What do we offer?

· An 8 week course (just one morning or afternoon per week) for families of children who experience Social & Communication Difficulties.

· Practical advice and strategies.

· Links to other supportive services in the borough.

· Encouragement and support from other families in similar situations.

Sessions

The first session is an introductory session. This focuses on - getting to know you and your child, understanding your hopes and expectations from the course, tips and strategies on looking after yourself. 

Communication:

Session two is based around communication. This is an interactive session and helps parents/carers to better understand ‘What is communication and ‘How can we encourage communication? 

Visual Supports:

In session three we will explore Visual Supports and How they work. You can also make a visual support to take home.

Understanding
 Behaviour:

The fourth session helps parents/carers to understand the different types of behaviour your child may express (some of which may be challenging) and reasons why these behaviours might happen. We will also focus on anxiety, communication & sensory needs. 

Managing Behaviour:

Session five looks at Behaviour principles and gives parents/ carers practical strategies & tips for when your child is in the midst of a meltdown.

Sensory Differences:

The sixth session explores how our human senses are experienced differently by a child with Social & Communication Difficulties; we will also talk about practical strategies and cost effective aids that may help

Transition:

Session 7 will be focusing on ‘How to support your child’s transition’, Your child may be moving on to Nursery or School in the near future and this session will give parent carers information tips on how to help the transitions move smoothly. Parent carers may also have the opportunity to meet local services including Croydon’s SEND team.

Parents’ choice:

The final session will have a theme, to be confirmed as agreed by yourself and others in the group. It may be around feeding, toileting, sleep etc… We will then end the final session with a celebratory lunch.

How to get in touch 

This course is part of the Social Communication Difficulties Support Pathway offered by the Early Years SEN and Disabilities Team. If you are interested in attending the course and receiving support from the team, or for an informal chat about this course, please contact the course facilitator – Alex Dimond at croydonscd@nas.org.uk

Sessions Run

Monday afternoon, Wednesday morning, Wednesday afternoon, Thursday morning

  Quality Assured Provider