Joseph's story

Joseph* is a Year 8 student at London school. With ADHD and ASD, he often struggles to connect with peers and interpret the world around him. Daily, he faces challenges that include body shaming and other forms of bullying, making it difficult for him to form relationships with both his classmates and adults. Joseph doesn’t enjoy school overall, though there are a few lessons he likes. Most days, he feels a constant anxiety about being “picked on” and worries about how he might react when others are unkind. 

Initially, Joseph was reluctant to join the SOHK schools programme. However, his interest in PE led him to give it a try. When he started, his fitness was low, and he required regular breaks. Yet, over the course of four months, Joseph has shown improvement in both his physical fitness and his rugby skills. 

After a few weeks in the programme, Joseph began opening up about the daily torment he endures. The SOHK team worked with a trusted staff member to create a safe space for Joseph during break and lunchtimes, offering him a refuge from negative interactions. In one-on-one mentoring sessions, SOHK is helping Joseph build body confidence and teaching him ways to respond appropriately to others, using social stories as a tool. 

Given his high level of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) needs, SOHK has also focused on helping Joseph improve his relationship and teamwork skills during classroom sessions.  

Joseph has told the team that SOHK has had a significant impact on his school experience. He feels more confident and looks forward to sharing his weekly experiences with his mentor. He now feels better equipped to handle bullying and has a trusted adult he can approach when he feels unsafe or targeted.  

Joseph dreams of pursuing a career in engineering and understands that achieving this will require him to focus on improving in math. 

SOHK hopes to continue supporting Joseph on his journey toward self-confidence, resilience, and success.