Type of service: Family support and information services

The Teen Life programme supports parents and carers of children aged 10-16 with a diagnosis of autism. Each family is allocated two places for parents and carers and a third place for a professional of their choosing (often a member of school staff such as a Teaching Assistant, Teacher or SENCO).

The programmes are held over approximately six weeks, there is one session per week which lasts around two and a half hours.

The programme aims to support families to:

*Understand autism and how teens experience the world around them,

*Develop interactions and communication with their teen,

*Understand their teen's behaviour.

Please contact your local diagnostic team/professional or Local Authority for information on programme availability. If you do not have a Teen Life team in your area please contact your local health and/or education professional to request information regarding post-diagnostic support in your area.