Alongside the logo competition aimed at young service users, the service is also seeking greater parent involvement into how it is run and is currently working with a local parent to provide ‘expert by experience’ training to staff to enhance learning on both sides.
This complements the team’s Talking Together for Change programme, which is inviting parents and carers to participate in further developing the service through a series of online events, starting in April. More information about the programme can be found via the service’s web page.
Team Lead Helen Boss said: “We have come a long way since the interim service was launched in October 2019 and have worked especially hard during the pandemic to enhance the support provided to families.
“One of the ways we have done this is through the online workshops we have continued to provide, most recently the Autism Toolbox; an innovative 10-week programme of sessions that focuses on a range of interventions and which has proven extremely popular with families.”
Helen added: “World Autism Awareness Week provides an opportunity not only to reflect on the hard work that has led to us meeting our target of offering an appointment to a family to commence an autism assessment within 12 weeks of an accepted referral, but to also look forwards to what we feel is a bright future for the service and the families we support.”