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Empowering families to develop a greater understanding of autism
Offering support for families across East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen who are seeking a diagnosis or have an autistic child up to the age of 25.
What the project will offer:
A pioneering project in partnership with Spring North providing comprehensive support to families, parents and carers with children diagnosed with or being assessed for autism. We offer:
- Autism Awareness (pre-diagnosis)
- 6 weeks autism course (Cygnet) (post diagnosis)
- Parent Support Group
- Workshops
- Family Activities
- 1:1 support on a priority basis
- information of local services to meet the specific needs of each family.
Please note we do not offer 1:1 support or counselling for young people within our service. The sessions are offered in different formats for example face to face or online, at different times and days including evenings. We try to alternate the delivery regularly.
The project’s primary objective is to offer support to parents, carers and families who are navigating the challenges associated with having a child diagnosed with or suspected to have autism. Recognising the significance of early intervention, the project will focus on two key areas: widening knowledge and understanding of autism and sharing strategies to support caregivers.
The project will also address the difficulties that caregivers may encounter when dealing with behaviours that challenge. Strategies and practical support will be offered to help families overcome these to improve the overall well-being for themselves and the child.
The support the project will offer
Autism awareness
This is a presentation for parents and carers whose children are seeking a diagnosis to learn more about Autism. There will be an opportunity to ask questions.
Cygnet
A course for families who have a child with a diagnosis of autism (age 5-18). Two places are allocated per family for parents, carers, or other family members to attend. We run this course on behalf of Barnardos. It has been developed to give parents/ carers an opportunity to develop their understanding of autism and consider ways to support their child. It also provides the opportunity to meet and chat to other parents and hear about their experiences. This course is delivered online and in person in different locations.
For more information: Cygnet Programme
Parent support group
Let’s talk about Autism
An opportunity for parents to chat and share their experiences, difficulties with parenting and coping strategies with each other. Some of these sessions may have a focused topic or a speaker, but there will be time to discuss individual questions.
Workshops
A presentation on different topics relevant to autism to inform, signpost and suggest coping strategies. Parents are given an opportunity to talk and share their experiences, difficulties and strategies.
Family activity
Fun activities for families, young people or siblings with parent support in our local area. These are stand-alone activities which can be booked and happen mostly during half term holidays.
1:1 support
A pre-booked appointment is needed via email or phone.
How the referral process works:
- Professional/parent completes the initial referral stage by sharing their basic contact details.
- This information will get processed once a week and professionals will receive an acknowledgment email. Parents will receive an automated email asking them to submit an assessment (consisting of 5 questions) and their child’s information which must be completed within 14 days. If this information isn’t completed, you will receive an email explaining how to keep the referral open.
- Once this information is returned to us, we will send an email explaining our support offer, including a booking link to access our monthly support sessions. At the end of each month, we send a new session schedule for the next calendar month. It is the parent’s responsibility to book onto support sessions that are suitable for them.
How to book support sessions:
- Once you have completed the referral process you will receive an email at the end of each month with a booking link that displays sessions you can book on to for the coming calendar month.
- Open the booking link, choose a session relevant to you and reserve a place. You will receive a booking confirmation.
- If you are unable to come, please inform us by email.
For more information about this service email – Autism@canw.org.uk
Parent Referral
Referral formProfessional Referral
Referral formDownloads & Links
Downloadable Materials
External Links
