​AUTISM - POST DIAGNOSIS - FAMILY SUPPORT

Following diagnosis, parent/carers have many feelings and thoughts and conflicting emotions. No two people are the same, but some of the common themes we often hear include:

• Relief that this is not something we parents/carers have done wrong.
• Relief, that there may be some help for you and or your child.
• Questions about what it will mean for your child.
• Questions about what it will mean for you as parents and any other children
• Sadness, at the loss of the future you may not even have been aware you expected for your child.
• Anger, about people who thought your parenting was causing your child’s behaviour or people who have treated you, or your child, badly.
• Fear for the future
• Vindication – people did not take your concerns seriously.
• Confusion about what to do next.
• There must be some mistake.

We understand that parents and carers need a period of adjustment, but also that there is a need for support, as early as possible, after diagnosis. We are therefore offering parents with a recently diagnosed child the opportunity to attend a workshop. This short session is intended to help those who need it, to understand a little more about the autism spectrum and to sign post you to support that is available locally and on line, if and when you feel you need it. 

Who are we?

• Juli Atkinson from Bexley NAS (the local branch of the National Autistic Society) who has a son on the Autism spectrum and
• Karen Upton an ex GP and also a relative of some who are on the spectrum and trustee of Q4 Access(small charity aiming to improve access to education and employment in the digital technology, for those with social communication differences)

When and where?
The workshops will be held as follows:

• Friday 5th October  10am – 12.30pm (coffee and tea available for those arriving from 9.30am)   Venue: BVSC, Crayford Manor House, Mayplace Road East, Crayford.
• Wednesday 21st November  6.30pm – 8.00pm (coffee and tea available for those arriving  from 6.15pm)   Venue: Danson Children’s Centre,  Brampton Road, Bexleyheath.

​What happens next?
If you are interested in attending our workshop, please email Karen@Q4access.org to request further information or complete the on-line form below.