ASCEND (Autism Spectrum Condition Enhancing and Nuturing Development)

ASCEND is an 11 week programme run for parents of children who have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum.  The programme aims to share theoretical and practical strategies with parents and carers of children on the autism spectrum and to give opportunity for parents to meet with and gain support from each other as well as from the course facilitators.

The session topics include:

• An introduction to Autism and Mind blindness;
• Getting the gist;
• Language and communication;
• Preoccupations, sensory interests and repetitive behaviours;
• Imagination, time perception, planning and memory;
• Managing behaviour;
• Exploring individual problems and developing strategies for managing behaviour;
• Strategies for managing behaviour;
• Visual guides/social stories;
• Consolidation, questions and party.

Parents are encouraged to attend all 11 two hour sessions which run in consecutive weeks with the exception of the school holidays.  The programme runs twice a year:

• Spring - for parents of children who have a diagnosis of Autism;
• Autumn - for parents of children who have a diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome or High Functioning Autism.

Parents can be referred if they live in the York, Selby and Easingwold areas of NHS North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust.  To request a referral to the ASCEND programme please contact your GP or Key Professional who can refer you directly.

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Parenting support - Self refer

Everyone needs support in bringing up their children from time to time, because children don't come with a handbook. If they did we would need a different one for every child - they are all unique!! There are a range of different programmes where you can get some useful tips and meet other parents.

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