Workshops

Parenting a child with additional needs can be daunting and feel overwhelming . Many parents report that they receive a diagnosis and are left to fend for themselves.

We understand this frustration and feeling of loss and desperation. We run workshops to help you at differing stages:

• Beginning the autism journey, particularly for newly diagnosed parent/carers
• 90 minute sessions over 6 weeks, focusing on feelings and support around new diagnosis, impact on the family and parents mental health.
• Beginning at the end of April, mid June, September and end of October 2020  (dates to be confirmed)
• 2 courses running in Sittingbourne and 2 in Sheppey.
• These workshops are being funded by Kent Community Foundation, The Vanquis Social Impact Fund (Kent and Medway) and in conjunction with Maidstone Mid Kent Mind
• Please contact us to book a place - info@autismapprentice.co.uk

Other workshops:

• Applying for Disability Living Allowance for your child, a morning session, looking into the best way to apply, what information you need and a breakdown of the questions, specifically aimed at autism.
• Applying for an Education Health Care Plan
• Sensory difficulties
• Anxiety and the impact upon home life

We apply for grant funding in order to run these workshops and therefore keep cost to a minimum, free when possible. 

Please contact us for further information and dates.

Open clinic sessions

We hold a number of open clinic sessions, where you can come along and get free advice on your circumstances.  

Due to popular demand, we now request you contact us to book a 30 minute session at your chosen clinic.

This work is supported by grants from the community.

Upcoming clinic sessions in:

• Seashells Children's Centre, Rose Street, Sheerness, Sheppey, ME12 1AW
• Every Monday 10am - 12 noon
• Running until 30th March 2020 (excluding school holidays)
• These sessions are very popular, therefore booking is essential, please contact us to book.

• Sittingbourne, Woodgrove Children's Centre, Johnson Road, Sittingbourne, Kent
• 28th February, 6th March, 12th march, 26th March 24th April, 1st May 2020
• 9.30 - 11.30am
• Please contact us to make a free 30 minute appointment

• Faversham, St Mary's Children's Centre, Orchards Place, Faversham, Kent
• 25th February, 3rd March, 10th March, 27th March 2020.
• 10am - 12 noon
• Please contact us to make a free 30 minute appointment

• Beaches Children's Centre, The George Wharton Centre, Warden Bay Road, Leysdown, Sheppey, ME12 4NA
• 21st April, 28th April, 5th May, 12th May, 19th May, 2nd June 2020
• 10am - 12 noon
• Please contact us to make a free 30 minute appointment
• Funded through Big Local Eastern Sheppey for The National Lottery Community Fund

Children welcome and remain the responsibility of parents at all times.  

At busy times, you may have to wait a while, we like to chat to you in confidence and give you the time required, however please be mindful that these sessions run for approximately 30 minutes each and there may be enough parent in need.

Many thanks to the following for supporting this work:

 Queenborough Fishery Trust

Kent County Councillors

Swale Borough Councillors

Big Local Eastern Sheppey for The National Lottery Community Fund

Without this invaluable support we would not be able to offer this service free of charge.  

Please note, we are not medical professionals and any medication advice must be confirmed by your child's doctor/specialist. Legal advice is given from a parental perspective, we are not qualified in this area.  We cannot guarantee that you will get the outcome you desire for your child but we will try our utmost for success.