Service categories: Information, advice and advocacy, Support groups, social programs and branches

Service URL: https://sendlocaloffer.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/6711/Overview

The Team deliver the NAS EarlyBird, EarlyBird Plus, and Teen Life support programmes for families with a child who has been diagnosed with Autism. The child needs to live or go to school in South Tyneside and be under 17 years old.

The programmes aim to work in partnership with parents to help them:

• understand their child's autism.
• structure interactions in which communication can develop.
• better understand and support their child's wellbeing needs.

There are three programmes, depending on the child's age:

• up to 6 years old - EarlyBird programme.
• between 4 and 10 years old - EarlyBird Plus programme.
• between 10 and 16 years old - Teen Life programme.

Programmes are delivered in 6 sessions, one per week, face-to-face at a named location in South Tyneside.

Sessions last around 2 and a half hours and include:

• discussions to share information and experiences.
• working through the programme handbook (you will get a handbook to use throughout the programme and to keep).
• sharing strategies and information relevant to autism via videos, PowerPoints and discussions.

We ask that families attend an information meeting in advance of applying for the programme, dates and venues of which can be found by contacting the team.

Aimed at: Adult , Parent or carer of under 18, Parent/carer of a child, Parent/carer of a young person, Parents or carers, families, adults

Referral Sources: Yourself

Specialisms: Autism, Autism and Neurodivergent

Other specialisms: Programme is delivered by Educational Psychologists, Portage and Preschool Workers, and Inclusion Officers within South Tyneside Council.