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
- Health and Social Care Trusts
- Local Assessment and Diagnosis ASD Teams
- Early and Rapid Intervention Teams
- Social Work Teams - for carer assessment in order to access respite or residential care, and for advice about applying for Disability Living Allowance.
- Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry Behaviour Support Teams.
- Allied Health Professionals (AHP)
- Speech & Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy – for Sensory Issues.
- Social Security – for assessment for benefits or adaptations).
- Educational ASD Advisory Teams and Education Psychology - for Statementing
Voluntary (Autism specific)
Autism NI (PAPA)
Advice & Information
Family Support (Branch Network, Helpline and Resources)
Advocacy & Lobby
Training Including Social & Life Skills
Autism Initiatives
Supporting Living (Accommodation)
Floating Support (supporting people in their family home)
Tel: 02890 791875
Web: www.autisminitiatives.org
PEAT (Parents Education as Autism Therapists)
Tel: 02890 324882
Web: www.peatni.org
SPEAC (Special Provision for the education of Autistic Children)
Tel: 02890 921270
Web: www.speac-centre.org
CEAT (Centre for Early Autism Treatment)
Tel: 02890 659678
Web: www.ceatni.net
IMPACT TRUST (Centre for learning and development is committing to helping transform the lives of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders)
Tel: 02885 556880
Web: www.impacttrust.org
Voluntary (General)
Barnardos (Provides a pre-school ASD Specialist Service in Belfast)
Web: www.barnardos.ie
MENCAP (Regional advice & support i.e. Learning ASD and Disability.
Segal House nursery in Belfast
Tel: 02890 691351
Web: www.mencap.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) (Advice e.g. benefits services)
Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
SENAC (Educational Advice Independent)
Tel: 02890 795779
Web: www.senac.co.uk
DARS (Educational Advice, Education Authority)
Point of contact: BELB (Belfast Education and Library Board)
40 Academy Street, Belfast, BT1 2NQ
Tel: 02890 564030
Email: DARS.enquiry@belb.co.uk
Positive Futures/Challenge (Residential/Respite/Supported Living)
www.positivefutures.net
Praxis (Residential/Respite/Supported Living)
Web: www.praxiscaregroup.org.uk
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.
Intervention Therapies & Practice
Q. Which Intervention is best for my Jack?
A. If you have read about Autism and if you know Jack well then it is time to look at all the Interventions and assess what services are available.
Journeys: Journeys will be a useful starting point. Download Journeys here.
N.B. As Jack matures your intervention choices will have to adjust and change too so a general awareness of all strategies and interventions is advisable.
