TAF Pack - Autism Together`s Children and Family Service

Children & Family Service
Wirral Autistic Society
TAF Pack
Team Around the Family
(Updated April 2015)
Steve Vasey - Children & Family Service Manager
Terry Lawton – Outreach Support Manager
Chloe Jones - Resource & Referral Co-ordinator
Please be aware that our service is an ‘opt in’ service and we encourage families to
contact us directly to arrange an initial meeting or to deal with any enquiries.
Rainbow Resource Centre
120 Chester Street
Birkenhead
Wirral
CH41 5DL
0151 666 9960
www.wasfamily.co.uk
[email protected]
Children & Family Support Services
All of our services are available to children that have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum
Condition, are going through the diagnostic process or have recognised social and
communication difficulties as their primary support need.
 Activity Clubs – aimed at young people aged 8-18 years old. Our activity clubs are
held in the Rainbow Resource Centre in Birkenhead and run over a number of
evenings and on a Saturday morning. Each club costs £3 per child.
 Chill n Chat – aimed at young people aged 11-18 years old, who would like to
have a chat and meet like-minded people. Our ‘Chill n Chat’ sessions cost £3 per
child. These sessions are held in the Rainbow Resource Centre in Birkenhead
and only take place during school holidays.
 Sibling Support – aimed at offering help and support to brothers and sisters. Our
Sibling Support sessions are based in the Rainbow Resource Centre in
Birkenhead. Sessions are £3 per child, aimed at 6 -11 year olds.
 Take Two Short Breaks – aimed at supporting families by offering a respite
service for a 2 hours a week for 6 weeks. This service can be delivered in the
family home or out in the community for young people aged 0 – 14 years old.
 Rainbow Groups – stay and play sessions supporting families of young children
who may have a diagnosis or are going through the process and require some
support or advice. Our Rainbow Groups run in a number of SureStart Children’s
Centres across the Wirral and are aimed at young children under 7; all sessions
are completely free and no need to book.
 Workshops – specific informative classes run by a member of the Children and
Family Service; they cover a wide variety of topics such as sexuality and autism,
an introduction to autism, behaviour and possible strategies etc. Parents will need
to contact a member of our team to find out more information about these
workshops and to book a place.
 Befriending Service – small individual groups of 14 – 18 year olds based on their
interests and likes. Aims at encouraging socialisation, independence and
confidence. Groups meet up twice a month and go on various trips out in the
community.
 Rainbow Resource Library – we stock a number of books and DVDs focussing on
autism and Asperger’s for parents, professionals and children. Please contact us
for a full list of books and DVDs available.
 Parenting Course – aimed at helping parents understand more about autism and
how they can best support their child. Our 7 week Parenting Course takes place in
the Rainbow Resource Centre. See attached poster for a breakdown of this
course and get in touch if you wish to attend.
Activity Club Procedures
Due to such popular demand for our Activity Clubs, we have structured them to
ensure that the sessions are kept safe, allow new children to join and enable our
staff to work closely with the children. Therefore we have a maximum number of
children that are allowed to attend each activity club, as listed below:
Monday Sensory Session (every other week) – maximum of 6 children
Monday Computer Club – maximum of 8 children
Monday Befriending Group (every other week) – maximum of 6 children
Tuesday Sibling Group – maximum of 8 children
Thursday Computer Club – maximum of 10 children per session
Saturday Activity Club – maximum of 10 children
In order for your child to attend any of our activity clubs, you will need to call the
office (0151 666 9960) and speak to a member of our team to book your child a
space. We will take bookings on a weekly basis, so you will need to call up each
week.
Please ensure when dropping your child off that you walk them in, introduce them to
staff and sign them in as attending.
The cost for children attending our Activity Clubs is £3 per child. If you have any
difficulties with this, please talk to us as we may be able to help.
When first attending an Activity Club, you will be asked to complete a Pen Picture
about your child; this will include emergency contact details and slips to be signed,
which must be completed before attendance at clubs.
If you have any questions regarding our Activity Clubs or to book a place,
please contact a member of our team on 0151 666 9960.
Monday Sensory Club
The Monday Sensory Club is for children with autism and Social Communication Difficulties
who would benefit from a quiet, relaxed, interactive and sensory focussed environment.
The Club takes place in our Rainbow Resource Centre in Birkenhead ever other Monday.
Children are supported by staff that have been trained in autism specific support strategies,
including TEACCH, PECS and SPELL.
Places are limited so to reserve a place or find out more information please contact the
Rainbow Resource Centre on 0151 666 9960 or email [email protected]
Time: 5:45 - 7:30pm - every other Monday starting, 20th April 2015
Where: Rainbow Resource Centre, 120 Chester Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5DL
Age Range: 8 - 18 year olds
Cost: £3 per child
If you would like any more information about these clubs or to book a place, please contact a
