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.
GEMS provide a range of workshops and support for families. For further details please check their website here:Â 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
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.
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.
Carolanne Beecher
Specialist Parenting Practitioner & Helpline Support
Carolanne is a dedicated member of our team, working on our Helpline where she provides crucial support to callers. She goes above and beyond by volunteering additional hours to handle calls, emails, and administrative tasks, demonstrating her commitment to helping others. She is also a supporting practitioner on our Trauma and Attachment Service events for adoptive families. Carolanne has personal experience of Adoption, Attachment, Trauma & Neurodivergence.
Attending details
Please book a ticket for each person attending. On booking you will receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite.
You need a Zoom account to access this event. You can sign up for free here: https://zoom.us/freesignup/
The Zoom link, meeting ID and passcode will be emailed three days before the event, and also one hour before. Â Please check your junk folder, add the event to your calendar, and keep the email safe for use on the day of the sessions.
Zoom will ask you to sign in, and to register for the event, so please allow time for this before the event starts. You can register at any point before the event and we would encourage you to do this asap so we can help if you have any difficulties. You use the same Zoom information for all of the sessions.
We will use the Chat function to allow you to ask questions during the sessions. The events are best viewed on a PC or laptop. Please have the latest version of Zoom installed. You can download the software here: https://zoom.us/download
Please note that you may not record the workshops or take screenshots. This is to maintain confidentiality and privacy for attendees.
Many of our events have waiting lists. If you are no longer able to attend please let us know so we can offer your place to someone else.
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