Transforming Autism

Support for families with children who are diagnosed with or are showing signs of autism.

How it can help

Transforming Autism offer:

  • First Steps, a programme for families with toddlers and young children who are diagnosed with or are showing signs of autism
  • Confident Parenting, a 12-week online course for parents of children with autism.

First Steps

Following an assessment by the Lead Therapist, support is provided in the home for one hour a week by both a paediatric occupational therapist and a child psychotherapist. 

Each week, the therapists work directly with your child and provide guidance and practical skills to parents and carers, to help:

  • understand your child's behaviour and communication
  • reduce stressful situations
  • build confidence 
  • understand your child's sensory needs

Confident Parenting

The course covers: 

  • behaviour
  • sleep
  • relationships with the family
  • social interactions
  • eating
  • play
  • sensory processing
  • understanding the early signs of autism

The course takes place on a video link, once a week, for twelve weeks.

The course is delivered by a Senior Psychotherapist and an Occupational Therapists. 

Parents and carers are given practical strategies to try at home. 

Age

The First Steps programme is for families with a child up to the age of 4.

The Positive Parenting course is for parents and carers with a child age 0 to 12.

Eligibility

To access the First Steps programme, the child must be aged 3 or younger and exhibit autistic traits. A diagnosis is not required. If a child has an autism diagnosis they must not be receiving any other support or therapy.

The Confident Parenting course is for families with a child aged 0 to 12. No diagnosis needed.

How to access

Register on the website.

Opening hours

Monday: 9:00-17:00
Tuesday: 9:00-17:00
Wednesday: 9:00-17:00
Thursday: 9:00-17:00
Friday: 9:00-17:00
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Special need

Autism

Area(s) covered

Chelmsford
Colchester
Southend

Can siblings without SEND also attend

No

Cost

The programme is free. Parents who can are invited to make a donation to the programme

Is the service available online?

No

Is this listing up to date?

Suggest an edit