Overview
The course is for children/young people in mainstream education (school years 4-8, though year 9 may be considered) who either already have a diagnosis of Autism and/or ADHD or are on the Berkshire CAMHS waiting list for assessment, and are registered with a Berkshire West NHS area GP surgery.
It has been made possible due to funding from the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB), which serves Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire and is provided as part of the Berkshire West Autism and ADHD Service in partnership with Autism Berkshire.
Professionals: if you would like to refer a child/young person for consideration for this course please contact interact@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk
Autism Berkshire provide a range of workshops and support for families. For further details please check their website here:Â Autism Berkshire
Event outline
Aims:
- To develop confidence
- To develop emotional well being
- To meet regularly with peers
- To explore the social world together
We will focus on:
- Knowing ourselves
- Friendships
- Self esteem
- Independence
- Self advocacy
Facilitators
Donna Levy
Neurodivergent CYP Support Practitioner
Donna works as a lead practitioner at PSC's Auticulate group and Social Confidence Course, delivering sessions for neurodivergent children and young people. In addition to this, Donna works as a Playwork Supervisor and Short Breaks Coordinator at Camp Mohawk, where she manages play activities and provides respite care for families. Donna has Emergency Response, First Aid, and Safeguarding training.
Anna Cook
Neurodivergent CYP Support Practitioner
Anna began working with CYP services at Parenting Special Children during her placement for her BSc in Psychology at the University of Reading, where she later completed her Master's. Her role has since expanded to include leading groups within CYP services. Anna has experience in mentoring, research, and evidence-based practice in clinical and educational settings, and experience of mental health, neurodivergence and additional needs in her professional, personal, and family life. Anna has full Paediatric First Aid and Safeguarding training.
Charlie Taylor
Helpline Manager & Neurodivergent CYP Support Practitioner
Charlie provides information and support to parents/carers and professionals through our Helpline. She coordinates and facilitates our monthly face-to-face community support groups for parents/carers of children with special needs. She works with our Children and Young People groups, and supports practitioners on Autism and ADHD workshops. Charlie has personal and professional experience of neurodiversity, and Developmental Trauma and Safeguarding training.
Attending details
Please complete an application form and email it to interact@parentingspecialchildren.co.uk
This will be reviewed by our Children & Young People (C&YP) team to make sure that the event is suitable for your needs.
We recommend that parents/carers have attended, or attend, an Autism and/or ADHD course run by PSC in order for the young person and the family to have the opportunity to learn together.