Support programmes for parents and carers
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Through the EarlyBird programme, parents and carers will ​learn more about autism and discover new ways to support their child, following a diagnosis.
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EarlyBird (under five years), EarlyBird Plus (ages four-nine), and Teen Life (ages 10 to 16) are support programmes for parents and carers, offering advice and guidance on strategies and approaches to working with young autistic children. The programmes work on understanding autism, building confidence to encourage interaction and communication, and understanding and supporting behaviour.
Early Bird (0-5)
The programme aims to support parents in the period between diagnosis and school placement, empowering and helping them facilitate their child's social communication and behaviour in their natural environment. It also helps parents to establish good practice in supporting their child at an early age.
"Whilst there is no magic wand, EarlyBird is the closest thing you could wish for." Parent
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It will help you understand your child's autism; get yourself into your child's world, make contact, and find ways to develop interaction and communication; and and develop understanding of your child’s behaviour and how to use structure to support them.
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The programme draws from well-established practice in the field of autism. The approaches used include:
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the National Autistic Society SPELL framework
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techniques from the TEACCH approach
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Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).
"The knowledge we have gained has given us more confidence to analyse problems and hopefully prevent them rather than lurching from one crisis to another." Parent
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We work with six families at a time. Two places are allocated to each family. The programme lasts for three months and combines group sessions with individual home visits, when video feedback is used to help parents apply what they've learnt.
Parents will have a weekly commitment of a two-and-a-half hour training session or home visit, and to ongoing work with their child at home.
Early Bird+ (4-9)
EarlyBird Plus is for parents whose child is between the ages of four and nine who has received a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder.
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EarlyBird Plus uses the established EarlyBird framework of increasing autism knowledge
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The programme aims to promote a consistent approach across setting e.g. home and school.
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We facilitate collaborative working to build the knowledge, understanding and confidence of both parents' and professionals' to work together to problem solve.
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We also help develop, track and monitor effective systems.
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"Having the opportunity to discuss things with both his parents and other school staff was invaluable." Professional
Teen Life
(10 - 16)
Programmes are run for up to six families at a time.
The Teen Life programme aims to empower parents and supporting professionals to understand more about how autism is experienced by autistic teenagers.
Topics covered
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understanding autism in teenagers,
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women and girls,
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self-esteem,
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spending time with other people,
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stress and anxiety,
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behaviour, puberty,
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independence skills,
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education strategies and
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planning for the future.
A Teen Life Programme Book will be provided for each family to accompany the programme.
"What a course! I would strongly recommend any parent with a teenage child on the autism spectrum attend this programme." Parent
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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.
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"We have really enjoyed attending the course as a couple and meeting other parents of autistic children. It is interesting to discuss experiences and also share advice with other parents. We have learned a great deal, which we feel will keep us understanding our son better. Attending the course has also helped me in a professional capacity." Parent