News from Louise at the The Isle of Wight branch of the National Autistic Society (NAS) about the second local support group for the Island. Ed
The Isle of Wight branch of the National Autistic Society (NAS) is launching a West Wight support group for parents of children with autism.
The first meeting of the ASD Support Group will be on Friday 3rd December at 1pm at the West Wight Children’s Centre in Freshwater.
The group co-ordinator Mary Stringer, is a mother of three boys with autism.
Why the group was set up
Mary says, “I decided to set the group up as I felt there were few places locally where parents of children with autism could go to get emotional support and practical advice. When my children were younger, we received the diagnoses with a folder of information, and were then pretty much left on our own to get on with it. It was very hard at times but our family has come out the other side and the boys are thriving.
“The NAS IOW branch has been a great support to our family in recent years and through them I want to be able to support other families and assist them with anything they might need help with. This includes advice on what support and services are available locally, which benefits they’re entitled to, as well as help filling in DLA forms”.
Great opportunity for parents of children with autism in West Wight
Carol Attrill, West Wight Children’s Centre Manager, says, “We are delighted to be able to work with the National Autistic Society to support more families in the local area. I have previously worked with children with autism and know first-hand what a struggle it can be for parents without a support network in place. The ASD Support Group will be a great opportunity for parents of children with autism in West Wight to get together and offer each other help and advice”.
The support group will meet on the first Friday of every month between 1.00 – 2.30pm at the West Wight Children’s Centre, Moa Place, Freshwater PO40 9XH.
If any parents are unable to attend the meeting but are in need of advice, you can contact Mary on 07553 116547 / [email protected]
