Devon’s popular Autism and Us programme returns this autumn, with a combination of four-week courses and one-off workshops.
The Autism and Us programme offers support for families of children and young people who have an autism diagnosis, or who are waiting for one.
It is designed for parents or carers of primary and secondary school children in Devon. It gives families an opportunity to develop their understanding of autism and looks at practical solutions to managing and supporting children and young people’s needs. It also offers the opportunities for parents and carers to connect with other families.
The free four week ‘live online’ programme is run twice a term and is made up of four two-hour sessions. The first programme this autumn will start on 14 September, and the second on 31 October. This core programme provides an overview of autism, communications needs, understanding and supporting behaviour and sensory needs. A previous attendee said:
“I’m feeling less alone. I’ve already implemented small tips and it’s made such a difference. All I’ve ever wanted is to have a happy child, and this has already helped me achieve that even just in a few days since the course.”
Autism and Us also offers more in-depth one-off workshops on specific topics, and the schedule for the autumn is now available. Parents and carers can choose which two-hour sessions to join, and topics include:
- vulnerability and online safety
- autism and girls
- managing stress and anxiety
- sensory processing and integration
- pre- or non-verbal communication support strategies
- demand avoidance and pathological demand avoidance
- verbal communication support strategies
All the workshops are delivered by the Communication and Interaction Team at Devon County Council, and are part of the Devon SEND Local Offer. Since 2020, over 1,500 parents or carers attended one or more workshops. Julian Wooster, Interim Director of Children and Young People’s Futures, said:
“The Autism and Us programme is a successful example of targeted support for families of children and young people in Devon who have – or may have – autism. We know we need to do more, as we want neurodiverse children and young people to thrive and to be supported not only by their families but by local services and communities.”
Full details of the programme, including dates and how to book a free place, are available on the Communication and Interaction team page of the Devon SEND Local Offer.