member of our team:
Tel: 0151 666 9960
Email: [email protected]
Address: Rainbow Resource Centre, 120 Chester Street, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 5DL
Monday Computer Club
The Monday Computer Club is for children with autism and Social Communication difficulties
who would benefit from a computer IT based environment where they can work and play
independently and as part of a group.
The Club takes place in the Rainbow Resource Centre in Birkenhead.
Children are supported by staff that have been trained in autism specific support strategies,
including TEACCH, PECS and SPELL. Throughout the session children are encouraged to
interact with staff and each other to share interests and develop inclusion.
Places are limited so to reserve a place or find out more information please contact the
Rainbow Resource Centre on 0151 666 9960 or email [email protected]
Time: 5:45 - 7:30pm - every other Monday starting 27th April 2015
Where: Rainbow Resource Centre, 120 Chester Street, Birkenhead CH41 5DL
Age range: 8 - 18 year olds
Cost: £3 per child
If you would like any more information about these clubs or to book a place, please contact a
member of our team:
Tel: 0151 666 9960
Email: [email protected]
Address: Rainbow Resource Centre, 120 Chester Street, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 5DL
Thursday Computer Club
The Thursday Computer Club is for children with autism and Social Communication difficulties
who would benefit from a computer IT based environment where they can work and play
independently and as part of a group.
The Club takes place in the Rainbow Resource Centre in Birkenhead.
Children are supported by staff that have been trained in autism specific support strategies,
including TEACCH, PECS and SPELL. Throughout the session children are encouraged to
interact with staff and each other to share interests and develop inclusion.
Places are limited so to reserve a place or find out more information please contact the
Rainbow Resource Centre on 0151 666 9960 or email [email protected]
There are 2 sessions available for the computer club on a Thursday evening:
Session 1: 5:15 - 7:00pm
Session 2: 7:15 - 9:00pm
Where: Rainbow Resource Centre, 120 Chester Street, Birkenhead CH41 5DL
Age range: 8 - 18 year olds
Cost: £3 per child
If you would like any more information about these clubs or to book a place, please contact a
member of our team:
Tel: 0151 666 9960
Email: [email protected]
Address: Rainbow Resource Centre, 120 Chester Street, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 5DL
Saturday Computer/Games
Club
The Saturday Club is for children with autism and Social Communication Difficulties who would
benefit from a more social environment where they can play together and meet new friends.
The Club takes place at the Rainbow Resource Centre in Birkenhead.
Children are supported by staff that have been trained in autism specific support strategies,
including TEACCH, PECS and SPELL. Throughout the session children are encouraged to
interact with staff and each other to share interests and develop inclusion.
Places are limited so to reserve a place or find out more information please contact the
Rainbow Resource Centre on 0151 666 9960 or email [email protected]
Time: 10:15am - 12noon
Where: The Rainbow Resource Centre, 120 Chester Street, Birkenhead CH41 5DL
Age range: 8 - 18 year olds
Cost: £3 per child
If you would like any more information about these clubs or to book a place, please contact a
member of our team:
Tel: 0151 666 9960
Email: [email protected]
Address: Rainbow Resource Centre, 120 Chester Street, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 5DL
Who?
Young people aged 11– 18years old with an ASC diagnosis
When?
Fridays - During school holidays only
Where?
Rainbow Resource Centre, 120 Chester Street, Birkenhead CH41
5DL
What Time? 1:00 - 3:00pm
Why?
A chance for young adults to meet other people with ASC, to make
friendships, share interests and have a chance to chill out and relax
Cost?
£3 per child
Booking is essential; please contact a
member of our team for further details:
Rainbow Resource Centre
120 Chester Street
Birkenhead
CH41 5DL
Tel: 0151 666 9960
Email: [email protected]
Monthly coffee morning for parents, carers, friends and family of someone
with ASD or in the process of diagnosis. A great chance to meet new people
and share advice, support and strategies.
A member of our team is always present for advice and to share information
about services and events. We meet up in the upstairs area of the café, so
come find us!
Where:
Caffe Nero, 44a Borough Pavement, Birkenhead CH41 2XX
When:
Last term-time Friday of every month
Time:
10:00am - 12noon
What to bring: Just a few of pounds to get yourself that well earned
coffee and a cake!
For more information please
contact a member of our team:
Tel: 0151 666 9960
Email: [email protected]
Address: Rainbow Resource
Centre, 120 Chester Street,
Birkenhead CH41 5DL
An interactive, fun session for siblings of children with ASD or
Social, Communication Difficulties.
A chance for the children to have some respite and have fun with
different games and meet other children in a similar situation!
During the session we have discussion and activities to help learn
more about autism and how to help & understand their sibling.
When:
Every Tuesday evening
Time:
4:30 - 6:00pm
Where:
Rainbow Resource Centre, 120 Chester Street,
Birkenhead CH41 5DL
Age Range:
6 - 11 year olds
Cost :
£3 per child
For more information or to book a place please contact a member of our team:
Rainbow Resource Centre, 120 Chester Street, Birkenhead CH41 5DL
Tel: 0151 666 9960
Email: [email protected]

