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Course

Autism Course: Berkshire East January 2026

Overview

Three linked sessions delivered online via Zoom by specialist parenting practitioners.

The sessions are funded by NHS East Berkshire and commissioned by GEMS. Your booking information will be shared with GEMS for reporting purposes. The workshops will be lead by PSC specialist parenting practitioners Mary van der Merwe and Helen Cattermole.

The logo for GEMS, the Berkshire East Autism and ADHD Support Service.

GEMS provide a range of workshops and support for families. For further details please check their website here: GEMS

Event outline

Topics covered:

  • What is autism?
  • Sensory differences, anxiety and behaviour
  • Strategies and supporting the child
  • Assessment overview
  • Signposting and support available

Autism related resources can be found on our website here: Autism Resources.

Facilitators

Headshot photograph of Parenting Special Children Parenting Practitioner, Mary van der Merwe

Mary van der Merwe

Parenting, Sleep & Neurodivergent CYP Practitioner

Mary van der Merwe is a dedicated neurodiversity advocate with experience in supporting and training individuals and professionals on Autism and trauma. Within PSC, she leads the A-Team, a group for autistic and ADHD primary and secondary aged girls, providing a space where they can meet other neurodivergent girls and be their authentic selves. As well as this, Mary delivers specialized training programs that emphasize the neurodiversity paradigm, and co-ordinates and delivers specialist 1:1 support. Mary is also a trainer on the National Autism Trainer Programme training CAMHS and the NHS to help improve outcomes for Autistic individuals. Coming from a neurodivergent family herself, Mary’s personal insights and professional expertise drive her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Headshot photograph of Parenting Special Children Sleep Practitioner, Helen Cattermole

Helen Cattermole

Parenting & Sleep Practitioner

Helen is a registered nurse in learning disabilities (RNLD) and worked as a challenging behaviour specialist nurse within the Berkshire Foundation Healthcare Trust, supporting adults with learning disabilities, as well as their families and carers. Now, Helen works for Parenting Special Children, where she delivers training on various topics, including sleep management, the "Who's In Charge?" program, Autism, "Time Out for Special Needs," and provides one-on-one clinics.

Attending details

Please book a ticket for each person attending. On booking you will receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite. This may go to your junk folder.

Zoom Requirements:
– Please have Zoom downloaded to your PC for the best experience. You can download the software here: https://zoom.us/download#client_4meeting
– You need a Zoom account to access the workshop. You can sign up for a free Zoom account here: https://zoom.us/signup

Accessing the Event:
The Zoom meeting ID, passcode, and link will be emailed 3 days before the event, and also 1 hour before. Please check your junk folder.
Zoom will ask you to register for the event. Please provide your first name and surname. This allows us to note attendance for our records. The email address requested by Zoom is the one associated with your Zoom account. If there is more than one person on your booking, and you are accessing the event together from one device,  then please put both of your names in the Zoom registration form when you join the event.

Please do not sign in/register using ‘Apple ID sign in’ as this removes your name and email address from the Zoom report and we cannot log your attendance, resulting in a DNA (Did not attend) against your name.

Please note that you may not record the event or take screenshots. This is to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of attendees. Many of our events have waiting lists. Please let us know if you are no longer able to attend so we can offer your place to waiting families.

Create a PSC account and complete our registration form (you only need to do this once)
Login to your PSC account and book onto the event
Attend the event

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