Three day autism course planned

7:58am Thursday 28th February 2008

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The National Autistic Society (NAS), the UK's leading charity for people with autism, their families and carers, is running a free three-day programme, in Penwortham, Preston.

help! is a unique and free support programme for parents and carers of young children who have been diagnosed with autism, including Asperger Syndrome, in the last 18 months.

Parents of children with an earlier diagnosis can also apply.

The programme gives an introduction to autism and looks at positive ways to address the difficult issues that families can face, from every-day communication, social interaction and behavioural problems, to information on education legislation, benefits, rights and local support services.

Andrew Powell, NAS Support Programmes coordinator said: "Autism can be a serious and disabling condition and is much more common than most people think.

"However the right support at the right time can make an enormous difference to peoples' lives.

"help! reaches families at a crucial time to aid them in understanding autism and how to support their child.

"After receiving a diagnosis, parents and carers can feel very alone and the NAS help! programme exists to provide useful information, support and advice."

The programme is delivered across three sessions, and these particular sessions are aimed at parents and carers whose children are aged from 5-11 years old.

They will take place on the following dates at Saint Mary's Church Hall, Cop Lane, Penwortham, on March 5, 7 and 14.

The programme sessions will cover the following:

• Understanding autistic spectrum disorders and your child's diagnosis
• Educational legislation plus practical strategies
• Communication and social interaction
• Legislation and rights, partnerships and support networks Parents and carers must book a place before attending.

For more information or to book a place contact Clare Naylor at the North West help! team, Anglo House, Chapel Road, Northenden, Manchester M22 4JN or telephone: 0161 946 1193 Alternatively email clare.naylor@nas.org.uk for details.