Autism Specific Information

General Information

Please click here for some top tips and information about the Coronavirus for families from the National Autistic Society.

30th March to 5th April 2020 is World Autism Awareness Week. 

The National Autistic Society provides a wealth of information and support for families and carers of children and young adults with a diagnosis of Autism through their website which can be found here.

You may also find this Autism Key Facts resource useful for more information about Autism.

"A Chance to Chat"
The NAS are also inviting parents/carers to "A Chance to Chat" with other people who have lived experience of Autism. Please click here for more information including dates, times and locations.

The Autism Show is an annual event organised in association with the NAS - well worth a visit for all professionals, parents and carers alike!

This years event is taking place at Birmingham NEC from 19th to 20th June 2020.

There is a programme of guest speakers with differing areas of expertise, as well as opportunities to listen to experiences and advice from adults on the spectrum.

There will be support services available for advice, and information about equipment and new resources that may be useful at home.
Please note: there is an entry fee for this event.

For more information, or to book tickets, click here. 

SENDIASS - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service

SENDIASS provides FREE impartial, confidential and accessible information, advice and support on matters relating to children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They support children and young people, parents and carers, and professionals, and work on a self-referral basis. 

For useful information and support, please refer to their service leaflet which can be found  here. Alternatively, you can visit their website: www.hwsendiass.co.uk or contact them directly on the following:

Tel: 01905 768153   
Email: sendiass@worcestershire.gov.uk  

They also share regular SEND updates and resources via  Facebook and  Twitter - please feel free to take a look.

Take a look at their COVID section - it has information on home learning, returning to school and managing children's anxieties during the current pandemic.

Families in Partnership
Families in Partnership (FiP) is a Parent Carer Forum which has been created by a group of parents and carers of disabled children who work with local authorities, education, health and other providers to make sure the services they plan and deliver meet the needs of disabled children and families. Follow the link for advice and information.

Want some ideas for a fun day out? Consider these . . .

Museum of Carpet Activities for Summer 2020
"This summer the Museum of Carpet invites you to the Stour Vale Mill for a day of free family fun. The Museum has two weaving sheds, and four galleries decked out with modern interactives, stunning photographs and immersive videos. You can try your hand at designing, weaving or exploring Kidderminster’s history, virtually, on our clever interactives. Children of all ages are welcome to take on our museum trail, hunting Walter the Weaver around the galleries, before taking the fun home with them, with one of the museum’s new activity packs available in our gift shop. Throughout July and August 2020 the museum is offering free entry to all visitors, as a thank you for all their kind donations on crowdfunding. Secure tickets in advance on our new online booking system at www.museumofcarpet.org/book-here-2/. The vibrant textiles on display and charismatic volunteers, leading live demonstrations, are sure to excite and engage both, big kids at heart and little ones." Follow this link for more information.

Worcester Snoezelen - Specialists in Sensory Happiness

"Worcester Snoezelen offers multi sensory leisure therapy opportunities to people of all ages who have disabilities and additional needs."

Worcester Snoezelen host play sessions which offer a safe and comfortable environment for children with disabilities/additional needs and their families to experience, learn and enjoy through sensory rooms, a hydro pool, activities and soft play.

Boing Zone - trampoline park that offers sessions specific to children with special educational needs every Sunday from 6.00pm until 7.00pm.

Are you in need of some advice and support?

What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful is a "special needs support network that provides a support service for families with special needs." 

Worcestershire Parent & Carers' Community - is a local charity which supports families across the county who have a child with a disability or additional need. They run monthly activities for families and also offer a 14+ project, designed to give 14 to 19 year olds with additional needs more freedom. 

HANSEL & GRETEL SUPPORT GROUP
Hansel & Gretel are a registered charity who provide mutual support and friendship to disabled and special-needs children and their families in the Wyre Forest area. For a list of events and more information please click here, call 07525 668608 or visit www.hanselgretel.org.uk.

For those with sensory difficulties, please click here for useful tips on hand washing.