About

Established in 2020

Ascend is a  charity supporting autistic young people and those with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile.

We provide services improving the flexibility of educational settings and workplaces for autistic experience. We do this because we know that it is possible for autistic people to thrive in education and employment when appropriate support is in place.
 
Our team has a unique and in-depth understanding of autism and PDA gained through first-hand experience and we are dedicated to supporting young people to access the education they deserve and opportunities to develop in the job market.

Our aims fall in line with the new National Strategy for Autistic People:
– to improve understanding and acceptance of autism within society
– to improve young people’s access to education, and support positive transitions into adulthood
– to support more autistic people into employment

people

 

Martin worked for 5 years as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in a large comprehensive school before moving into special schools. For the last eight years he has been working in a specialist section of a school in South Yorkshire for students with autism. The area specialises in educating children and young people with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) and extremely challenging behaviour.  Martin has a strong track record of supporting young people with PDA to achieve their educational potential. 

 

Martin Halliday. MA Applied Linguistics.  BA Hons English. Qualified Teacher Status.  Post-Graduate Certificate (level 7) in Autism and Asperger Syndrome.   Post-Graduate Certificate (level 7) in Special and Inclusive Education (Outreach).  Post-Graduate Diploma (level 7) in Specific Learning Difficulties (dyslexia

Rebecca pursued her own autism diagnosis at 19 and since then has been a dedicated advocate for autistic children and adults across Sheffield.  She now works in a specialised autism school that delivers outstanding support for its PDA students and has close links with the PDA Society.  She has also facilitated a social group for autistic students, pioneered the first autism-friendly swimming lessons under Sheffield City Trust and provides training for various organisations across South Yorkshire on how to work with autistic people.

 

  • BA Geography (Hons)

  • MA European Governance and Politics

  • MA European Political and Administrative Studies

  • PGCert Autism and Asperger Syndrome (Distinction)

 

Donnet  has worked with adults and children who have a range of needs and has spent  much of her working life teaching autistic students. Donnet has had a range of roles during her teaching career from Teaching Assistant to Deputy Head. She has established early intervention for children awaiting diagnosis, working with parents, teachers and SENCOS to develop understanding and skills in autism. Donnet has also spent many years supporting pupils in mainstream settings leading an outreach team. Currently She is working as Assistant SENCO and the Lead of a unit for pupils with autism in a large mainstream school, supporting their wellbeing, inclusion and access to the curriculum. 

 

Donnet Morrison: BA hons English, PGCE FE (SEN)PGCE Secondary (English), Postgraduate Cert Autism, Intensive Interaction Coordinator, SCERTS Trained.