For Families

Reach and teach your autistic child at home

Trying to work out how to help your child can be really hard. Parents often feel confused, exhausted and uncertain about where to go for help that makes sense for them and their child.

"Every day can feel like climbing the north face of the Eiger without a route map or climbing equipment"......David's Mum

 

Click Here to watch a short video of an overview of Gina's work with parents.

 

 

 

 

Workshops for parents and carers of children on the Autism Spectrum

These workshops are suitable for parents and carers of pre-school and primary school aged children on the autism spectrum

Behaviour – let’s tackle some!

This workshop looks at strategies for tackling everyday problems around behaviour that make family life difficult and stressful. We will think about getting the message across to the child, staying sane, keeping sensible boundaries in place and having some fun.

Food – let’s eat some!

This workshop looks at the typical things that go wrong at mealtimes that parents with children on the autism spectrum have to deal with. The emphasis is on practical hints and tips for minimising the problems, helping the child develop a wider diet and getting good mealtime behaviours.

Sleep – let’s get some!

This workshop looks at practical strategies for helping parents who are struggling to get their child to bed and keep them there asleep! We will think about what is going wrong, how we can change these things and what we can do to build practical and do-able routines that teach children with autism spectrum disorders to sleep at the right times and in the right places!

Toilets – let’s flush some!

This workshop looks at practical ways of getting a young child started on successful toilet training. The emphasis is on making it as easy as possible for the child to get it right and strategies for getting round the tricky problems of communication and social expectations.

Outings – let’s go on some!

Children with autism spectrum disorders can find outings stressful and difficult and this often means the whole family has a problem and every day trips to the park, swimming pool or shops become a challenge. This workshop looks at using autism specific strategies to get the message across about what is expected, to practice some of the things that will make life easier for everyone and some tricks and tips for the unexpected moments! The workshop suggests small achievable steps that can be adapted by each family to give the child and adults confidence that outings are both possible and enjoyable.

Clothes – let’s wear some!

First impressions are powerful things and we can’t help but make one each time we meet new people ...and most of this is based on how a person looks. Children with autism often struggle with knowing what to wear and when, tolerance of different clothes and the practicalities of dressing skills. This workshop focuses on how to tackle the problem with an understanding of sensory issues, personal preferences and how to keep going so the child gives a good impression of themselves. Practical steps forward are suggested to build self help skills and an understanding of how to adjust things as a child matures.

Social Skills- let’s get it...together!

Children with autism spectrum disorders find these very confusing and yet they are so important in everyday life. Parents know that as their child gets older so knowing how do things like waiting, sharing, joining in with others gets more important and yet it seems so difficult to get the child to understand what is needed and why!  Tackling these things starting with the easiest skills but teaching them in a way that makes sense to the child means the child can get going and has a basic set of strategies that can be added to as they get older.

 Sensory Problems-let’s get in touch and get on with it!

Sensory problems so often go hand in hand with an autism spectrum disorder but knowing your child has got it and knowing what to do about it can be two different things. Sensory problems can confuse the child and the parent and make getting through the day difficult whether it is about refusing to wear particular clothes, allow hair brushing or finding supermarkets overwhelming. This workshop looks at how parents can build practical coping strategies that help the child manage the fallout of sensory problems such as sensory seeking behaviours, dislikes, fears and anxieties and get on with life as one of a family.

Teeth – let’s clean some

For some parents and their children teeth cleaning is a daily battle that can make the start and end of the day difficult and yet the idea of visiting the dentist adds to the pressure ! In this workshop practical strategies for building good teeth cleaning hygiene, including trips to the dentist are shared with small steps forward to achieving independence in the future. 

These workshops can be booked individually or as a series. For more information please contact Gina on either of the following

gina@attentionautism.com   or mobile: 07704606907

Attention Autism has designed a service for parents that listens to what they want, listens to what they need and works with them to get to going and keep it on track.

For the past 25 years I have worked with children on the autism spectrum, so I have plenty of hands-on experience! The knowledge and insight I have gained has equipped me to deal with the hugely differing needs of children with autism so I can show you some successful, fun and practical ideas on how to:

  • Build a relationship with your child
  • Develop communication that works
  • Have some fun together
  • Gain and keep your child's attention
  • Tackle the every day problems at home

"Gina Davies is an exceptional practitioner. Mothers who start off highly stressed, trying to get their children to pay attention and 'sit still', find they no longer have to struggle and, possibly for the first time, hey begin to enjoy and have fun with their children".....

Professor Rita Jordan OBE, Autism Centre for Education and Research, University of Birmingham

"Gina took the whole family under her wing, not just Edward. Whatever the problem, she was there for us and the phone contact was a lifeline. Autism is so natural to her and her reports were spot on. She made us feel good about our children and not guilty about the decisions we made"....

Jane mother of Edward aged 7 with autism and Anthony aged 10 with Asperger Syndrome.

"I don't know where I would have been without that woman! Archie would not have made half the progress he has if I hadn't had Gina's intervention. She made it fun for him and his face always lights up when he sees her. She has given us the confidence to keep trying"........

Kath mother of Archie aged 7 with autism.

I can offer parents an individualised programme including -

  • Home based appointments
  • Parent training and workshops
  • Home based communication programmes
  • Hands on skills and in home support
  • Email support service
  • Practical support for the things that make home life impossible - sleeping, eating, toileting, behaviour issues

Our first consultation will enable you to tell me what your priorities are.

We will work together to create a family centred plan of action, this might involve a workshop, an intensive block of therapy, weekly, monthly or as and when necessary.

The way forward is yours - Why not call me to discuss your child's needs on 07704 606907 or email me your situation at gina@attentionautism.com