AUTISM FAMILY PROJECT

UNDERSTANDING AUTISM AND SUPPORTING YOU & YOUR FAMILY

Our Autism Family Project, within our Carers Hub, supports parents & family carers, siblings, and the cared-for person with autism.

Looking after a child or family member with autism spectrum condition (ASC) can be rewarding but it can also be demanding and impact on family dynamics. Looking after someone with additional needs, even your own child, means you have a dual role as parent and ‘carer’. An autism diagnosis for your loved one can feel overwhelming and you and are likely to need additional support.

You may feel you need skills and confidence to cope with your child’s autistic behaviours, or have questions around education, coping with change and adolescence. Many parents may need help to tackle money worries or concerns about breakdown in family relationships. Adults and children may be looking for opportunities to socialise and form meaningful relationships.

Whatever your situation, our supports are tailored to your family’s unique set of circumstances – and we will be there for you as you transition through each stage of your autism journey.

WHAT IS ASC?

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a lifelong, neurodevelopmental condition. People with ASC have a different way of understanding other people and the world around them. ASC is characterised by challenges around…

  • Social communication, Social Interaction & Social Imagination
  • Highly repetitive behaviour
  • Restricted interests
  • Sensory processing
  • High levels of anxiety
  • Intellectual capability (ranging from learning disability to high IQ)

The term ‘spectrum’ describes the variance and severity of symptoms and the extent to which they affect daily functioning.

AUTISM HELPLINE

PROVIDING TELEPHONE AND FOLLOW-UP EMAIL SUPPORT

Our Autism Helpline provides telephone and follow-up email support to parents, family carers and professionals who support individuals of any age with autism spectrum condition (ASC).

During lockdown we understand that parents are experiencing heightened issues around managing autism. We have increased the availability of this service to be able to help as many families as possible.

Appointments will be on Mondays 7-8pm or Fridays 10-11am.

We can help you if you are a parent or family carer of someone of any age who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum condition (ASC) or a professional who is supporting those with autism. You may be a:

  • parent or family carer of a child aged 12 or below
  • parent or family carer of an adult, aged 18+, with autism.
  • parent or family carer of an adolescent aged 12 – 18 years
  • professional, for example, teachers, classroom assistants and support workers

Some issues that you might be experiencing with your child:

  • Biting
  • Change and routines
  • Walking safely
  • Understanding dangers
  • Social Isolation
  • Teaching social skills
  • Toileting issues
  • Sleep issues
  • Swearing
  • School refusal
  • Obsessive behaviour
  • Inappropriate behaviour towards others – parents, peers, pets etc.

We will also signposting to other appropriate services including education rights, welfare rights and advocacy services.

  • You’ll be offered a pre-arranged phone appointment with our experienced autism consultant.
  • Calls are 30-minute duration and will cover one issue per call, however, you are welcome to access the service as many times as you need.
  • Individualised Support – your session will allow you to discuss the issue as it relates to your own child and family circumstances. Any information, advice and support will be tailored to your situation.
  • After your call you will receive a follow-up email with a breakdown of the conversation and strategies discussed.
  • You will be able to take advantage of a limited number of email conversations following on from your call.

For more information or to book a Helpline appointment, please contact Ruth by emailing ruth@eastend-carers.co.uk or texting 07908 993 456

WHAT PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS SAY

“The Carers Hub is highly valued by the NHS and the families that we refer to them. I am so grateful to be able to signpost them to such a professional and caring organisation.”

Fiona Nicholson, SCPT Nurse, Child Development Centre

“I was feeling very isolated before finding the Carers Hub. Since I started attending, I have had amazing support and been able to make friends who are in a similar situation. A huge thank you for providing a safe space for adults and children.”

Toni Kaminski, Parent of child with autism

“I have seen first-hand the support that the Glasgow East End Community Carers’ Centre gives to families. This is an organisation that strives to know the people that use their service, so that they can offer additional support to parents where needed and create services that match their needs. This is not an organisation that stands still. They set a standard of care that is admirable and appreciated by the parents I have met. The Carers Hub has parents and carers of children with disabilities at its heart.”

Laura Alexander, Young Persons’ Commissioning Coordinator, Autism Resource Centre (ARC)

“Kilt walk is over! A couple of times I wanted to give up but I didn’t! There was no way I was giving up on a charity that never gives up on my family! I want to say a massive thank you for everything you’ve done.”

S. Green, Parent of son with autism

“The Carers Hub has been an invaluable support to my family following my daughter’s diagnosis. It continues to be a vital part of our support system. I have benefited from training, mentoring, fun family days and even activities for my daughter’s neuro-typical sibling. I’m so grateful for this service.”

Tanja Jensen, Parent of daughter with autism