that shape meaningful provision. When we listen and build together, children feel safer, understood and able to move forward, and that’s where real progress begins.
Tinted graphic from The Haven. On the left is The Haven logo. Over a softly blurred background image of an older woman outdoors, white text reads: “The day, age 57, I came across a post on social media from an Autistic woman writing about her experiences, I cried. There I was, on the page.” Below, smaller text says: “Why I Wrote Other Wise Hearts: Stories That Tell the Truth About Autistic Lives – New blog post.”
In her powerful new piece, Hayley Graham shares why she wrote Other Wise Hearts, born from decades of being misunderstood, unheard, and unseen. Read the full blog to explore her journey and how stories can change the way we see ourselves and others. https://bit.ly/AGNOWH
A young girl looks out of a window. On the right, text reads: Title - “Supporting an autistic young person who is struggling with their mental health.” Below - “Believe them,” “Reduce demands,” “Create predictability and safety,” “Look beyond behaviour,” “Validate their feelings,” “Support identity and self-understanding,” “Seek autism-informed support,” “Be mindful of masking,” and “Communicate in ways that work for them.” Below is a logo and name “autistic girls network.”
We know that many parents and carers are already doing these things every single day to support their autistic young person’s mental health. Pass this to those who are part of your child’s world. Greater understanding creates safer, more supportive spaces for our young people to thrive. #CMHW
'She's coping.' Children's Mental Health Week.
'She's fine at school.' Children's Mental Health Week.
She’s actually exhausted, anxious, and masking every day .Children's Mental Health Week.
Many autistic girls struggle on the inside. We've created a space where they don’t have to mask to belong.
Autistic girls are often misunderstood. They can experience exhaustion, anxiety, & overwhelm while appearing “fine” to the world around them. Effective children’s mental health support must be autism-informed & recognise masking, to prevent them falling through the gaps. #CMHW
4 out of 5 autistic young people experience mental health issues.
We’re joining @place2becharity.bsky.social in calling for mental health support that is proactive, inclusive, & responsive to every child’s needs. Awareness, early intervention, and emotionally safe spaces matter so much and these are just some of the reasons we created The Haven. #CMHW
The theme of Children's Mental Health Week this year is ‘This is My Place’ encouraging self-acceptance and belonging. Children’s Mental Health Week
We know all too well the mental health challenges that autistic young people can face. Children’s Mental Health Week.
Wellbeing is, and will always be, the absolute priority for our learners. Children’s Mental Health Week.
This is your place, here you are accepted, valued, celebrated and you belong.
This theme is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and belonging. At The Haven, the message is clear: This is your place. Here, you are accepted, valued, celebrated, and you belong. #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek
"She is really enjoying her lessons and being part of The Haven community."
This week is a reminder that feeling safe, supported & connected makes all the difference. Community is at the heart of everything we do, creating a space where young people feel they truly belong. We’re so proud to hear feedback like this from families who are part of The Haven community. #CMHW
Injustice Sensitivity, Rumination and Maintaining Wellbeing. When you can't just let things go. New resource.
Why do experiences of unfairness stay stuck in our minds, & how can we protect our wellbeing while still honouring our values? This resource dives into how injustice sensitivity can be both a strength & a challenge for autistic people. https://bit.ly/autinjustice
Discover a New Way of Learning for Neurodivergent Young People 12 February | 4pm GMT | Online.
Education can be different. We are a nonprofit online school built for neurodivergent learners who need something radically different. We KNOW our cohort, & we understand the importance emotional wellbeing & co-regulation is to our learners. Find out more - https://bit.ly/havenintro
“Requiring a child to prove that a less accessible, less motivating system is inadequate before offering something more aligned with how communication happens in the modern world is a barrier - not a safeguard.” Libby Hill
At The Haven, we value all forms of communication. We meet neurodivergent young people where they are, support them to be confidently themselves, and encourage the use of technology alongside opportunities to explore different interests and options.
@libbyhill1.bsky.social
Choosing the right school isn’t just about subjects and outcomes. It’s about how your child feels every day. We know families need clarity and reassurance, not guesswork.
