You can also find services and support groups and networks in the autism services directory on the National Autistic Society website.
Post-diagnostic support for parents and carers
We highly recommend that parents attend a post-diagnostic ASD education course to understand ASD, how it affects your child and specific techniques to support them.
The first two courses below will require a referral from your paediatrician.
Lambeth Autism and Related Disorder Service (ARDS)
Lambeth ARDS diagnostic service offer a two-hour post-diagnostic course for parents of children diagnosed with ASD.
This is offered directly following diagnosis but can be accessed later. These sessions are for parents only and you can drop-in so there is no need to book a place.
The course is held at the Mary Sheridan Centre.
To find out more about the course, call ARDS on 020 3049 5964.
Maudsley course for parents of children with ASD – Learning about autism
This is a five-day course aimed at parents or carers with little or no previous experience of ASD and who want to find out about how it is diagnosed, what it is, where it comes from, management, and likely outcomes.
Please ask your paediatrician about a referral.
To find out more, email Jenny Ronayne at jenny.ronayne@slam.nhs.uk.
The course is held at the Michael Rutter Centre for Children and Young People, at Maudsley Hospital in Denmark Hill.
Lark Hall parent support groups and workshops
Lark Hall Autism Advisory Service provides workshops which are held in schools across the borough once every half term. They aim to provide practical and useful advice, with strategies and ideas on how to support your child with ASD in continuing to develop important life skills.
To find out more, email Iterry@larkhall.lambeth.sch.uk.
Parenting groups and courses in Lambeth
There are programs that run throughout school terms to support parents and carers:
- EarlyBird - for children under five years old.
- Triple P Stepping Stones - for children aged 2-12 years old who have a disability.
- Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities - children aged 3-18 years old.
Financial help
There are various benefits which you may be entitled to. The following links will take you to the National Autistic Society website.
Find out about:
Support services
Your child’s school, nursery, children’s centre or school setting can access help for children with communication difficulties and autism from these services:
- Speech and language therapy
- Children’s occupational therapy
- Child and adolescent mental health services
- Educational psychological service
- Community paediatrics
- Early Year SEN team
- Lark Hall Autism Outreach Team
What if my child needs further help?
Some children with autism will need an education, health and care needs assessment.
You can also speak to us about accessing social care support to help your child: