EarlyBird Plus

The National Autistic Society (NAS) EarlyBird Plus Programme runs across Dorset, in the following venues: Westfield Arts College in Weymouth (co-ordinators for Dorset), Yewstock School in Sturminster Newton, and Beaucroft School in Wimborne.

What is the NAS EarlyBird Plus Programme?

The NAS EarlyBird Plus Programme is a 10-week training programme that combines group-training sessions (of 2.5 hours per week) with individual home visits, to personalise the Programme content.

Who runs the Programmes?

The Programmes are co-ordinated by Westfield Arts College, Weymouth, and delivered by teams of Licensed Trainers across Dorset.  Trainers are local professionals with experience and understanding of autistic spectrum disorders.  They have been trained to run the programme by the NAS EarlyBird team.

Who can attend the programme?

Parents of a child aged over 4 and under 10 with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder can attend the programme, along with a professional who works with their child.

What are the aims of the programme?

To empower parents / carers.

To encourage a consistent approach between home and school by training parents and professionals together.

To help establish good practice and consistency in your child’s life.

What will we learn about?

The NAS Early Bird Plus programme will help you to:

understand your child’s autistic spectrum disorder.

help improve communication with your child.

help to develop practical strategies to pre-empt problem behaviours and/or manage those which do occur.

INTERESTED?

What do I do next?

Contact Caroline Hubbuck or Karen Gillham at Westfield for more details, an information pack or an informal chat

Tel: 01305 833518

Mob: 07444836954

Email: earlybird@westfield.dorset.sch.uk

NAS Website: www.nas.org.uk/nas/earlybird

The Value of the EarlyBird Plus course

“Very friendly and welcoming programme … also a chance to talk to parents in the same boat as you so you don’t feel alone” (Mother)

“That it is a fantastic insight into the world of ASD and a must” (Mother)

“This has been one of the best courses that I have ever attended.  I feel more confident and equipped to support parents, teaching staff and children more, thank you so much” (SENCO)

“By far the single most useful training you can go to regards ASD” (TA)

“Brilliant course, there’s so much to learn and it gives an insight into an autistic person’s way of thinking.  I liked the home visits being tailored to the individual”.  (Parent)