We design each day with emotional wellbeing at its heart , balancing learning, structure and flexibility so neurodivergent young people can engage without overwhelm. Learn more at https://bit.ly/HavenDay
It is crucial to remember that these barriers to attendance arise from distress, not defiance; the avoidance of school can be a direct result of nervous system dysregulation and the activation of the body’s acute stress response. Rethinking Attendance: Why School Can Be More Challenging For Autistic Girls. New blog post.
School isn’t just “hard” for some autistic girls, it can be overwhelming in ways many people don’t see or understand. This thoughtful post explores why attendance struggles often stem from stress, sensory overwhelm and neurobiological responses, not behaviour issues. https://bit.ly/AGNrabp
Promotional graphic for a “Supporting Autistic Girls” event. At the top is the Autism Learns logo with the text “Online learning for parents, carers and professionals.” The headline reads “We’re speaking! Hear from members of our team.” Two circular headshots are shown: Kirsten, Head, and Tammy, SENDCO. Event details read “Supporting Autistic Girls, 30–31 January 2026.” The Haven logo appears at the bottom on a neutral background.
2 members of our team will share their expertise at this event. Kirsten will be talking about school life, wellbeing & how we can create inclusive classrooms for autistic girls. Tammy will be discussing friendships, social dynamics & the ‘invisible’ social load. https://bit.ly/ALHtickets
A pastel-toned graphic featuring two illustrated boarding passes styled like NASA Artemis II tickets, with the name “The Haven Autistic Girls Network” shown on one pass. The text “Fly us to the moon!” appears at the top, and The Haven logo is displayed at the bottom. The boarding passes are layered diagonally, suggesting a space journey theme linked to a mission to the moon.
Science class, but make it interstellar. This week our learners have been following NASA’s upcoming mission & even sent their names to the moon! They’ve received virtual boarding passes & mission updates, with a few pets & family members sneaking onboard too 😉 Curious, joyful, real-world learning.
If you could go back to your childhood, what would you say to your teachers? “Behind my eyes I am in total panic. I am clever but I can't carry on because nothing about the way school is makes any sense at all. Don't overlook me because I appear 'fine'. Behind my mask I am drowning.” Rachael
Many autistic young people mask anxiety, confusion & overwhelm at school, often at great personal cost. Calm can hide panic, exhaustion & feeling misunderstood. Listening matters. At The Haven, we create spaces where learners don’t have to mask & being understood comes first.
Brilliant - my child says 'all of the stars, amazing, lovely' and I say thank you so much!
Words like these from a learner and parent mean everything to us. They reflect the trust, warmth and sense of belonging we work so hard to build every day. We’re so grateful to the families who have put their trust in us and remind us all just how powerful it is to feel seen, heard and valued.
Outward success doesn’t always reflect internal wellbeing.
Learning should never come at the cost of mental health, that’s why we prioritise emotional safety, regulation, and connection.
Meet us! at the Contact & NNPCF Conference. 3rd February, Sheffield.
We are exhibiting at the Contact and National Network of Parent Carer Forums conference. Find out more about the event via @contactfamilies.bsky.social
Come along and have a chat with us!
A smiling woman with long, light blonde hair stands outdoors in front of an ornate stone building, with trees and a blue sky behind her, wearing a dark top and a delicate necklace.
We're delighted to welcome Kirsten Roy as our new Head. Kirsten is an experienced education leader & SENCo who has built & led DfE-accredited online school provision. She's deeply committed to digital education that is safe, accessible, & genuinely engaging for learners who’ve been failed elsewhere.
If you could go back to your childhood, what would you say to your teachers? “Check on the quiet girls, the clever girls, the ones who are quietly getting on with their work. The ones who put on the happiest of faces. Ask them if they are really ok? “ Rachel.
In education, many neurodivergent children are missed, not because they struggle loudly, but because they cope quietly. Outward success doesn’t always reflect internal wellbeing. This is why noticing, listening, & asking matters, especially for the children who don’t ask to be seen.
Illustrated New Year graphic with a soft pink and mauve striped background. An open envelope reveals a card that reads “Happy New Year” and “Here’s to 2026, curious minds, bright futures.” The overall style is warm, gentle, and celebratory.
Thank you to our learners, families and team for making The Haven such a special place to learn. Here’s to 2026, a year of curiosity, confidence and supportive learning, together.
