Touriya is a single mother to five children. Like many parents and carers with an autistic child, she didn’t know much about autism when her child was diagnosed.

Touriya also has struggled with physical disabilities and with her mental health. LDN London has helped her with emotional, practical and financial support. We help parents and carers, to improve the lives of children and the whole family.

Touriya’s Story:

My daughter was 10 when she was diagnosed as autistic.

She has a hidden disability. None of my family are autistic, so for me it was a new word. It took me time to accept it.

I first met LDN’s team and visited them in 2021. I went to workshops to understand the mental health of autistic people.

I learned about helping myself too. They gave me a lot of ideas, including how to be patient and not to get stressed.

I learned how to support my daughter when she’s stressed, giving her space, time and understanding her health.

Housing

For 20 years I was waiting to get a suitable home from the Council. I have five children, and our home had two bedrooms. It was so hard. My autistic daughter often asked me for more space so she could have a quiet place to draw and colour in.

It was overwhelming but LDN were there to support me. Speaking with them relieves the pressure. I find it hard to write letters and struggle with my spelling. LDN London helped me write to the Council and to fill in forms.

We moved to a new home two weeks ago and have an extra bedroom. It’s a bit of a relief. There aren’t beds for my kids, though, only mattresses. The team at LDN London helped me apply for a grant for beds, which we are waiting to hear about.

Financial support

I have depression and physical problems with my knees. It’s hard paying the bills and to save to have extra things. LDN helped me to buy uniform for my kids, and to get a grant to buy a laptop for my autistic daughter. Sometimes they referred me to the food bank when I needed extra help.

Now, I believe someone will help me. I know where to turn to for advice. More people should know about LDN: I tell others in the community, ‘These are the people to help you’.

LDN London’s Family Support Service help children with special educational needs and disabilities, and their families and carers. We give a range of support to parents, with the aim of improving life for the whole family.

Email ldnfamilies@ldnlondon.org if you have any questions or would like support from our team.