Events

The Original SEN Info Day 2026

Join us for The Original SEN Info Day 2026 - our 4th annual event, following three previous sold out years.

Taking place on Thursday 1st October 2026, this highly valued event is designed for families and professionals who want to gain practical knowledge, guidance and support relating to Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Attendees will hear from a range of experienced and knowledgeable guest speakers, headlined by renowned Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician Dr Georgie Siggers, a highly experienced specialist in autism, ADHD and neurodevelopment, alongside leading professionals from psychology, education, therapy and SEND support services.

Confirmed speakers for 2026 include:

DR Georgie Siggers - Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician
Dr Sirja Van Zyl - Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in autism and ADHD
Jacqui Waller - Occupational Therapist at Starjumpz
Lisa Omer - Education, Appeals & Tribunal Manager at The Autism Apprentice
Liz van Graan - Specialist Speech & Language Therapist at Starjumpz

Alongside the presentations, there will be a variety of relevant stall holders, offering information, resources and opportunities to connect with local services and organisations.

This year’s event will once again be held at the beautiful setting of Sittingbourne & Milton Golf Club, offering ample free parking for all attendees.

Tickets also include complimentary sandwiches together with tea and coffee served throughout the day.

Tickets are limited, so early booking is strongly recommended.

Get your tickets now:
https://buytickets.at/theautismapprentice/2149201

Benefits Support Service

Expert Guidance. Real Experience. Here When You Need Us.

Navigating benefits and applications can feel complicated, particularly when you’re trying to explain the support needs of yourself or your child. Our Benefits Support Service provides personalised guidance and practical support, helping you understand the process and make sure your circumstances are clearly represented.

We can support you with DLA and PIP applications, Blue Badge applications, Mandatory Reconsiderations, DLA/PIP appeals, and our Application Checking Service for those who want to complete their own forms but would benefit from a second pair of eyes.

Our team combines professional knowledge with lived experience, providing clear, honest advice without unnecessary jargon. Whether you’re starting an application, challenging a decision, or simply want reassurance that you’re on the right track, we’re here to help.

100 Free Family Support Advice Calls

Specialist Advice, Support & Guidance for Families

Thanks to the amazing SWS Fishing Fundraiser, we’re delighted to be able to offer 100 FREE advice appointments with our specialist Family Support Team.

These 45-minute Zoom appointments provide families with dedicated time to talk through their concerns, ask questions and receive personalised advice and guidance. Whether you're facing challenges around autism, education, family life, behaviour, support services or simply aren't sure where to turn, our team is here to listen and help.

Each appointment gives you the opportunity to speak directly with a member of our specialist Family Support Team in a confidential and supportive setting. We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances and provide practical guidance tailored to your needs.

Appointments are available now, but places are limited.

To book your free 45-minute Zoom appointment, email:
admin@autismapprentice.co.uk

Swale Face-to-Face Crisis Hub

Practical Support for Families When You Need It Most

Thanks to generous funding from Swale Borough Council, The Autism Apprentice is offering a weekly face-to-face Crisis Hub for families in the Swale area who need advice, guidance, or someone to talk to.

Our friendly team is available every Tuesday from 9:30am to 12:30pm, providing a supportive and non-judgemental space where families can discuss their concerns and get practical guidance tailored to their circumstances.

We can offer support and advice around:
Education and school concerns
EHCPs and special educational needs
School support and navigating education services
Benefit enquiries and available support
Behaviour and wellbeing
Family life and everyday challenges

Whether you're facing an immediate concern or simply don't know where to turn, our team is here to listen, provide guidance, and help you understand your next steps.

FREE Face-to-Face Advice Sessions for Swale Families

We’re delighted to offer free face-to-face advice sessions for people and families living in Swale. Starting from the week of 8th September, our friendly team will be available every Tuesday to provide personalised guidance, support and a listening ear.

Whether you need advice around autism, ADHD, education, benefits, or simply aren’t sure where to turn, we’re here to listen and help. These sessions provide a relaxed and supportive opportunity to talk through your concerns and explore the options available to you.

