Autism Advisor For Families

Last updated: 20/02/2023

Autism Advisor for Families offers:

 Support for families and carers following a diagnosis of Autism by:

  • Listening to parents concerns and answering questions
  • Providing guidance and information for families
  • Sign posting to other services and voluntary organisations.
  • Managing and delivering training programmes for parents

Parent/Carer Autism Workshops:

For parents/carers of children with a new diagnosis of Autism in Early Years/Primary/Secondary

The workshops give parents and carers the opportunity to meet others whose child has recently received an Autism diagnosis. They can share concerns and know that they are not alone as well as learn new skills, which will empower parents to increase their confidence and knowledge.

 What are the aims of the Workshops?

  • To provide support following a diagnosis
  • To develop understanding of the nature of Autism
  • To address difficulties that may be encountered by parents/carers of individuals with Autism
  • To provide practical strategies to both help and prevent difficulties
  • To improve communication with your child

Who to contact

Contact Name
Kelly Evans
Contact Position
Autism Advisor for Families
Telephone
01635 503646
E-mail
Kelly.Evans1@westberks.gov.uk

Where to go

Name
West Berkshire Council
Address
Market Street
Newbury
Berkshire
Postcode
RG14 5LD

Time / Date Details

When is it on
Available all year round, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday during normal working hours
Time of day
Afternoon
Morning

Other Details

Availability

Age Ranges
Referral required
Yes
Referral Details

Other services or organisations may also make referrals following a discussion with the parent/carer and having received their permission.

Parents/Carers can self refer.

Inclusion Information

Dietary Needs

Has Provision
No

Local Offer

Description

Autism Advisor for Families offers support for families and carers post Autistic Spectrum Diagnosis by:

  • Listening to parents concerns and answering questions
  • Providing guidance and information for families
  • Sign posting to other services and voluntary organisations
  • Managing and delivering training programmes for parents

The workshops give parents the opportunity to meet other parents whose child has recently received an Autism diagnosis. They can share concerns and know that they are not alone as well as learn new skills, which will empower parents to increase their confidence and knowledge.

What are the aims of the Workshops?

·        To provide support with diagnosis

·        To develop understanding of the nature of Autism

·        To address difficulties that may be encountered by parents/carers of individuals with Autism

·        To provide practical strategies to both help and prevent difficulties

·        To improve communication with your child

Contact Name
Karen.Bartlett1@westberks.gov.uk
Contact Telephone
01635503646
Contact Email
Karen.Bartlett1@westberks.gov.uk
SEN Provision Type
Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Local Offer Age Bands
0 to 1
1 to 4
5 to 7
7 to 11
12 to 14
15 to 16
16 to 18
Needs Level
High
Medium
Low

General Provider

Is your service accessible? (consider in general terms how you make your service accessible, in addition to any specific premises issues)

Please feel free to contact us in advance to discuss any specific needs you have.

What are the eligibility criteria for your service? (please include any age restrictions, types of need catered for etc)

The child / young person has a diagnosis of Autism

Age range: 0 -18years

How are referrals/applications made to your service? (include details of who can refer/apply and referral and application process)

Referrals are made by:

  • Paediatricians after they have made a diagnosis
  • All other services / organisations may make referrals
  • Parents / Carers can self-refer
  • Referrals are accepted if the child/young person is within the age range of 0-18 yrs and has a diagnosis of Autism. There is no referral form for this service, evidence of a diagnosis can be provided to initiate a referral.
What is your service standard for responding to referrals/accessing services? (include timescales for responding to referrals and accessing services)

Once a new diagnosis is received an Autism Team information pack is posted out to the family that includes details of the Post Diagnosis Workshop and other Autism related courses.

Who provides / funds your service?
Local Authority
Are children, young people, parents / carers charged for your service?
No
Feedback and complaints procedure

Feedback can be given to the Autism Advisor for Families, Kelly Evans or to the Learning Support Services Manager, Karen Bartlett. Both at West Berkshire Council, Market Street, Newbury, Berkshire  RG14 5LD or Kelly.Evans1@westberks.gov.uk  West Berkshire's complaints procedure can be found at: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/article/40811/About-Making-a-Complaint 

How will I know my child will be safe using this service?

Staff are DBS checked and have regular training in Safeguarding

Quality checks

  • DBS check

West Berkshire Council do not promote or endorse any of the services listed in this Directory. For more information on this please read our disclaimer.

Back to top of page