Oliver, a 15-year-old child of a Navy parent, has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Additionally, Oliver experiences anxiety, partly stemming from a road traffic accident (RTA) he was involved in at the age of four. He is on medication to manage his ADHD symptoms and aid his sleep.
Oliver also has an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) for school and is currently on a 12- month waiting list with CAMHS for anxiety therapy. Social situations can be challenging for Oliver, particularly in busy or loud environments, though he is reluctant to wear headphones. He often feels anxious about doors being left open, fearing the dogs may escape, or when walking the dogs near traffic. Oliver is also highly self-conscious, frequently worrying about how others perceive him, which sometimes leads him to avoid activities for fear of failure. He can be easily influenced by peers, occasionally making poor choices out of fear of losing friendships.
Note: Stock photo used
Oliver's father enrolled him in the Understanding Me Young Person workshops run by Kids, a six-week program tailored to neurodivergent young people aged 15–18 in Navy and Marine families. These workshops aim to help participants develop practical skills to manage their needs, build a sense of identity, and embrace their individuality.
When we first met Oliver, he was understandably nervous as it was his first time participating in a program like this. In the early sessions, we explored topics like personal identity, anxiety, and emotions. As the weeks progressed, Oliver began to open up about his thoughts and feelings. He spoke openly about his school experiences and engaged with discussions we had on strengths and qualities.
Through these conversations, Oliver started to recognise his unique abilities and qualities, which helped him gain a more positive view of himself. One moment that stood out from the very first session was Oliver expressing how much it helped him to realise that he is not alone in his journey. This realisation seemed to provide him with a sense of reassurance. Throughout the sessions, we worked with Oliver to identify strategies to help him manage his challenges. For instance, Oliver 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.
Oliver 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, Oliver 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 recognize how his qualities align with his ambitions.
Oliver’s parents have noticed remarkable growth in him over the course of the workshops. His father, who initially shared that Oliver was hesitant to celebrate his achievements, later expressed joy in seeing Oliver take pride in his progress. By the end of the workshops, Oliver was eagerly sharing his accomplishments with confidence and pride. We are incredibly proud of Oliver’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 Oliver—from a nervous young man to someone beginning to embrace his strengths and identity—has been truly rewarding
Supporting You
At the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, we are here to support you and your family—whenever and wherever you need us. Whether you are serving, a veteran, or a family member, our support spans all aspects of life, from mental health and financial assistance to education, housing, and family wellbeing. Our helping You area brings together the many ways we can help, ensuring that no one in our Naval family faces life’s challenges alone.
