About Respect for All
Putting our clients first
At Respect for All we offer person centred counselling for autistic people, for learning disabled people, and for their families and carers, throughout the whole of Greater Manchester.
All our counsellors have personal and professional experience with our client group. We offer counselling in English and British Sign Language. We also have specialist counsellors: for example, some have expertise in play therapy.
We believe that each person is unique and has potential. We show our respect through taking the time and effort to communicate with clients at a pace and in a way that is both helpful and empowering.
Who Are Our Clients?
Learning Disabled Clients
A learning-disabled person has difficulties in understanding new or complex information, along with a reduced ability to cope independently, and has had these from a young age.
There are many other kinds of learning difficulties, for example “specific learning difficulties” such as dyslexia, or people with head injuries or recovering from a stroke. We are sorry our service does not include people with these kinds of difficulties. Please contact us if you are not sure whether you would be eligible for our service.
Learning disability and limited language do not prevent you from taking part in counselling, but some mainstream services have difficulty offering the flexibility and understanding needed.
Autistic Clients
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability or difference that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.
It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.
Asperger Syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger Syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis for Autism and/or Asperger Syndrome and so we do not require that you have a diagnosis. Please contact us if you are not sure whether you would be eligible for our service.
Families and Carers
We believe that a holistic approach is crucial when working with our clients, and families and carers are such an important part of autistic and learning disabled people's lives. We understand the many difficulties faced by carers and families. Some of our counsellors are carers themselves. We work with any difficulty a family member or carer may be experiencing, it does not necessarily need to be linked to the caring. Our service is also available for siblings.
For carers the most difficult part of accessing our service can be finding the time! We try to be as flexible as possible with regards to time and venue. We can also help to signpost to other agencies which may be of use to the carer.