Support for parents or carers (resident within the Devon County Council area) of primary or secondary aged children (5-16) who are either on the neurodiversity assessment waiting list, or who have received a diagnosis of autism.
Attending the Autism and Us parent programme helps you develop your understanding of autism and look at practical solutions to managing and supporting your child’s presenting needs, whilst also connecting with other parents and carers.
Autism and Us programme
The Autism and Us programme covers four key topics or themes:
- Autism overview
- Sensory
- Communication
- Understanding and supporting behaviour
Eligibility
Access to the programme will be offered to parents and carers of children and young people who are currently on the neurodiversity assessment pathway, as well as to families of those who have received an autism diagnosis.
They will be delivered each term of the academic year, by members of the SEND Communication & Interaction Team at Devon County Council.
Programme dates
Autism and Us sessions will be delivered throughout the academic year, by members of the Inclusion and Learning Service at Devon County Council.
The next session will be a one-day programme covering the four core modules that make up the programme, and is due to be held in the Spring term – date to be confirmed soon.
Find out more or book a place
Apply direct by email to educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk to secure a place on the programme, or to express your interest for forthcoming programmes.
We’ll confirm your booking request and provide you with a direct link to the event. They will be delivered online ‘live’ via the Microsoft Teams platform.
Information for schools
If you are a school interested in supporting families of autistic children or those on the neurodiversity pathway, we’d love to hear from you.
Hosting an Autism and Us session is a simple and meaningful way to help parents and carers feel connected and supported. Schools have found that offering a space to stream our live virtual sessions – perhaps with a few chairs, a screen, and some refreshments – can make a big difference.
It’s a great opportunity to:
- Create a welcoming environment for families
- Strengthen relationships between school and home
- Reduce barriers to accessing support
- Encourage peer connection and shared learning
As a member of school staff it been a pleasure to facilitate these sessions at our primary school.
Primary School – SENCo
It has given parents a platform to connect, share experiences and learn together.
It made me feel like I wasn’t alone. I don’t think I would have done it online at home but coming in for the sessions was supportive and informative and I met other parents going through the same thing.
Primary School – Parent
If your school would like to host a session, please email educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk. We will confirm your interest, provide the session link, and work with you to gather attendee details for registration and follow-up materials.