Supporting Onkon

Through our specialist support, we can enable teenagers with complex conditions to live fulfilling lives at school and in the community - like Onkon Paul.

For over a decade we have worked alongside other support services in the complex and clinical health cares ector assisting those with brain injury, learning disability, epilepsy, autism and other mental health conditions.

We work in partnership with families and agencies, such as Independent Care Boards (ICB), local authorities and independent Case Manager and, in the case of 16-year-old Onkon, with his school.

Onkon has been diagnosed with a profile on the autism spectrum known as Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). This presents as an avoidance of everyday demands and affects the way Onken responds to conventional approaches in support, parenting and teaching.

In the face of demands requested of him, Onkon can become anxious and experience intense emotions and mood swings and may develop behaviours of a concern which can put the safety and wellbeing of himself and others’ at risk.

Previously this may have resulted in people with a PDA profile leading isolated lives however for the past year our specially trained Support Workers have supported Onkon and he has been able to participate safely in classroom settings and venture into the outside world.

His father Rish said: There are signs that Onkon is definitely benefitting. His behaviour has improved, there has been a reduction in outbursts and school has not had to log so many incidents.”

The first step was drawing up an education, health and care plan with the school and family which is constantly reviewed and updated as Onkon grows older.

ur Support Workers understand how best to communicate with Onkon, including the language and situations to avoid.

As well as two Support Workers providing support in the classroom, they also look for suitable activities in the community – with swimming being a particular favourite of Onkon.

“Onkon enjoys the swimming pool very much, especially as there is a slide at the local one. He enjoys the sensory experience, being submerged in water calms him down,” said Rish.

“He doesn’t like shouting or the erratic movements of young children so staff who know his triggers need to be with him at all time, just to guide him away.”

As Onkon prepares for adulthood, our team will look for other community activities he can cope with.

“We are very grateful to the staff,” said Rish.

“In a way it is shared journey. As Onkon grows older his needs are constantly changing and this requires ongoing training of staff, so they are developing with Onkon.”

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