Welcome, you’re in the right place to find out more about AAPS.
Hi, I am Kertrina Gearing, founder of AAPS-UK CIC and mother to four amazing children, three of whom are autistic/ADHD life has been quite challenging, both in the past and in the present. But has taught me so much.
Enduring years of desperation whilst fighting for the support needed for my children, with little to no help forthcoming, took a toll on my mental well-being.
Initially, I only knew of one other family that was facing a similar situation. This left me feeling isolated and uncertain about where to seek assistance.
Over time, I gradually connected with a few more families who shared similar experiences, and we would reach out to each other seeking answers. To bridge the gap, I took the initiative to create a Facebook group that aimed to unite people in similar situations.
Initially, I expected a maximum of 50 members at its peak, but astonishingly, the group has now grown to encompass over 18.6K members.
As the group expanded, I repeatedly noticed that my feelings of isolation weren’t unique, and it was disheartening to see that others were also experiencing the same constant struggles for support. I had a strong desire to transform the group into something more substantial, a resource that could offer genuine assistance to parents. I envisioned a space where parents could find reliable support and a sense of community, without enduring the repeated let downs that had characterised my own experiences.
This, fueled by the need to spare any parent from the overwhelming feelings of isolation, and letdown that come from waiting desperately for help that never arrives, the concept for the Community Interest Company (CIC) was conceived. Joined by the Lovely Kelly-Anne Smith in 2023, the journey to becoming the not-for-profit organisation we are today began.
On seeing my desire to make a change to the support available to families like ours, I was kindly gifted a scholarship with Optimus coach academy, to train as a professional level coach. which I have since completed and am now working towards ICF accreditation.
As Autism & ADHD Parent Support UK CIC, continues to grow so do the services and support we are able to offer parents. Our aim is is that AAPS-UK CIC is and continues to be a hive or support, comfort, reassurance and empowerment to parents across the UK.
About AAPS
I want to create happy, supported families.
Our families deserve to get the support they need to thrive.
Our Mission Statement
Welcome to Autism & ADHD Parent Support UK CIC.
We are a not-for-profit organisation, founded and run by parents for parents.
We are a small CIC with huge goals!
Our goal is to support parents of autistic/ADHD children across the UK.
To bring support and resources to help parents feel less overwhelmed and isolated.
Because after all parents are at the heart of their child’s care day in and day out.
When we support parents we support the child too.
We have been supporting families via our Facebook community for many years but became a registered not-for-profit in February 2023.
It is our ultimate goal for AAPS-UK to become a place parents can turn to, safe in the knowledge we are here for them and that we genuinely care.
Our Services:
At Autism & ADHD Parent Support UK we work with parents/carers of Autistic/ADHD children both pre and post assessment.
Who We Are
Kertrina Gearing
Founder
Mother of Four
Kertrina Gearing is the founding Director of Autism & ADHD Parent Support UK CIC and a certified Life Coach. Kertrina uses her skills and expertise as a Life Coach to support parents within the CIC.
With over 22 years experience both personally and professionally, she is passionate about giving parents the care and support they need to help both them and their entire family thrive.
She has since launched her second business Kertrina Gearing Coaching, where she now Coaches and mentors other heart led female business owners. Helping them to gain clarity, direction and authentic success in their life and business.
Find me on FB – https://www.facebook.com/kertrina
Kertrina Gearing Coaching – https://www.facebook.com/KGearingCoaching
Autism & ADHD Parent Support UK CIC – https://www.facebook.com/groups/autismadhdparentsupportuk
Kelly-Anne Smith
Director
Mother of Four
Kelly-Anne Smith is a teacher and autism and parent support advisor who has over 20 years experience of SEN and autism (both professionally and personally). Through her business, SENsational Life: Supporting & Empowering Neurodiverse Families, she aims to provide fellow parents of autistic children with the tools, strategies, and knowledge so they can provide and secure their family with the support and services needed for an inclusive and happy life
Find me on FB – https://www.facebook.com/kellyanne.smith.90
https://www.facebook.com/SENsational.life.neurodiversity/
