Our son is autistic and has struggled with many aspects all of his life. He is now thirty-four years of age and only last year he received a full diagnostic assessment for his autism. I reached out to the Shropshire Autism Hub for guidance and support for myself around the concerns my husband and I have for him and his future. As ageing parents, we are finding it very difficult to continue the level of support that he's needed over the years, more latterly with his binge-drinking.
Nicky has been working very closely with our son and that she has gained his trust completely and has made some significant progress with him.
We honestly find Nicky exceptional. Her ability to communicate with and understand autism is a very, very rare asset and it's of huge value for a recovery worker to be equipped with such empathy and understanding of it in this field where addictions to alcohol, substance or drugs is particularly a result of the stresses of every day for autists. She is very, very committed and puts not just her energy but also her heart into helping others.
I am a Expert by Experience with the autism workstream of NHSE/I , Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Learning Disability and Autism workstream and Shropshire Council.
I chair a small network of carers in Shropshire with the remit of carers for adults with autism and/or mental health and/or substances issues.
Over many years, I have encountered many drug key workers and it is my opinion that she is one of the best I have ever met. She is particularly good around neurodiversity.
I have worked with Nicola in Community Alcohol and Substance Misuse Services over a period of time. She is dedicated and passionate about supporting people to deal with their past traumas and move their lives forward. She has lived experience of past trauma and has channelled this negative experience into a positive one to help and support people who have experienced sexual and emotional abuse themselves. She is an advocate for addressing inequalities and supporting recovery of people who need that guidance and support in recovering from their past traumas.
Nicola is so focused in everything she does and selflessly helps and supports people who are lost and need guidance and confidence to build the foundations of their lives back again.
