Links & Contacts
Organisations and web sites giving support and information
LOCAL - Fareham area
Parents' and Children's Support Groups
- ASC / Asperger's Parent Support Group, Fareham - you're on the website!: www.farehamasdsupportnetwork.weebly.com
Monthly group offering support for parents and carers of children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder such as Asperger's Syndrome. Guest speakers giving information and advice, books and leaflets, tea and cake. Supported by Autism Hampshire. - ABC (Autistic But Cherished), Gosport: www.facebook.com/groups/446587802056891
Facebook pages and parent support group - Aspiring Autism, Gosport: www.area4parents.co.uk/dropins.php
Support group for parents of children with an Austistic Spectrum Disorder - Autism Support Group, Bursledon: www.4children.org.uk/Services/Detail/Windmills-and-Sails-Childrens-Centre
Parent support group run monthly by Wildern Opportunity Group at local children's centre, supported by Autism Hampshire. Relaxed format, allowing you to meet other parents with autistic children and get advice from staff and Autism Hampshire. Leaflets and literature available, pre-school children welcome.
Windmill & Sails Children's Centre, Bursledon School Site , Long Lane, Bursledon , Southampton, Hampshire , SO31 8BZ Tel: 023 8040 5189. Dates on Windmill Centre timetable. - FASS (Fareham Autistic Spectrum Support): www.farehamautisticspectrumsupport.org.uk
Local group offering subsidised children's supported activities, such as soft play, Watercress Line steam train trips, bowling, swimming, etc. - National Autistic Society, South Hampshire branch: www.shantsnas.org.uk
In addition to other services (see entry under Information and Support Services), this NAS branch office runs a range of support groups and activities in the Eastleigh area, such as youth clubs, parent support groups and social skills groups. - PASN (Portsmouth Autism Support Network): www.portsmouth-autism-support.co.uk
Portsmouth group offering various activities including coffee mornings, Autinet internet cafe for teenagers, gymnastics, soft play, swimming, etc. Sign up for weekly e-bulletins with events diary. - Starlight ASD Support (see entry under Therapy): www.starlightasdsupport.co.uk
Amazing group reaching out to ASD children and their families, with a range of kids' clubs and groups, together with 1-to-1 support, aimed at developing social skills and enabling children to reach their full potential. Parent support also provided via coaching to develop strategies for home and school. Support is tailored to your family's individual needs. - Sunflowers Stay & Play Support Group, Gosport: www.area4parents.co.uk/dropins.php
Play group for children with special needs aged 0-5, and their families. Sensory room usage & training, toy library, activities. - Dragonfly Support Group for service families with children with additional needs, at The Haven Children’s Centre, Harris Road, Gosport PO13 0UY Tel: 01329 232095
Information and Support Services
- Parent Voice: www.parentvoice.info Hampshire-wide network of parents and carers of children and young people with additional needs. Providing local information and advice through weekly bulletins, website and Parent Participation Officers. To sign up for bulletins, click on the red bar on the home page: 'Join Parent Voice online', or go through the Participation/Getting Involved page. They're packed with useful information.
- Gateway / Short Breaks / Bridging Worker Service: www.hampshiregateway.info
(Linked with Parent Voice) Have a look at the website to find out about 'inclusive' activities available in your area. You'll need to apply for a Gateway card to access some services (see Entitlements page). Also information about the Bridging Workers Service - your local Bridging Worker can help you find activities that suit your child, or act as a liaison between parents and activity providers to make sure they meet your needs. - Hampshire Parent / Carer Network (HPCN): www.hpcn.org.uk
A parent/carer run charity, using parents’ input to help shape Hampshire services to meet the needs of children/young people with disabilities or additional needs, and their families. Please check out the web site to see how you can give your views. Even if time is short, you can still contribute. It all helps, from filling in a survey to becoming a Parent Representative – get involved, make a difference. - Autism Hampshire (previously Hampshire Autistic Society): www.has.org.uk
They provide a range of services for the autistic community, with the Outreach team providing information and advice, as well as various training events for parents and/or professionals and organisations. They also support various support groups (couldn't think how else to say that!). - National Autistic Society, South Hampshire branch: www.shantsnas.org.uk
The NAS supports various local branch offices, who run their own range of activities, etc. This branch offers a range of support and activities in the Eastleigh area, such as youth clubs, parent support groups, social skills groups and information seminars. They also run a Resources Library. - Parent Support Advisers: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/childrens-services/families/parentsupport/parentdevelopment-psa.htm#fareham
School based support service helping parents liaise with schools to resolve issues. Aiming to help children reach their potential by removing barriers to learning i.e. behavioural problems which are not being managed appropriately, etc. - Parent Partnership Service: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/parentpartnership
The Parent Partnership Service provides impartial advice, information and support to parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) at all stages of school life. Supporting parents and providing advice on the statementing process, annual reviews, etc. - Kids South East: www.kids.org.uk/information/100845/
Charitable organisation providing wide range of support services including nurseries, sibling support, short breaks, parent partnerships, befriending service. - Love the way I am: www.lovethewayiam.co.uk
Lots of useful information for parents/carers of children with disabilities/additional needs (run by parents).
Therapy and Training (for children and parents)
- Starlight ASD Support: www.starlightasdsupport.co.uk
Offering 1-to-1 teaching for kids, family support including strategies for home and school, small social skills groups & larger supported youth clubs for different age groups. Highly recommended by every parent who's used this service! They can really help your child come out of their shell and reach their potential, working on social skills such as conversation, turn-taking, etc. so that they can build up confidence and self-esteem, and 'fit in' with their peers. - Sensecere: www.sensecere.com
Learn more about how our children’s behaviour is affected by the senses – gain insight and understanding on common issues like restricted diets, problems with clothes/shoes, sensitivity to noise, etc. Parent workshops, activity days, etc.
Private Diagnosis
- Winchester Autism Assessment Centre: www.autismassessment.co.uk
If you're looking for a private diagnosis (those waiting lists aren't getting any shorter!), the clinic offers 'assessments of social communication difficulties which may be part of an Autism Spectrum Disorder, such as Autism or Asperger's Syndrome'. Tel: 07982 823273 - The Priory Hospital, Southampton: www.priorygroup.com/location-results/item/the-priory-hospital-southampton
Another local clinic offering private assessments/diagnoses. Dr Kelly has been recommended. Tel: 023 8084 0044
NATIONAL
Autism websites
Legal advice on Special Educational Needs (SEN) issues
- SOS SEN: www.sossen.org.uk
National helpline concentrating on helping people find their way through the legal and procedural maze (also workshops and walk-in advice centres). Free, friendly, independent and confidential helpline for parents and others looking for information and advice on Special Educational Needs (SEN). Helpline: 020 8538 3731. - IPSEA (Independent Parental Special Educational Advice): www.ipsea.org.uk
Free legally based advice for families who have children with special educational needs. All advice given by trained volunteers. Helpline: 0800 018 4016.
Financial and Benefits Advice
- TURN 2 US: www.turn2us.org.uk
Benefits awareness web site, with information on what financial help is available i.e. benefits, grants, etc.
