Type of service: Local groups, Social groups

SIGNAL (Support, Information, Guidance & News for Autism in Lewisham) is a local parent support group, based in the London Borough of Lewisham, set up a number of years ago by parents of children who have autism, Asperger syndrome or other autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The group offers emotional support by sharing experiences and putting parents in touch with each other; gives practical help by exchanging ideas about coping with problem behaviours; provides information and advice about education and specialist services; gives hope and celebrates the hard-won successes, large and small, of its very special children. The group hold monthly meetings which include talks from experts on a variety of topics related to autism, including current research and educational provision. Coffee mornings, held in different members houses, are open to all members to exchange ideas, experiences and information or just have a chat. The group produces a quarterly newsletter and runs a borrowing library with many specialist books, journals and articles, videos, and specially selected children's books. It maintains links with local schools, hold conferences for schools and teachers, organises drama therapy and trampolining activities, provides parent speakers for local functions to raise autism awareness and fundraises within the local community and through grants. It also runs a 16 plus and a sibling support club, has an annual party, and runs and subsidises holiday outings and other activities for its membership..

Aimed at: Adolescent , Child , Child/adolescent sibling, Parent/carer of a child, Parent/carer of a young person, Young person

Specialisms: Exclusively autism specific