Short term respite support for children aged 0 - 14 years old with ASC or
Social, Communication Difficulties.

Up to 2 hour sessions carried out in the family home or out in the community.

An opportunity for your child to engage in activities and socialise with an ASC
trained support worker.

A Family Support Worker is available for 2 hours between 9:30am - 9:30pm,
7 days a week.

£3 per session and all activity costs are to be covered by yourselves.

This service is individualised taking into account the needs of each family and
child. If you would like more information regarding accessing this service,
please get in touch.
For more information, please contact a member of our team:
Rainbow Resource Centre
120 Chester Street
Birkenhead, CH41 5DL
Tel: 0151 666 9960
Email : [email protected]
Monday
Seacombe Children’s Centre 1:30 - 3:00pm
St Paul's Road, Seacombe CH44 7AN
Tuesday
Pensby Children’s Centre 1:30 - 3:00pm
Pensby Park Primary School, Fishers Lane
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
CH61 8SD
Bromborough Children’s Centre 4:00 - 5:30pm
Gratrix Road, Bromborough, CH62 7BW
New Brighton Children’s Centre 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Mount Primary School, Mount Pleasant Road, Wallasey
CH45 5HU (term time only)
Brassey Garden’s Children’s Centre 10 -11:30am
2 Brassey Gardens, Birkenhead, CH41 8DA
Stay and play sessions for children under 8 years who have social communication
difficulties or a diagnosis of Autism.
For more information, please contact a member of our team:
Rainbow Resource Centre, 120 Chester Street, Birkenhead CH41 5DL
Tel: 0151 666 9960
Email: [email protected]
 Sessions aimed at young people aged 14 - 18 years old with ASC or
Social, Communication Difficulties.
 Groups are aimed at supporting young people in small groups to
develop their independence, confidence and friendships.
 Regular meet up sessions and monthly trips out in the local
community.
 Sessions cost £1.50 per child and all activity costs are to be covered by
yourselves.
For more information or to make a
referral, please contact a member of our
team:
Rainbow Resource Centre
120 Chester Street
Birkenhead
Wirral CH41 5DL
Tel: 0151 666 9960
Email: [email protected]
Our Library!
A wide selection of books and DVDS regarding ASC for parents, children and
professionals
We ask for a small donation towards our library for a whole month of borrowing
Let us know your recommendations!
Email Newsletter!
We send out a weekly Friday newsletter to over 2000 families and professionals.
The newsletter includes updates on all our services, what other
professionals are doing, useful information and we list all the autism friendly cinema
screenings!
If you would like to be added to our email
newsletter or to enquire about our library,
please contact a member of our team:
Tel: 0151 666 9960
Email: [email protected]
Address: Rainbow Resource Centre, 120
Chester Street, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 5DL
‘A 7 week course looking at some of the issues faced by parents/carers when
supporting a child on the autistic spectrum.’
Do you need mutual support or someone to talk to?
Do you need help in understanding autism/Asperger’s?
Do you need help regarding schools? Do you need to know what the professionals do and how to work with them?
What support is available to you?
Do you need an understanding of how the system fits together?
Courses are held either during term time mornings or evenings
All session start at 9:30am and finish at 12:30pm or 6:30 - 8:30pm
Tea and coffee will be available. Parking is pay and display.
Workshops take place at:
We can help you find your
way through the complex
world of autism and provide
support when things
become difficult or
challenging.
Rainbow Resource Centre
120 Chester Street
Birkenhead
CH41 5DL
£10 per person for
the full 7 weeks
Tel: 0151 666 9960
This is payable at the
first session
Email:
