EarlyBird
The National Autistic Society (NAS) EarlyBird programme is for families of a pre-school child with a diagnosis of autism. Two parents or carers from each family may attend the three month programme.
The EarlyBird programme works with between four and six families at a time and encourages parents to share ideas and experiences whilst problem solving together.
The programme lasts for three months and involves parents in a weekly commitment to a two and a half hour group training session or a home visit, and to ongoing work with their child at home. The home visits will involve video feedback and discussion.
The group training sessions takes place at various venues across BCP.
They will focus on three main areas:
- Understanding autism
- Developing interactions and communication with your child with autism
- Managing behaviour
The programme is provided free of charge.
EarlyBird Plus
The EarlyBird Plus programme is a ten week training course for the parents/carers of children aged 4-8 who have a diagnosis of autism. Like EarlyBird, the programme aims to help you to:
- Understand your child’s autism
- Improve communication with your child
- Develop strategies to pre-empt problem behaviours and/or manage those which do occur
The programme is provided free of charge and will run during term time. There will be 10 sessions in total, which will incorporate at least one home visit.
Teen Life
Teen Life is our six-session programme for parents/carers of autistic young people aged 10 to 16 years. The aim of the Teen Life programme is to bring parents together to share information, experiences and ideas in a structured way. Teen Life emphasises the importance of autistic perspectives, with a variety of videos and quotes used throughout the sessions.
Parents can choose to attend the programme with a supporting professional. Our programme empowers parents to understand more about autism.
Topics covered include:
- understanding autism in teenagers
- self-esteem and spending time with other people
- stress and anxiety
- understanding your diagnosis
- puberty and independence
- education and planning for the future
You will need to be a resident of BCP and your child will need to have a diagnosis of autism to attend any of the courses.
For more information, please visit the NAS website: National Autistic Society – EarlyBird link
Contact:
Jackie Horne (Administration Co-ordinator) at Linwood Campus on 01202 525107 (ext 213) or email: jackiehorne@linwood.bournemouth.sch.uk