Alex Duff
6 Oct 2026
Parenting an autistic school-age child, or waiting for your child’s NHS autism assessment? You don’t have to work everything out alone. Apply for your FREE place on this 6-week coaching programme
Better understand your child. Create a happier home life. Find your confidence—and your people.
Thanks to generous grant funding from SPAR convenience stores, NeuroHappiness is offering 12 free places on a six-week online coaching programme for anyone parenting an autistic child or awaiting their NHS autism assessment in Cornwall.
Together, the programme will explore practical ways to support your child’s needs, reduce stress at home, and connect with parents who understand.
At a glance
When: Tuesdays, 10am–12pm, from 3 November to 8 December 2026.
Where: Live online.
Cost: Completely free, thanks to SPAR convenience stores.
Group size: A small group of just 12 parents who live in Cornwall.
Who it’s for: Parents in Cornwall with autistic school-age children, including those awaiting an NHS autism assessment.
We’d especially love to hear from families on low incomes who might otherwise be unable to access coaching support, wherever they live in Cornwall.
To enquire about a place, email Vicky at neurohappiness@mail.com and tell us a little about your child, your circumstances, and what you hope to gain. Please also confirm that you can attend all six sessions.
A space to feel understood
Every child is unique, and every family’s journey is different. You may feel isolated, misunderstood or unsure where to turn. You may also have complicated feelings about your parenting journey, alongside the everyday pressures of supporting your child.
This is a welcoming space to learn, share, and ask questions. Our coaching recognises those experiences and supports you to move forward with greater understanding and confidence.
What you’ll explore
Through practical learning and shared discussion, the programme will help you:
Better understand your child’s autistic experience and individual needs.
Explore what their behaviour may be communicating.
Adapt your child’s environment to reduce their anxiety and stress.
Discover approaches to a calmer, happier home life.
Feel supported by other parents on a similar journey.
Our approach is neuro-affirmative: it values your child’s differences and focuses on how you can better understand, support, and advocate for their needs.
Meet your coach
The programme is led by Vicky Coxhead, founder of NeuroHappiness. Vicky is a qualified coach with an MSc in Psychology, a former member of Cornwall’s autism assessment unit and former Chair of Governors at Pencalenick specialist school near Truro. As a mum of four neurodivergent children, she brings lived experience alongside her professional knowledge.
What’s covered each week?
3 November — Understanding autism
Explore autism through a neuro-affirmative perspective, including identity, trust, autonomy, routines and what success means for your child.
10 November — Social communication
Consider language, distress behaviours, special interests, flow and stimming.
17 November — Social interaction
Build your understanding of masking, burnout, shutdowns and meltdowns.
24 November — Social understanding
Explore empathy, language and common myths about autism.
1 December — Sensory needs
Understand sensory experiences and explore practical ways to adapt the environment and support regulation.
8 December — Questions and reflection
Revisit the learning, discuss your experiences and ask any remaining questions.
Sessions are live and interactive, with group discussion, breakout activities and opportunities to ask questions. You’ll also receive a reflective workbook with key takeaways and space to consider what the learning means for your family.
Your commitment
This is a funded pilot programme, and your feedback will help shape future delivery.
Please apply only if you can attend all six sessions, take an active part and provide feedback. We ask you to make time for the programme and be willing to explore new approaches between sessions. Still interested? Please email Vicky at neurohappiness@mail.com with a little about your child, your circumstances, and what you hope to gain. Please also confirm that you can attend all six sessions.
We’d love to hear from you.
