Autism Berkshire - Workshop Article Image

New advice course dates for parents and carers in Wokingham

Autism Berkshire is running two advice courses in Wokingham in the new year to support parents and carers looking after children with autism.

The first is a two-day Mental Health First Aid course, on Wednesday, January 25, and Thursday, January 26, at Wokingham Town Hall, in Market Place. The course runs both days from 9am to 5pm.

Many children and young people with autism spectrum conditions also face severe and complex mental health issues.

The aim of the course, led by a trainer from Mental Health First Aid England, is to equip parents and carers of eight to 18-year-olds living in the Borough of Wokingham with information and skills to support children with autism if they are struggling with anxiety, depression and other conditions.

Although free to participants, places on the course cost us more than £200 per person to provide, so they must be able to attend both days.

The second course is a workshop, also free of charge, offering advice on Supporting Teenagers with Autism, also at Wokingham Town Hall, on Thursday, February 16, from 9am to 1pm.

Led by Dr Liz Dawes, a clinical psychologist at the Centre for Autism at the University of Reading, it will focus on communication, social skills and mental health to support parents and carers of children aged 11+ with autism spectrum conditions (ASC).

It is suitable for parents and carers with children who were diagnosed with an ASC while at nursery or primary school and who now attend a mainstream secondary school.

Click here for more information about both courses and to register for places, or call 01189 594 594 or email admin@autismberkshire.org.uk

These courses are funded by the Berkshire West NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups Federation as part of the CAMHS Local Transformation Plan.

  • Pre-assessment workshops for parents and carers with children on the Berkshire CAMHS waiting list for an autism diagnostic assessment will be held in Wokingham on Tuesday, January 31; Monday, February 27; and Monday, March 27.