by Rebecca Christian, BSc Hons Occupational Therapy student (second from left, with staff from Amaze)

My time at Amaze, a charity that gives information, advice and support to families with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex, has been a rich and eye-opening journey.  This diverse placement allowed me to engage with young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and their families, offering insights I never expected but am incredibly grateful for.

Two of the key learning outcomes I took from this experience were:

  1. Not to ask too many questions – it can be overstimulating and daunting for young people.
  2. Never assume – assumptions can hinder understanding and reduce engagement in occupations.

Learning Through Connection

Throughout the weeks, I had the privilege of connecting with many inspiring young people.  I discovered new games, music, films, and hobbies through their interests. The groups were welcoming, engaging, and eager to share their world with me.

I also learnt a lot about myself.  I enjoy talking, perhaps a little too much at times.  What I thought was a strength turned into a moment of self-awareness when I realised my chatter could unintentionally overwhelm someone, especially someone dealing with anxiety or sensory sensitivities.

Some young people were highly articulate and conversational, which sometimes made me forget they had educational or disability needs.  But then subtle moments would bring me back, like realising that the questions in a card game were difficult to comprehend or seemingly simple prompts like “Name a UK city” could be more difficult than expected.  These experiences reminded me of the importance of pausing and adapting.

Family, Friends, and the Bigger Picture

One of the most emotive parts of my placement was attending a parent support group. Hearing parents speak about the daily challenges they faced navigating the school system or fighting for healthcare services was incredibly powerful.  It broadened my understanding that occupational therapists need to support not just the young person but their family and friends as well and had a duty to educate wider support networks as well.

Reflections on Isolation

Working from home at times during the placement, made me reflect on the isolation some young people may feel, particularly those who are home-schooled or housebound.  Without structure, routine, or even a change of environment, daily life can feel monotonous and lonely.  This deeper understanding helped me empathise with those who depend on others to access the outside world.

Environments and Opportunity

Visiting different youth group locations gave me valuable insight into how environment shapes opportunity.  Some settings had limited accessible space, and resources which could impact on choices of occupations and occupational participation, potentially causing occupational injustice.  In contrast, other settings offered greater opportunities with spacious layouts, quiet sensory rooms, and versatile activity spaces.  This contrast made me think about how crucial it is for environments to be inclusive and enabling.

Access, Funding, and Occupational Deprivation

Issues such as transportation and funding were recurring themes for widening experiences, providing outdoor opportunities and organising holiday activities further afield.  These barriers don’t just impact the logistics of accessing services, they also result in occupational deprivation, preventing people from engaging in meaningful and fulfilling activities.  It’s not just a SEND issue; this affects many people in our communities.

Supporting Transitions

I saw the positive impact of Amaze’s services at places like the Careers Hub, which provided quiet, accessible spaces for young people to get employment or education support.  Providing sensory items, refreshments, and one-to-one sessions created an inclusive atmosphere, but it also made me reflect on what happens when young people age out of these services.  Under the CanMop model of participation, we consider relationships and purpose through time.  I began to wonder: where do these young people go once, they no longer qualify for youth services?  The potential for occupational deprivation looms again, highlighting the need for sustainable, ongoing support into adulthood.

A Safe Place to Just ‘Be’

One reflection that stayed with me came from a supervision meeting where it was mentioned that the young people in one setting often arrived early and were reluctant to leave at the end of the session.  This speaks volumes about the importance of safe, welcoming spaces, not just for structured activity but for simply existing, socialising, or decompressing.

Currently, I’m not aware of any ad-hoc drop-in spaces that offer this level of comfort and accessibility.  This feels like a gap in the service and one worth exploring further. What would it look like to create such a space?  How would it be staffed?  What hours would it operate?  These are questions I’m still pondering.

Travel Training – One of My Projects

One of my key projects involved exploring travel training, specifically helping young people understand the steps involved in using buses and trains.  At first, it felt overwhelming, there were so many “what ifs.”  However, with guidance from the fantastic Amaze team, I began to understand how to create a presentation that was both engaging and informative.  I learned to consider key elements such as font choice, colour contrast between text and background, designs that had previously resonated with young people, and the importance of using accessible and appropriate language; especially when considering sensory challenges.

Travel, when manageable, can be both liberating and life changing.  I now appreciate the sensory overload people may experience daily and how something as routine as a bus ride can either provide opportunities or prevent them.

Final Thoughts

This placement has been a transformative experience it opened my eyes to the unseen barriers young people with SEND face, the power of supportive environments, and the importance of listening without assumption.  I’m grateful for the individuals I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learnt, and the opportunity to reflect deeply, not just as a professional, but as a human being.  Amaze has left a lasting impression on me, and I hope, in some small way, I’ve made a difference too.