Autism Berkshire is launching a new course, EarlyBird Plus, for the parents and carers of autistic young people aged 4 to 9 and members of school staff who support their children.
The six-week course aims to help parents and professionals to understand more about autism and autistic children of primary school age and their behaviour, discussing strategies and sharing ideas about how to communicate with and support them.
Developed by the National Autistic Society with input from parents and autistic young people, the course seeks to promote a consistent approach across settings such as home and school, so parents and carers are encouraged to attend the sessions with an education professional who is working regularly with their child, if possible.
EarlyBird Plus is initially available to parents and carers who live in the East Berkshire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group area – the Bracknell Forest, Slough and Windsor & Maidenhead council areas – and whose children have an autism diagnosis or are on the NHS waiting list for a Berkshire CAMHS autism assessment.
The first course begins on Monday, November 9. Sessions will run from 10am to 11.30am on Mondays until December 14.
Anyone interested in taking part in this course, or one that will start in January 2021, should contact the new East Berkshire CCG area autism support contractor, GEMS4Health, by calling 01753 373244 or 0800 999 1342 or by email at gems.4health@nhs.net – GEMS’ staff will arrange a booking and pass on the details to Autism Berkshire, which is running the course on GEMS’ behalf.
If you have any questions about the content of the EarlyBird Plus course, please contact the Autism Berkshire family support team on 01189 594 594 (option 1) or email contact@autismberkshire.org.uk
- Please note that the EarlyBird Plus courses will be delivered online for the time being, due to the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing guidance.
