Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead
Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead
Education and Training – Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead
Aspiring Psychologist – SEN School Experience
Are you passionate about autism, communication development, behaviour, and child psychology?
Are you looking to gain hands-on experience supporting autistic children and young people before pursuing a career in psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counselling, educational psychology, or mental health services?
We are recruiting Autism Support Assistants for specialist SEN schools in Maidenhead, supporting autistic pupils, including non-verbal students and children with complex communication and sensory needs.
This role offers exceptional frontline experience for graduates and aspiring professionals who want to build a long-term career supporting children with additional needs.
Many pupils within these specialist settings require consistent emotional support, structured routines, sensory regulation, and alternative communication approaches to help them engage safely and confidently in education.
Your role will be to provide calm, nurturing, and consistent support throughout the school day, helping students develop communication, independence, emotional regulation, and confidence.
September 2026 Start
Monday to Friday – Term Time Only
Pay: £108 per day
The schools are well connected by public transport, with parking available nearby.
Why This Role Is Ideal for an Aspiring Psychologist
Working as an Autism Support Assistant provides invaluable practical experience for anyone interested in:
1. Clinical Psychology
2. Educational Psychology
3. Speech and Language Therapy
4. Occupational Therapy
5. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
6. Behaviour Therapy
7. SEN and Specialist Education
8. Autism and Neurodevelopmental Support
You will gain direct experience supporting:
9. Autistic children and young people
10. Non-verbal pupils
11. Children with sensory processing differences
12. Pupils with communication difficulties
13. Students requiring structured routines and emotional regulation support
14. Children with SEMH and behavioural needs linked to communication frustration
You will also develop practical understanding of:
15. Autism-friendly communication strategies
16. Emotional regulation and co-regulation
17. Behaviour as communication
18. Sensory support approaches
19. Visual schedules and structured learning
20. Relationship-based support
21. Positive behaviour support strategies
22. De-escalation techniques
23. Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC)
Most importantly, you will see first-hand how consistent adult support and positive relationships can significantly improve a child’s confidence, wellbeing, communication, and ability to engage in learning.
Your Core Purpose
Your role is to:
24. Help pupils feel safe, understood, and supported
25. Support communication and emotional regulation
26. Build trust and positive relationships
27. Encourage independence and engagement
28. Create a calm and predictable learning environment
29. Raise Attainment!
30. Help students develop confidence in both learning and social situations
By providing patient and consistent support, you will help children understand that their communication differences and challenges do not define their potential.
What You Will Be Doing
31. Supporting autistic pupils on a 1:1 or small-group basis
32. Working with non-verbal students using visual and communication-based approaches
33. Supporting emotional regulation and sensory needs
34. Helping pupils engage in lessons and classroom activities
35. Encouraging routine, structure, and independence
36. Using calm and consistent behaviour support strategies
37. Supporting transitions throughout the school day
38. Working alongside teachers, therapists, SENCOs, and pastoral teams
39. Acting as a positive role model for communication, patience, and resilience
We Would Love to Hear From You If You Have:
40. A strong interest in psychology, autism, mental health, or child development
41. Experience in care, youth work, mentoring, SEN support, coaching, or community services
42. A calm, patient, and empathetic personality
43. Emotional resilience and strong communication skills
44. The ability to build positive relationships with vulnerable children and young people
45. A genuine passion for helping children achieve their full potential
You do not need previous school experience. Your attitude, empathy, consistency, and willingness to learn are what matter most.
Full training and ongoing support will be provided as part of your onboarding and professional development.
Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead
Education and Training – Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead