Riding the Rapids is a 10 session group-based intervention for parents and carers of Autistic children and young people, children and young people with significant Learning Disabilities, and those on the pathway for Autism assessment.
With well-being at its centre, Riding the Rapids supports parents and carers to understand and reduce their child’s stress, distress, anxiety related behaviour, or other behaviours of concern. The programme uses a structured, neuro-affirmative approach. It increases parents’ confidence and coping, and supports families to thrive. The intervention includes
understanding distress and distress-related behaviours, and other behaviours of concern, in the context of neurodiversity and children’s lived experience;
making environmental changes to support children’s emotional well-being and regulation
understanding sensory differences and using sensory strategies to support children’s wellbeing
using tailored communication approaches
strengthening parent-child teamwork and relationships
co-regulation in times of increased distress or crisis
supporting parents self-care and promoting parental coping and wellbeing
Benefits
Built by Specialists in Neurodiversity – Practitioners, Parents and Young People
Riding the Rapids has been developed by highly specialist NHS clinicians (Consultant Clinical Psychologists, Learning disability Nurses, Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists) embedded in Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust CAMHS Autism and Learning Disability Services. Neurodivergent young people and their parents are central in shaping Riding the Rapids and co-creating resources.
Rooted in research, evidence-based and Neuro-affirmative practice
Riding the Rapids is evidence based, and adheres to NICE Guidance and neuro-affirmative principles. All courses monitor outcomes and gather ongoing feedback from parents and carers.
Different Programmes for Different Ages and Stages
There are three Riding the Rapids courses, tailored to ages and stages: one for parents of children aged 3-4, one for primary aged children; and one for parents of young people attending secondary school, up to the end of High School Year 11.
Within the programmes, activities are further tailored to meet the needs of young people with or without significant learning disabilities.
Well Established
Thousands of parents have now attended Riding the Rapids in the UK, with over 500 practitioners trained to deliver the programme.
Helpful Resources
Riding the Rapids has a range of supporting materials for parents and carers: an app, videos, and handouts in different languages.
Testimonials from Parents and Carers attending Riding the Rapids
“The Riding the Rapids group was extremely supportive - a place where no judgements are made, where I can speak what I am feeling and ask for advice and support in an environment that is comfortable. Everyone is welcome with positivity and it’s a place where we can share our experiences. Riding the Rapids teaches us many things on a daily basis with excellent conversations, role plays and videos.”
“It became very apparent, quite early on that all the parents were just like me and I wasn’t alone. We obviously had so many similarities and battles we all face on a daily basis and it was so refreshing to actually talk to people who understood. We are now on week 7 and I have learned a lot about myself and my children.... coping strategies, my children’s sensory profiles and also my own. All of the things I have learned I have put into practice at home.”
Where can you find RTR in your area?
Greater Manchester ICB has funded ongoing training for all of the ten localities so that they can run Riding the Rapids groups in your area. Across this website you should be able to find your local groups under the ‘Behaviour’ section for children and young people in your locality.
