Type of service: Family support and information services

The EarlyBird Plus Programme supports parent and carers of school aged children under ten 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 3 months and aim to support families to:

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

*Develop interactions and communication with their child,

*Understand their child's behaviour.

Please contact the local diagnostic team/ professional, school or Local Authority for information on programme availability. If you do not have an EarlyBird Plus team in your area please contact your local health and/or education professionals to request information regarding post-diagnostic support in your area.