Family Support
The challenge for many parents post diagnosis is often finding out what
relevant services there are locally, what resources have been useful to
other parents, who the local professionals are and what they do and how
to access further information or services. That’s why many parents
contact Autism NI and that's why they also ask about local groups they can
join. In Autism NI we have a number of different types of groups for parent
support. To find out more about your nearest group see the section on Branches
Parent Support Groups
Parent Support Groups have regular meetings, exchange information and experiences, organise occasional social outings and as part of Autism NI network are kept informed of developments in the world of Autism. They often have representatives who get involved in the campaigning and lobbying side of our work.
Branches
Autism NI Branches are more structured with an annual AGM, Bank Accounts and Branch Committee. Branches also are engaged in Fundraising and Lobbying Activities, Awareness Raising, Education and Information, Parent Support, Links with Professionals, and many parent representatives attend Forums, Working Groups and Steering Groups in their local region.
Partnership Groups
A number of parent support groups, or parent action groups, have formed independently of the Autism NI network and have recognised the importance of working in partnership with the charity. They have signed up to the ethos and mission statement of the organisation and now have links to Autism NI’s developments, innovations, information and political lobby.
Autism NI operates a Helpline Service through the Central Office. Parents and professionals use this service to seek information on a wide range of issues related to Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
The Helpline operates Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.00am-1.00pm. It is staffed by a member of the Development Team during this time. When a parent or professional rings outside these hours they can leave a message on the answering service.
SHSSB/SHSCT Parent Liaison Worker
Autism NI operates a signposting service for families in the SHSSB area. This is a limited service that operates from 7.00-9.00pm Monday – Friday and is staffed by a parent of a child with Autism. Links with local statutory and voluntary services and information sources is provided and is a useful service for families who have had a recent diagnosis and are unsure of their next steps. Contact Number: 02838 340689
WHSSB/WHSCT Parent Liaison Worker
A similar scheme is currently being set up to cover all of the WH&SC Trust Area. A Parent Liaison has been appointed and can be contacted on 07515576293.
Email Enquiries
Enquiries can be made to the Development Team via info@autismni.org
Appointments
Parents and professionals can ring the Development Team at Central Office, (028) 9040 1729 to arrange a meeting and get advice. This is also an opportunity to check out the resources that are available in our bookstore and resource centre.
Post
Enquiries can also be made via letter to the Development Team via the Central
Office address.
Autism NI (PAPA)
Donard
Knockbracken Healthcare Park
Saintfield Road
Belfast
BT8 8BH
Volunteers
Main contacts within Branches also operate as volunteer Parent Mentors
and can signpost parents to sources of support and services locally.
