Thanks to Louise for sharing details of a new support group in South Wight for families of those with Autism. Ed
The National Autistic Society (NAS) Isle of Wight (IOW) branch is launching a new support group for parents of children with autism in Wroxall and surrounding areas.
The support group will allow parents from the local area to meet on a regular basis and receive advice, information and support on bringing up a child/adult with autism.
Launches this Wednesday
The South Wight Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Parent Support Group launches on 20th June and will meet on a monthly basis.
Local organisations and professionals will be attending the launch to share information about their work with parents from the area. Dr Rebecca Thompson from Autism Assessment Centre is attending as their guest speaker.
Set up by Caroline Martin
The group has been set up by Caroline Martin who brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise having been part of the Autism Inclusion Team, and is currently working with IWEPS (Isle of Wight Psychology Service), as well as being a parent of a young woman with a semantic pragmatic disorder.
Caroline Martin, South Wight ASD support group co-ordinator, said, “The group will give families the opportunity to meet other parents of children with autism who understand the highs and lows they experience every day. Families can often feel like they have nowhere to turn, but through our new group we hope to be able to help parents and children with all autism-related issues. The right support, at the right time can make a world of difference to children with autism and their families.”
NAS formed 50 years ago
Louise Foley, IOW Branch Officer, said, “I am delighted to have Caroline as part of our fabulous team of volunteers and am really pleased we’re able to launch this service in an area where I know many local families will directly benefit from this support.
“Fifty years ago the NAS was formed in London by a group of parents who were passionate about ensuring a better future for their children. That passion is still behind everything we do today and we have the original founders living on the Isle of Wight.”
Joins other groups on Island
Dr Rebecca Thompson at IWEPS said, “I’m delighted to be speaking at the first meeting of the South Wight ASD Parent Support Group. The knowledge and expertise that the NAS offers to the Island can help families to cope both emotionally and practically.”
The launch of the South Wight ASD support group follows the success of a range of other local support groups, activities and clubs already organised by the branch. These include support groups in Cowes, Ryde, Newport and West Wight, autism-friendly film screenings at Cineworld, a trampoline club, a Saturday Lego club, as well as regular branch meetings and coffee mornings.
All welcome to launch
The South Wight ASD support group is launching on 20th June at 12.00 – 1.45 at St John’s Church Hall, St John’s Road, Wroxall.
The group will then meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month throughout the year.
For more information about the South Wight ASD support group contact: Caroline Martin on 07815 131659 or email [email protected]. To find out more about the NAS IOW branch please visit www.nasbranch.org.uk/isleofwight.
