Empowering Parents and Carers of Children with Autism
Welcome to the EarlyBird Plus Programme, a comprehensive 6-week course designed specifically for parents and carers of young children (ages 5-10) diagnosed with autism or undergoing the diagnostic process. Our mission is to equip you with practical strategies and insights to support your child’s unique needs.
Programme Highlights:
- Flexible Delivery Options: Choose between face-to-face sessions or online programmes to suit your needs.
- Inclusive Approach: We encourage the participation of a school staff member who works with or supports your child.
- Personalised Support: Optional home contact during the programme to address any individual concerns.
- Comprehensive Resources: Receive a detailed programme workbook to guide you through the course.
Content & Aims:
- Understanding Autism: Gain a deeper insight into autism and its impact on daily life.
- Effective Communication: Learn strategies to enhance communication with your child.
- Supporting Daily Living: Discover practical tips for managing daily routines and promoting independence.
- Health and Wellbeing: Focus on the overall health and wellbeing of your child and family.
- Building Connections: Connect with other parents and professionals to share experiences and build a supportive community.
Programme Schedule:
- Face-to-Face Sessions: Held at County Hall, Usk, during the autumn term over six weeks.
- Online Sessions: Typically offered in the summer term, with an additional programme in the spring term based on demand.
Meet the Team
The Monmouthshire EarlyBird Plus Team is dedicated to delivering this programme with expertise and compassion. Our team includes
Stephen Trow
Educational Psychologist
Stephen has been working as an Educational Psychologist in Monmouthshire since 2007, with previous experience in Caerphilly and Lincolnshire. He has worked with a variety of children with autism/social communication difficulties, their families, and settings. Stephen has been part of the EarlyBird Plus programme delivery team since 2014 and enjoys the interactions and confidence-building that the programme fosters.
Ruth Davies
Early Years Additional Learning Needs Advisory Teacher
Ruth has extensive teaching experience and has worked with young people with a range of differences, including autism. She joined Monmouthshire Local Authority, initially managing the Specific Learning Difficulties Team and later becoming the Early Years Special Educational Needs Liaison Officer. Since September 2021, she has been an Early Years Additional Learning Needs Advisory Teacher. Ruth has been delivering the EarlyBird Plus programme since 2014 and values the opportunity to support parents and professionals through the course.
Tanya Walters
Educational Psychologist
Tanya has over 25 years of experience working with children and young people with autism and communication needs, both as a teacher and an Educational Psychologist. She has been with Monmouthshire EPS since January 2020 and has run several in-person and online EarlyBird Plus courses. Autism is a particular area of interest for Tanya, and she thoroughly enjoys supporting families and settings with their unique autistic children.
What Parents Are Saying
“This course is invaluable for understanding autism. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their knowledge.”
“Thank you so much. This was a very good course and run very well. There was a really good balance of giving us all space and time to talk through our own experiences, reflecting on the subjects, and moving through the course material. We’re missing being on the course!”
For more information, please contact: ALN@monmouthshire.gov.uk