Skip to main content
emma autism support story

Emma’s story of getting autism support for her kids

Find out how we supported Emma and her family when she lost her income and two of her children were diagnosed with autism.

I contacted Foothold when I lost my job due to health issues. My four kids need support as well — two of them have autism.

I felt as if all doors were being shut in my face. I couldn’t even talk to my closest friends about what was going on.

But after making the call to Foothold, I received wonderful support. My caseworker handled things perfectly. She made me feel comfortable being open and sharing my concerns. She gave me hope. The way she spoke to me and asked questions made me feel very secure — it was a big turning point for me and my kids. I’m not working at the moment and I have two autistic pre-schoolers who need a lot of support.

It’s a huge challenge and a daily struggle but Foothold has saved me from anxiety and from falling into depression.

Foothold proved supportive, not just of me as an IET member but also of my kids, through a referral to the National Autistic Society. To anyone needing support I would say — don’t hesitate, just make the call. You’ll receive wonderful support from fantastic, trained staff.

If you or your child are living with autism and finding it hard to cope, you’re not alone. Our team is ready to listen and help. Get in touch with us now. 

SUPPORT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

Sign up to our mailing list to receive expert advice to help you improve your financial, mental and physical wellbeing, so that you can live well every day. We'll also send you the latest news and updates, and information on how you can get involved with Foothold and support the engineering community.

An image showing someone's hands holding a mobile phone. The phone is displaying a version of the Foothold monthly newsletter.
A graphic featuring a photo of blog author Andy Thornton along with his name and title (cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist)

The power of conversation

Andy shares why a simple conversation can be so powerful – and how really listening is so important

View post
Michael Hargreaves, author of How Foothold’s new Engineering Neurodiverse Futures programme can support you to achieve your career goals

How our neurodiversity support is helping neurodiverse engineers to live well and thrive

Our Communications Officer Michael explores how our neurodiversity support is making a difference to the wellbeing of neurodiverse community members.

View post
A graphic featuring a photo of blog author Andy Thornton along with his name and title (cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist)

Understanding empathy: how to be kinder to others

In Part 2 his 2-part blog series on empathy, cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist Andy Thornton explores how you can be kinder to others.

View post