To most students, results day is the absolute turning point packed with both nervousness and hope. This is especially true for neurodivergent folks, who face even greater hurdles through this key transition period. Lotte, a 22-year-old from Peterborough, offers a powerful glimpse into what it’s like to go through this process. She last month finished her Level 3 course in creative media. Today, she’s excited to begin her marketing career.
Lotte’s path has not been without complications. Five years later – when she was sitting her own GCSEs, she succumbed to intense mental health challenges that eventually resulted in hospital care. Yet, she contrasted these challenges with productive changes created in her learning environment. After her recovery, Lotte was given additional support at school that allowed her to better chart her academic course.
This kind of support system has been incredibly meaningful to Lotte and her studies. To take charge of her own narrative, on results day she knew she had to go into school and pick up her results in person. She missed her friends and teachers and wanted them with her. From personal experience, I can say that this choice really emphasized the value of community when faced with uncertain times.
Lotte’s diligence was rewarded when she secured her place at sixth form on the day she received her results. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “Doing these exams is already a massive achievement.” This sentiment speaks to her own experience—she is still on the journey of figuring it all out—but is an encouragement to others who are experiencing similar struggles.
Lotte’s enthusiasm for the future combined with her ambitious dreams creates a contagious energy. She hopes to attend a university, find an apprenticeship program, or jump right into a career. She emphasizes the importance of self-care during this transitional phase, stating, “Find time to look after yourself and remember the results are personal to you.”
Today, Lotte urges fellow students on the spectrum not to measure their success against that of their classmates. “Try not to compare yourself with other people,” she noted. “Other people don’t know the struggles you’ve had.” Her son is neurodiverse, and as such, she understands what neurodivergent adults and children struggle with. This guidance is aimed primarily at crisis points, like examination results.
Lotte describes how being with her dog Tina helps her unwind and manage pre-performance anxiety. This unpretentious but powerful device is a poignant reminder of hope in seeking solace in friendship, even in our darkest days.
Beyond Lotte’s experience, what experts say students need is emotional validation. Stevie, an advocate for mental health awareness, stated, “Validate that, if they’re feeling angry, frustrated, upset, disappointed, all of those things are absolutely okay and fine to feel.” This validation can be incredibly important for students coping with anxiety and other feelings associated with their academic performance.
Stefano, another Young Advocate, urges students to rely on their support networks. “Go to your community – whether it be your family, your friends or your school,” he advised. He emphasized that academic results do not define an individual’s worth: “You’re so much more than some numbers on a piece of paper.”
The need for supporting young people as they transition to life after secondary education is more important than ever. A government spokesperson commented on this initiative: “We must ensure young people leave education ready for work and ready for life.” These statements represent a much deeper promise to serve each and every student in their pursuit of academic success.
Lotte’s journey is an inspiring success story and a testament to resilience, support, and determination in overcoming adversity. Her story is relatable to so many young people trying to find their way down a similar road.
Lotte has been making an exciting trek to a career in marketing. Along the way, she makes a compelling case for self-acceptance and understanding of one’s peers. Her message stands clear: no matter the outcome of exam results, each step taken is an achievement in itself.
