Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant
Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire
Start Date: 7th September 2026
Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday – Term Time Only
Pay: £108 per day
Sector: Education and Training – SEN Support

Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead
Education and Training – SEN Support – Career Development Opportunity

Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead – Education and Training

Are you passionate about autism, communication development, and child psychology? Looking for hands-on experience before pursuing a career in clinical or educational psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, CAMHS, or behaviour analysis?

We are recruiting compassionate Autism Support Assistants for specialist SEN schools across Maidenhead. These schools support autistic children and young people, including non-verbal pupils and those with complex communication, sensory, and SEMH needs. Many students require structured routines, emotional regulation support, and alternative communication approaches to engage safely and confidently in education.

This role is ideal for graduates and aspiring professionals who want to build a long-term career supporting children with additional needs.

Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead – Education and Training - Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead

Why This Role Is Ideal for an Aspiring Psychologist

You will gain invaluable frontline experience directly relevant to:

• Clinical Psychology – neurodevelopment, trauma-informed care, therapeutic engagement
• Educational Psychology – adaptive environments and inclusive practice
• Speech & Language Therapy – AAC, communication profiling, language development
• Occupational Therapy – sensory integration, motor skills, daily living support
• CAMHS & Mental Health – emotional wellbeing and early intervention
• Behaviour Analysis – functional approaches and positive behaviour support
• SEN Education – EHCP delivery and specialist teaching strategies

Through daily practice, you will develop expertise in:

• Autism-friendly communication and rapport-building
• Emotional regulation and co-regulation techniques
• Behaviour as communication – interpreting unmet needs
• Sensory support, visual schedules, and structured teaching
• De-escalation, positive behaviour support, and AAC (PECS, Makaton, devices)

Most importantly, you will see first-hand how consistent, empathetic support can transform a child's confidence, wellbeing, and ability to learn.

Your Core Purpose

Your role is to help pupils feel safe, understood, and supported throughout the school day. You will:

• Build trust and positive relationships with vulnerable children
• Support communication, emotional regulation, and independence
• Create a calm, predictable learning environment
• Raise attainment by building confidence in academic and social settings
• Help children understand that their communication differences do not define their potential

What You Will Be Doing

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to autistic pupils
• Working with non-verbal students using visual, sensory, and AAC approaches
• Supporting emotional regulation and sensory needs with tailored strategies
• Helping pupils access lessons and classroom activities
• Encouraging routine, structure, and independence
• Using calm, consistent behaviour support and de-escalation techniques
• Supporting smooth transitions throughout the school day
• Collaborating with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and pastoral teams
• Acting as a positive role model for patience, empathy, and resilience

We Would Love to Hear From You If You Have:

• A strong interest in psychology, autism, mental health, or child development
• Experience (paid or voluntary) in care, youth work, mentoring, SEN support, coaching, or community services
• A calm, patient, empathetic, and emotionally resilient personality
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with vulnerable young people
• A genuine passion for helping children achieve their full potential

You do not need previous school experience – your attitude, empathy, and willingness to learn are what matter most.

Full training, safeguarding, and ongoing professional development are provided, along with regular supervision and team support.

Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead – Education and Training - Aspiring Psychologist – Autism Support Assistant – Maidenhead

Practical Details

Schools are well connected by public transport in Maidenhead, with parking available nearby. The role is term-time only, offering a stable schedule. Pay is £108 per day, with weekly PAYE payments.

Ready to start your career in psychology and SEN support?

Whether you are a recent graduate or career changer, we want to hear from you.

Apply today – your impact starts 7th September 2026.