Autism West Midlands Professionals Update  –  October 2022

No sooner than the new school year starts it seems like the half term is just around the corner!  We are running a family event at Attingham Park followed by a get together for our Teens during the holiday – to find out more/book click on the link…  https://autismwestmidlands.org.uk/events/

**Reminder** No diagnosis is needed to access the AWM Shropshire service and there is no formal referral route – parents/carers can self-refer by booking an advice appointment or contacting us directly.  Details for both below…

Learn more about autism…

We have got lots FREE autism related webinars coming up, click on the links below for more information and details about how to book.  You can watch live or catch up by viewing a recording of the broadcast up to 14 days later – you must register in advance though.

Webinars for parents, carers and professionals

For families with younger children…
In November we will be starting our very popular “Rising To The Challenge for the Early Years” – a series of webinars and optional Microsoft Teams groups tailored to the needs of families with younger autistic children.  For more information and how to register follow the link below…

WEEKLY Zoom Advice slots – every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
For those would like some face-to-face advice we are offering this virtually via video appointments. Zoom works well on mobile phones. To book a 45 min advice appointment with a specialist autism advisor please book via our shop. 
https://shop.autismwestmidlands.org.uk/collections/events/products/online-autism-advice-and-consultation-sessions-shropshire-county

IMPORTANT – WE EMAIL YOUR ZOOM LINK TO YOU THE WEEK BEFORE YOUR SLOT, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR INBOX INCLUDING SPAM/JUNK TO GET YOUR LINK

Virtual Support Group for Parents - Wednesday Mornings 10am-11am & Wednesday Evenings 8pm-9pm – 1^st and 3^rd Weds of each month (term time)
Our online support groups meet twice a month via Zoom. This is an opportunity to talk with other parents, share ideas, and offer support. We recommend that you have attended an online advice appointment with a member of the team before joining group sessions (link above).

If you would like to join either of the support groups, please email the team (shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk)

Dad’s Group – Monthly on a Thursday 7pm-8pm
This is an opportunity for dads to meet online, share ideas, celebrate their children’s achievement’s and offer support to each other with a member of Autism West Midlands present.  For more information and booking details.
https://autismwestmidlands.org.uk/events/virtual-dads-support-group-west-midlands-mar31/

Advice and support
We also offer advice and support over the phone and via email. Parents/carers and professionals can contact our small team directly to arrange an appointment please call:

Shropshire office        01952 454156

Mon, Wed, Fri              Wendy Cowton            07900784186

Weds, Thu, Fri             Emma Hegenbarth      07881109480

Tue, Wed, Thu             Dawn Lewis                 07706309382

Email                            shropshire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Helpline                       0121 450 7575

Feel free to share with families and colleagues – if you would like to be added to our professionals mailing list, please email your details to emmah@autismwestmidlands.org.uk