Whether you are waiting for a diagnosis or already have one, there are a range of programmes and workshops available to support parents and carers.
- What do I do now? SEND Workshop (for parents/carers of 0 to 5-year-olds) - provides strategies and practical advice for families awaiting an appointment at the Child Development Centre, focusing on social communication needs and/or autism. It also offers the chance to connect with other parents and learn about local services.
- Additional SEND workshops (for parents with children under 5) - on sleep, toileting and toothbrushing
- Early Bird Programme (for parents/carers of 2 to 6-year-olds) - a 6-week course that helps you understand autism, improve communication, and better support your child’s behaviour.
- Triple P Stepping Stones (for parents/carers of 5 to 11-year-olds) - an 8-week course to support parents with positive parenting strategies, set meaningful goals, and discover ways to encourage your child’s independence and development.
- Cygnet Programme (for parents/carers of 5 to 18-year-olds) - a 6-week course to support autism understanding, sensory needs, social skills, and positive behaviour support. Look for adverts at your child’s school for more details.
- The Centre for ADHD and Autism Support (CAAS) - provides monthly topic-based workshops and a range of parenting programmes, both in-person (held at their centre in Eastcote) and online, designed to support families of children with ADHD and autism. These also include an online ‘Understanding the Diagnosis’ session.
- Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support (HACS) (for parents/carers of children aged 5+) - provides a range of workshops and a 6-week course called 'Autism Explained: A Parent’s Guide', covering key areas including understanding autism, communication, sensory needs, behaviour management, school and EHCPs, and accessing further support.
- Parent/carer support drop-ins are also run by Arts for Life, Centre for ADHD and Autism Support (CAAS), Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support (HACS), Best Start family hubs and children’s centres and the Parent Carers' Forum.
Additional workshops are also available both online and in person from your local Best Start family hub or children’s centre.