EarlyBird* and EarlyBird Plus* are National Autistic Society (NAS) licensed programmes for parents.
The National Autistic Society (NAS) EarlyBird* programme has been developed to support parents of pre-school children who either already have or are ‘on the road to’ a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder and is of pre-school age (not yet of statutory school age).
The programme aims to support parents in the period between diagnosis and school placement, empowering and helping them facilitate their child's social communication and appropriate behaviour in their natural environment. It also helps parents to establish good practice in handling their child at an early age, so as to pre-empt the development of inappropriate behaviours.
EarlyBird*
The National Autistic Society (NAS) EarlyBird* programme has been developed to support parents of pre-school children who either already have or are ‘on the road to’ a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder.
- It is a three month programme involving up to six families
- It brings together parents and carers for daytime group training sessions once a week
- It involves families being visited during the programme in their own homes
The NAS EarlyBird* programme works in partnership with parents to help them to:
- understand their child’s autism spectrum disorder
- develop their child’s communication skills
- develop and apply practical strategies to manage their child’s behaviour
Quotes from parents who have attended EarlyBird*
“We have learnt so much about our son and how he sees the world”
“A great way of meeting other parents in the same position and feeling you’re not alone”
“I’ve learned about all the underlying triggers to inappropriate behaviours”
“I realise now that all behaviour is an attempt to communicate something”
“I have learnt how to support my child to communicate and understand how he wants to communicate with us”
Download this information as a leaflet EarlyBird leaflet (pdf)
For more information about the programme and details of the next information meeting please contact:
Course Co ordinator: Beth Hitchens
Phone: 020 8547 6698
Email: beth.hitchens@achievingforchildren.org.uk
EarlyBird Plus*
The National Autistic Society (NAS) EarlyBird Plus* programme is a three month training programme for parents, carers and professionals working with children aged over 4 and under 10, who either already have or are ‘on the road to’ a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
- It is a three month programme involving up to six families consisting of eight group sessions and two home visits
- It brings together parents, carers and professionals working with the children in school for daytime group training sessions once a week
- It involves families being visited during the programme in their own homes
The NAS EarlyBird Plus* programme works in partnership with parents to help them to:
- understand their child’s autism spectrum disorder
- develop their child’s communication skills
- develop and apply practical strategies to manage their child’s behaviour
The programme encourages a consistent approach between home and school and works to build both parents’ and professionals’ confidence and encourage problem solving together.
Quotes from parents who have attended EarlyBird Plus*
“It helped bring down the barriers between school and parents. It offers a pathway to share problems and find ways together to solve these problems.”
“Fantastic as now we (school and parents) know each other and feel we can speak about most things comfortably ...”
“This has now provided a platform for a good and strong relationship between parents and teacher. There have been many opportunities for communicating and sharing ideas. This has benefitted (my son) by there now being a very clear and consistent message or excpectations form me and the teacher.”
“ We loved coming on the course and found the practical advice very helpful and the wealth of knowledge meant that all experiences were understood.”
EarlyBird Plus* programmes are located in different venues across Richmond and Kingston.
A member of staff from your child’s school will be invited to attend the programme that you sign up for.
Download this information as a leaflet EarlyBird Plus* leaflet (pdf)
For more information about the programme and details of the next information meeting please contact:
Course Co ordinator: Beth Hitchens
Phone: 020 8547 6698
Email: beth.hitchens@achievingforchildren.org.uk