Services for Parents/Carers Southampton
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Services for Parents/Carers Southampton
Our Information Advice and Guidance (IAG) service offers parents/carers in Southampton FREE support with no formal diagnosis required. As part of our IAG service we offer the following support:
- Parent/carers workshops
- Pre, during and post diagnostic support
- IAG library including specialist book on all aspect of autism that are free to borrow.
- Resource lending library, ‘Try before you buy’ scheme on items such as waited blankets, ear defenders, timers – all for a small deposit.
- Support groups, giving families, parents and carers the opportunity to share experiences and meet new people
- Autism alert card
You can contact our IAG team via email on: information.advice@autismhampshire.org.uk / tel: 02380 766162
Autism Diagnosis
Autism can often be diagnosed in children around the age of two. Professional health workers are often the first ones to spot the signs of autism during their normal childhood health checks. In many cases this can lead to the child being formally diagnosed. If you think your child has autism, ask your GP to refer them to a consultant or diagnostic team with a good understanding of the condition.
Support for Children, Young People & Young Adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in Southampton.
Schools and other educational settings are expected to help most children overcome the hurdles their difficulties present as part of meeting their educational needs, but a much smaller number of children will need extra help for some or all of their time in education. This is likely to be a 1:1 Learning Support Assistant in school (or college) as well as support with health and social care needs at home. This support can be accessed through the 0-25 Service. Read More
The Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) replaces the ‘Statement of Special of Educational Needs’ and can apply to children, young people and young adults from birth to the age of 25, providing that those over 16 are still in education or training. EHC assessments are undertaken and EHC plans drawn up under the Children and Families Act (2014) and associated regulations.
The EHC Assessment (EHCA) will gather information and describe the child, young person or young adults’ needs, what outcomes we all want for your child/young person/young adult, what support is proposed to achieve these outcomes and who can provide that support.
For children and young people who meet the criteria for a statutory assessment of SEN the Education, Health and Care Plan will also include all of the information which is currently held within the statement. The Education, Health and Care Plan will have the same legal status as a statement of SEN.
- You will have your own a copy of the Education, Health and Care Plan
- The Education, Health and Care Plan will follow your child from the day it is agreed until they leave education (up to the age of 25 years, if necessary)
- There could be opportunities for you to have more choice and control about what support services your child receives through Personal Budgets. Your Lead Professional will be able to talk to you about this.
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