Autism NI have a family support service currenly in operation in the Northern Trust.  

Autism Resource Officers (AROs) and Parent Liaison Officers (PLOs) offer a service which aims to; 

• Provide advice – to parents, professionals and people with Autism, through various means such as the Helpline, drop-in calls, visits, e-mail, telephone enquiries, training seminars, information packs and advice on the website.

• Provide information - directories of local services, new resource leaflets and booklets, and information on available statutory or voluntary support.

• Develop group activities - especially for family members, to reduce isolation. Co-ordinate and develop an effective Branch and Support Group network - across NI where parents and professionals can meet to offer mutual support and discuss aspects of Autism and its effects on family life. 

• Support parents/carers with training opportunities – to help parents understand their child’s Autism, to support people with Autism and their families, to provide help on areas where there is currently little, such as “coping with adolescence”, “Transition to adulthood”, social skills and sexual health.

The AROs and PLOs carry out the above activities to produce the below project outcomes:

• Reduced isolation in families
• Reduced parental stress
• Improved social and mental health
• Parents are more aware of services available
• More families take part in branch activities