Riding the Rapids is a 10 session group-based intervention for parents and carers of Autistic children and young people, children and young people with significant Learning Disabilities, and those on the pathway for Autism assessment.
With well-being at its centre, Riding the Rapids supports parents and carers to understand and reduce their child’s stress, distress, anxiety related behaviour, or other behaviours of concern. The programme uses a structured, neuro-affirmative approach. It increases parents’ confidence and coping, and supports families to thrive. The intervention includes:
- understanding distress and distress-related behaviours, and other behaviours of concern, in the context of neurodiversity and children’s lived experience.
- making environmental changes to support children’s emotional well-being and regulation
- understanding sensory differences and using sensory strategies
- using tailored communication approaches
- strengthening parent-child teamwork and relationships
- co-regulation in times of increased distress or crisis
- supporting parents self-care and promoting parental coping and wellbeing
What are the benefits?
- Built by Specialists in Neurodiversity – Practitioners, Parents and Young People Riding the Rapids has been developed by highly specialist NHS clinicians (Consultant Clinical Psychologists, Learning Disability Nurses, Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists) embedded in Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust CAMHS Autism and Learning Disability Services. Neurodivergent young people and their parents are central in shaping Riding the Rapids and co-creating resources.
- Different Programmes for Different Ages and Stages There are three Riding the Rapids courses, tailored to ages and stages: one for parents of children aged 3-4, one for primary aged children; and one for parents of young people attending secondary school, up to the end of High School Year 11. Within the programmes, activities are further tailored to meet the needs of young people with or without significant learning disabilities.
- Rooted in research, evidence-based and neuro-affirmative practice. Riding the Rapids is evidence based, and adheres to NICE Guidance and neuro-affirmative principles. All courses monitor outcomes and gather ongoing feedback from parents and carers.
- Well-established. Thousands of parents have now attended Riding the Rapids in the UK, with over 500 practitioners trained to deliver the programme.
- Helpful Resources. Riding the Rapids has a range of supporting materials for parents and carers: an app, videos, and handouts in different languages.
- Ongoing Support for Facilitators. Facilitators have access to a Virtual Hub, where they can access up to date resources as they develop, and post queries and ideas for the Riding the Rapids Community of Practice.
For further information, please visit the additional pages on this site. You can also contact us with further queries by email at:
admin@encompasspsychology.co.uk
Encompass Psychology Ltd is licensed by Manchester University NHS Trust to train practitioners in Riding the Rapids. Manchester University NHS Trust holds the intellectual copyright for Riding the Rapids and all its materials.