Brigitte on youth prevention work

Brigitte saw how her daughter Lotte was overexcited coming out of school and felt that more was needed than what she could offer as a mother. She enlisted the mentor, who put her in touch with youth prevention work from Welzijn Lelystad. That made a marked difference in the lives of both Lotte and her parents. 'Sometimes, as a parent, you need someone to stand beside your child'

Concerns about overstimulation

Lotte suffered a lot from overstimulation and often felt unwell or became ill. 'For us as parents, these were signals that she might need help again, which we could not offer her,' Brigitte says. As an 8-year-old, Lotte was diagnosed with ASD (autism spectrum disorder, level 1). She had previously received personal counselling at primary school, but after the first year at Aeres, concerns returned.

Interviews with youth prevention worker

Through the mentor, the family came into contact with youth prevention worker Chantal. 'She was in weekly contact with Lotte in the beginning to discuss goals and steps. She kept us as parents informed and asked if we ran into anything else,' Brigitte says.

Less stress

Lotte looks back positively: 'Chantal helped me with all the things I was struggling with. I had less stress as a result, which soon made me feel better. I could just send an app whenever there was something. I'm happier and it's much cosier at home.'

Nice steps taken

Lotte and her parents look back on a successful journey. The intensive counselling has now ended, but the contact remains. 'Lotte knows that Chantal is always there for her and sometimes still seeks contact. We keep Chantal informed if necessary. Lotte has made progress and continues to learn about herself and the situations she finds herself in,' Brigitte says with satisfaction.

Sometimes, as a parent, you need someone to stand beside your child.

- Brigitte, mother