[email protected]
Parenting a Child with Autism
Week 1 – What is Autism?
People with Autism experience the world in a ‘different’ way. Many of the ways of
interacting with people and things that we may take for granted are not the same for
people with Autism.
The first session will provide an overview to what those differences may be and
provide a starting point for understanding and managing Autism.
Week 2 – Communication
All children with a diagnosis of Autism have difficulties with communication.
Sometimes language itself may not be affected, but the way in which language is
used will be. In other situations, recognisable language may not be apparent.
Problems with communication can lead to difficulties communicating with others and
difficulties understanding what others are saying; this can then lead to frustration and
cause strain on the whole family. The aim of this part of the course is to provide
some information regarding these difficulties and provide an understanding of the
issues around communication for people with Autism.
Week 3 – Thinking Issues and Imagination
People on the Autistic Spectrum may need support in developing the ability to use
their imagination. They may be creative but only in a specific area that interests
them. Some find it hard to be creative at all, focusing on detail rather than the bigger
picture; they may prefer having a routine rather than unpredictability.
Many find it hard to imagine a situation from another person’s perspective or see
another person’s point of view. They have difficulty understanding that someone
else’s thoughts might be different from their own; during this session we will explore
these issues.
Week 4 – Sensory Sensitivities
People on the Autistic Spectrum often have difficulty processing sensory information.
They can sometimes be over-sensitive, under-sensitive or have an inappropriate
reaction to stimulation.
This may show up as extreme agitation, distress or challenging behaviour. Other
ways of dealing with sensory problems include repetitive actions such as spinning,
jumping or flicking of objects. This may be the child’s way of getting some sensory
input; this week we look at the world from a sensory point of view.
Week 5 – Analysing Behaviour
Although it may seem that your child’s behaviour is always being directed only at
you, the behaviour is not caused by you directly and is not a result of bad parenting.
You are not also alone, there will be other parents and carers experiencing a similar
situation. Many parents will understandably feel like this, especially when the
behaviour is only ever seen at home. It can be difficult to understand and identify
why different behaviours show themselves and this part of the programme will
identify possible triggers or reasons.
Week 6 – Supporting Your Child
If you can work out the reason behind a particular behaviour you may be able to
understand what your child is trying to communicate. You need to enter your child’s
world and try and see the world as they do; this may mean thinking in very different
ways to what you are used to. There are many different strategies to manage
behaviours and develop communication, some of these will be discussed this week.
Week 7 – Next Steps & Consolidation
Thinking about your own needs means that you will be better equipped to provide
the best support possible to your child or family member with ASC.
It can be very isolating when coping with Autism, other people can find it difficult to
understand or not be able to offer the support that you may need. At this point in the
7 weeks, information about various support groups is discussed along with an
opportunity to share thoughts, strategies and information that might be useful.
This week we will bring together all of the information we have covered on our
journey, we will recap some of the strategies we have discussed and how this can be
developed and implemented.