Author: Rebecca Barker

AWARE has been running Zoom support sessions since we first had to stay at home due to COVID and these have proven massively popular! All AWARE members are welcome to join in - your child does NOT need to have a diagnosis and it doesn't matter if you have never attended an AWARE event before. We have a different topic every week and have lots of external visitors, who talk to us about issues such as education, behavioural help, finance, sleep, parent/carer wellbeing and much, much, more! There is always time at the end of the presentation for questions, answers and general chatting. The sessions are relaxed and friendly - do not worry if you can't make the whole session or if you get disrupted - simply mute yourself and/or…

AWARE is continuing to offer lots of support for its members despite the current restrictions! We are holding weekly Zoom support sessions that cover a wide range of topics such as challenging behaviour, mental health issues, sensory issues and speech and language. We are also running some in-person activity sessions for children and young people as well as our Moving-on Club for young adults on Zoom. Not only this, our monthly newsletter and e-update, plus our closed Facebook group and member-only website section, are packed full of useful information and advice for parents and carers of autistic children and young people. Our members continue to offer lots of support to each other and our staff are always on hand too, if you need extra help. Becoming an AWARE member offers…

AWARE is currently holding weekly support groups via Zoom covering a wide range of topics such as speech and language; visuals; behaviour; mental health and much, much, more! If you have missed a session you can access it via this page: https://aware-uk.org/videos/

Here at AWARE, we are always thinking of new ways to help and support our members. To this end, we have produced a new set of comprehensive help guides. These cover areas such as behaviour, sensory issues and communication. You can access them, and many other resources, in our Members Area by clicking here.

Are you looking for somewhere to go this Christmas with your autistic child or young person? AWARE has written a guide to some of the best local attractions and events for this festive season in our latest newsletter. Please click here to access the newsletter in full.

Here at AWARE we are delighted that we are still able to offer activities and support to our members at this time. We have restarted face-to-face Youth Club, Saturday Club and Stay & Play Holiday sessions (all are limited to four families per session) and continue to run some Zoom sessions, including our fantastic Thursday Support Group, where members can gain support for a wide range of issues such as behaviour, speech and language, information on local support available and much, more more! Do you just want some peer-to-peer support and help for challenges you are facing? Our closed Facebook group is a great place to discuss issues you are dealing with as an autism parent. For more information on what we offer, please refer to the list of events…

AWARE has drawn together a help sheet with local private therapists, diagnostic services and tutors. Many have been recommended by members; others are from contacts we at AWARE have made. Please note, however, that AWARE cannot personally endorse any services and we highly recommend that you do your own research when considering using a service. Please click here to see the help sheet.

Are you wondering whether joining AWARE is right for you? Take a look at our brand new parent testimonials page to hear what our members say about us...https://aware-uk.org/parent-testimonials/

AWARE is still offering support and information to all of its members during this challenging time. We are running support sessions virtually via Zoom, while some of our clubs are still meeting, also via Zoom. You can also speak to one of us if you need one-to-one help. Please see our newsletters and Facebook group for up-to-date info on all that's going on.

It isn't easy being stuck in the house, and it can be even more tricky for families living with autism, but AWARE has lots of ideas for you on how you can keep you and your family occupied at this difficult time. The links below contain lots of ideas for how to structure your day and what sort of free resources are available for you and your family to keep entertained and learn in the process! Free home learning resources: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/specialeducationalneeds-sen/school-closure-home-learning-send?fbclid=IwAR3OH3yfZfLf2oxKHxk6QhkCf_soHZFDFFy9DTyzoqFuChEEZQ3rRjMYf6I Virtual museum tours: https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours?fbclid=IwAR3et_4N4pzrBKOupPZSgL35eJk-6cImw_U_QGC8dbJyP2v15vUkWdI4hGU Early years home learning: https://tinyurl.com/urubxbh Age 5-7 home learning: https://tinyurl.com/uklcpsm Age 7-11 home learning: https://tinyurl.com/tah5skh Daily schedule exampleDownload Educational resourcesDownload SEN home learning: https://tinyurl.com/uazr4od