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 Our Branches and Parent Support Groups

We have over the past three years developed in partnership with Trusts and key agencies a Family Support Service which operates out of three Trusts currently, WHSCT, NHSCT and SEHSCT. 

Autism NI’s Model of Family Support is grounded in community development principles.  The aim is to empower parents to be more effective in responding to their child/individual’s needs, in the first instance post-diagnosis, and on an ongoing basis.  Each of the above teams are based in a Health and Social Care Trust area and consists of one Autism Resource Officer (ARO), (usually a full time post) and two or three Parent Liaison Officers (PLO) (usually part time posts).

The ARO implements the Family Support Service in their Trust area by supporting and building confidence within families and communities.   The ARO works closely with and takes referrals from the Assessment and Diagnostic and relevant transition teams, links individuals with ASD and/or family members with relevant statutory and voluntary services, provides family members with ‘signposting’, knowledge, training, support and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals with ASD and in relation to Parents, of their children, families and communities. 

The model of referral is outlined below.

For more details of the service call Paula on 028 9040 1729