What are Discovery groups?
South West Autism Discovery groups meet each week during term time only.
The aim of the group is to give young people the opportunity to discover new activities and meet new people. The groups are small and well supported by experienced professionals....
It is also an opportunity to discover other young people with similar special interests of course!
We endeavour to support young people in developing social skills such as turn taking, communication, sharing etc.
For parents it is the opportunity to socially network with other parents, gain advice and support.
Refreshments are provided for both the children and the parents.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS…
Q. Does my child need a diagnosis to attend?
A. No, we fully understand the long waiting lists and work with many young people who are not yet diagnosed
Q When do the groups meet?
A. The groups meet term time only on a Tuesday for primary aged children (7-11) and Secondary aged children on a Thursday 5.00pm - 6.30pm
Q. How much does it cost?
A. The weekly fees are £4 per individual. Hence 1 child and 1 adult = £8.
Q. Do we have to pay for missed sessions?
A. Yes. The aim of the group is to focus on establishing relationships with others and therefore we do not run a drop in service. We need commitment from families to attend as much as possible. This makes things more predictable for young people too. In the event of absence, staff and hire costs still need to be met of course.
Q Why can we not bring neuro-typical siblings?
A. Experience has taught us that young people want something just for them. We cannot provide childcare for siblings. As the parent area can often be a venue for parents to vent emotions and speak openly in the presence of other adults the parent area is a child free zone.
Q. Is this suitable for children who are aggressive to/ target others?
A. No, we believe children have the right to attend a group without the fear of feeling unsafe. Many of our members have experienced very high levels of school bullying.
South West Autism Discovery groups meet each week during term time only.
The aim of the group is to give young people the opportunity to discover new activities and meet new people. The groups are small and well supported by experienced professionals....
It is also an opportunity to discover other young people with similar special interests of course!
We endeavour to support young people in developing social skills such as turn taking, communication, sharing etc.
For parents it is the opportunity to socially network with other parents, gain advice and support.
Refreshments are provided for both the children and the parents.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS…
Q. Does my child need a diagnosis to attend?
A. No, we fully understand the long waiting lists and work with many young people who are not yet diagnosed
Q When do the groups meet?
A. The groups meet term time only on a Tuesday for primary aged children (7-11) and Secondary aged children on a Thursday 5.00pm - 6.30pm
Q. How much does it cost?
A. The weekly fees are £4 per individual. Hence 1 child and 1 adult = £8.
Q. Do we have to pay for missed sessions?
A. Yes. The aim of the group is to focus on establishing relationships with others and therefore we do not run a drop in service. We need commitment from families to attend as much as possible. This makes things more predictable for young people too. In the event of absence, staff and hire costs still need to be met of course.
Q Why can we not bring neuro-typical siblings?
A. Experience has taught us that young people want something just for them. We cannot provide childcare for siblings. As the parent area can often be a venue for parents to vent emotions and speak openly in the presence of other adults the parent area is a child free zone.
Q. Is this suitable for children who are aggressive to/ target others?
A. No, we believe children have the right to attend a group without the fear of feeling unsafe. Many of our members have experienced very high levels of school bullying.