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Autism and Parents & Carers

How to Manage ~ A Parent's Perspective

 

Help and advice from parents and individuals with Autism throughout Northern Ireland.

 

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"Do I disclose my child has suspected ASD or has been diagnosed with ASD when applying for a place in a mainstream Nursery/ pre-school? Some parents can be anxious that a Nursery or Pre-school will refuse to admit their child because of the diagnosis. Often mainstream Nurseries/Pre-schools obtain extra funding for a disabled child so a diagnosis of ASD should not hinder your child being accepted into your choice of placement for your child. Furthermore if a school has reached its enrolment figure and is full there is a possibility of an extra placement being offered to a special needs child."

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Who Can Help You?

  • Self Help 

In the end, every family is unique and every person with Autism manifests the condition in a very individual way. So don’t run to the internet for answers, advice, directions and support right away. Instead read (about Autism generally) and listen as people tell their own experiences. But in the end, measure all of this against the person – the individual with Autism.  The intervention, the support and the services will be special to each individual.

The following services are just a guide to some of the contacts you might need. Access will, as always, depend upon resources!

  • Statutory

There are a range of statutory services which can support you as a perent/Carer.  For full details follow the link below

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  • Voluntary (Autism Specific)

Autism NI 
Advice and Information
Family Support (Branch Network, Helpline and Resources) 
Advocacy and Lobby 
Training

Web site www.autismni.org

For more Autism Specific Voluntary Sector Charities follow the link below

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  • Voluntary (General)

For information on General Voluntary Sector charities follow the link below

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  • Private

There are a developing number of private providers of assessment, diagnosis and services in Northern Ireland.

Please consult your Statutory Services (Health & Social Care Trust) before engaging with any private practitioner or provider as resulting reports and recommendations may be considered invalid unless commissioned by the Statutory Sector directly.

The Private route may appear an attractive way to overcome lengthy waiting lists but unless the work is approved by your local Health Trust the result could be costly and frustrating for families.

  • Parent/Carer Support Groups

For a list of our Branches and Parent Support Groups follow the link below

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