Every Tuesday, starting from the week of 8th September

Appointments are free, but spaces are limited. To book your appointment, please email:

admin@autismapprentice.co.uk

We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Swale Borough Council for the generous funding that has made these free community advice sessions possible. Their support is helping us make accessible advice and guidance available to more families across Swale.

FREE Face-to-Face Advice Sessions for Sheerness Families

We’re delighted to offer free face-to-face advice sessions for people and families living in Sheerness. Starting from the 28th September, our friendly team will be available to provide personalised guidance, support and a listening ear.

Whether you need advice around autism, ADHD, education, benefits, or simply aren’t sure where to turn, we’re here to listen and help. These sessions provide a relaxed and supportive opportunity to talk through your concerns and explore the options available to you.

Appointments are free, but spaces are limited. To book your appointment, please email: admin@autismapprentice.co.uk

FREE Face-to-Face Advice Sessions for Eastchurch Families

We’re delighted to offer free face-to-face advice sessions for people and families living in Eastchurch. Starting from the 28th September, our friendly team will be available to provide personalised guidance, support and a listening ear.

Whether you need advice around autism, ADHD, education, benefits, or simply aren’t sure where to turn, we’re here to listen and help. These sessions provide a relaxed and supportive opportunity to talk through your concerns and explore the options available to you.

Appointments are free, but spaces are limited. To book your appointment, please email: admin@autismapprentice.co.uk

Virtual Advice Appointments

Free One-to-One Autism Family Wellbeing Support
We're delighted to offer a limited number of FREE virtual Autism Family Wellbeing advice appointments for families living in selected areas. These confidential one-to-one sessions provide an opportunity to speak with an experienced member of our team about the challenges you're facing and receive personalised guidance tailored to your family's needs.

Whether you're looking for advice following a diagnosis, support with education, behaviour, communication, or simply need someone to talk things through with, we're here to help. Our virtual appointments offer a convenient way to access professional support from the comfort of your own home, ensuring you receive practical advice, reassurance, and signposting to the services that may benefit your family.

Online Workshops with Lisa

Expert-led workshop by Lisa, providing practical advice and real-world strategies.

Whether you're a parent, carer, or professional, our workshops are designed to help you better understand neurodiversity and navigate the SEND journey. Led by Lisa, each session offers practical advice, expert guidance, and real-life strategies you can put into practice straight away.

Advice Sessions

Personalised Support When You Need It

From May, we’ll be offering regular drop-in Advice Sessions at Merry-Go-Round in Sittingbourne, providing a relaxed and supportive space to get the guidance you need. These sessions are designed to offer personalised advice tailored to your individual questions, concerns, and circumstances.

Whether you’re navigating a diagnosis, exploring support options, or simply looking for reassurance, our experienced team will be on hand to listen and help. No appointment is necessary... just drop in, have a chat, and access the support you need in a friendly, informal environment.

Supporting Autism & ADHD in Schools - Workshop

This professional workshop will provide you with two and a half hours of training about Autism and ADHD , as well as give an overview of the triad of impairments and difficulties associated with Autism and ADHD.

We will also give you an understanding of the behaviours associated with Autism and ADHD and offer advice on how to support differences within schools..

Real Life Autism Course

A 6-Week Virtual Interactive Course

Our Real Life Autism Course is a 6-week virtual programme delivered by experts with both professional and lived experience. Designed to reflect real-life challenges, this interactive course provides practical strategies, understanding, and support that you can apply immediately.

Sessions include open discussion, expert guidance, and the opportunity to connect with others in a supportive online environment. Ideal for parents, carers, and individuals seeking deeper understanding and practical tools for everyday life.

Help us to continue supporting our community

Our objects of the company are to carry on activities which benefit the community in particular (without limitation) to support young autistic people and their families in Kent to improve their life outcomes.

Donate

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Every family is unique. We’re here to help you find the support that fits your needs. Get in touch today.

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