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Our family Autism service have reached their 1000th referral.
In partnership with charity consortium Spring North we have been pioneering a project designed to provide comprehensive support to families and parents who have children diagnosed with autism and those going through the assessment process. The project, operating across East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, offers a wide range of vital services to address the specific needs of these families.
The project launched in August 2023 and in those 13 months of delivering support we have reached our 1000th referral to the service. Highlighting the essential need for strategies and practical support to help families work cohesively.
Michelle Dixon, Strategic Director of Operations at CANW said:
Family Feedback
I am an Autistic mum to two boys. My oldest son has a diagnosis, and my youngest child has recently been placed on the pathway.
I first attended the FAS open session in August 2023 to learn more about how the service could help my family and me. I was struggling to access any support. prior to registering with the Family Autism Service.
I regularly attend both the online and face to face sessions including the Autism awareness session and behaviour sessions. I find I am always learning something new each time I attend these sessions run by the team and also by listening to other parents sharing their experiences.
I gained good information from the nurse guest speaker talking about hospital passports, which will be used in the future.
The team are very supportive and welcoming. The sessions enable me to understand how I can best support my children and meet their needs as much as possible.
The knowledge and understanding I have gained from the sessions have been extremely valuable to ensure both my sons needs are met at home and school. My increased knowledge and understanding enables them to make the best progress they can and to feel as safe and happy as possible. I found the, back to school session very informative.
Overall, I am very happy with the service, and the variety of sessions and activities offered each month. As a family we have attend the sessions held at the sensory gym too.
The team offer lots of additional support when needed. They have helped me with PIP and DLA and other benefit advice. The team are very caring and prompt when responding. I always feel that I can ask for extra support and guidance when needed.
The support has made a difference for the wellbeing of my family, I feel I have a stronger support network, and I appreciate the opportunity to speak with other parents and share experiences.
Our contract with Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board has been extended until April 2025. Once the referral information is submitted parents will receive a monthly email with a booking link to select sessions of their interest. Our team have been delivering an average of 10-13 sessions per month. Support currently being offered monthly:
- Parent Support Group for sharing advice, information and signposting.
- 6 weeks autism course (Cygnet) for parents whose child received the diagnosis or Autism Awareness course for parents who are seeking a diagnosis.
- Workshops on different topics relevant to autism (these include practical strategies)
- Social Activities (for families, young people, siblings) with parent support.
- 1:1 support offered to parents identified with priority need.
These sessions have been a godsend for support and information. The sessions are friendly, and you feel like you are in a safe space with parents/carers who are feeling the same as yourself.
Parent
I came away from that session with a much better understanding of some of my son’s needs - it was so helpful.
Parent
Ideal for meeting like-minded autistic people. My daughter has barely left her room all summer yet managed to attend and take part in today’s activity; she loved it and wants to come back. Lovely to chat to other parents experiencing similar difficulties with their own children.
Parent
Really helpful to know I’m not the only one experiencing these things. Online sessions worked well for me as I work full time;
Parent
It was a very informative and interesting session. The time was convenient and was able to ask questions fine.
Parent
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