The Communication and Interaction (C and I) Team may identify a way of contributing to the support that schools and settings provide to parents and carers of a child or young person who has C and I needs. This may involve meeting with parents and carers on the school site and offering further advice in relation to particular C and I issues for their child.
In collaboration with schools and professionals from other disciplines, the C and I Team will also be involved in organising and delivering parent programmes such as Cygnet and Robins (in this case, specifically targeted towards families of children and young people with a diagnosis of autism).
Parent programmes will be delivered in collaboration with schools and settings and will offer indirect support to them in terms of improving parental confidence and fostering positive relationships.
The team are a school based service, therefore, any direct involvement with parents and carers will be carried out in consultation with the school or setting.
Autism and Us Programme (formerly known as Autism Awareness Parent Programme)
The programme is for parents and carers of Devon primary and secondary school children, pre or post diagnosis. Access is for families of Children and Young People (CYP) who are currently on the autism assessment pathway, in addition to families of CYP who have received an autism diagnosis.
Is this course for me?
During and after a diagnosis parents and carers can have many questions about autism and may feel isolated in managing their child’s needs. Children’s needs also change over time, and information and advice received when a child is younger may need to be updated to be relevant for the child and young person today. Attending the Autism and Us Programme gives parents and carers an opportunity to develop their understanding of autism and look at practical solutions to managing and supporting presenting needs.
Four weekly ‘live online’ sessions (approx. 2hrs each) related to the following topic themes:
| Topic | Programme 2 (1 – 3pm) | Programme 3 (10 – 12noon) | Programme 4 (9.30 – 11.30am) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autism Overview | |||
| Communication | |||
| Understanding and Supporting Behaviour | |||
| Sensory |
Once engaged in the programme we will maintain contact on a weekly basis to invite any questions you may have related to programme topics and signpost you to additional resources and themes to support your learning.
For parents and carers to choose from, based on the priority needs for their child and young person and desired knowledge and further understanding in these topic areas.
| Date | Time | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 3 pm | Autism – Girls | |
| 9.30 – 11.30 am | Autism – Communication (pre/non verbal – support strategies) | |
| 12.30 – 2.30 pm | Autism – Communication (verbal – support strategies) | |
| 9.30 – 11.30 am | Autism – Managing Stress and Anxiety | |
| 9.30 – 11.30 am | Autism – Demand Avoidance and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) | |
| 9.30 – 11.30 am | Autism – Vulnerability and Online Safety | |
| 9.30 – 11.30 am | Autism – Sensory Processing and Integration |
To apply for these sessions email: educationlearnersupport@devon.gov.uk