Family Support Hub

 1. (For New Families)
A gentle entry point for parents who are new to autism.

What autism is (simple, reassuring explanation)
What a diagnosis means (and what it doesn’t)
Common emotions after diagnosis (shock, grief, hope, acceptance)
“You are not alone”

2. Parenting Support & Everyday Life
Practical help for daily challenges at home.

Topics to include:

  • Understanding behaviour & emotional regulation
  • Communication (verbal & non-verbal)
  • Sensory needs (noise, food, clothing, routines)
  • Sleep, eating, toileting support
  • Managing meltdowns vs shutdowns
  • Building routines that work for your family

 

3. Emotional & Wellbeing Support for Families
Support for the whole family, not just the child.

  • Parental wellbeing & burnout

  • Coping with stress, guilt, and isolation

  • Supporting siblings (young carers)

  • Maintaining relationships and family balance

  • Cultural perspectives on autism

  • Faith, community, and family support networks

4. Education & School Support
Helping families navigate education with confidence.

  • Understanding SEN support (EHCPs, school plans, reviews)
  • Working with teachers and schools
  • Preparing for school transitions
  • Managing exclusions, bullying, or school refusal
  • Home–school communication tips

5. Health & Professional Support
Clear guidance on accessing services.

  • Navigating health and therapy services
  • Understanding assessments and reports
  • Working with professionals (speech therapy, OT, nursing)
  • Preparing for appointments
  • Advocacy and asking for reasonable adjustments

6. Peer Support & Community
Building connection and reducing isolation.

  • Parent support groups (online & in-person)
  • Coffee mornings / meet-ups
  • Family events and social activities
  • Parent mentors / lived-experience support
  • Safe discussion spaces (forums or moderated groups)

7. Training, Workshops & Resources
Empowering families through knowledge.

  • Autism awareness training for parents

  • Short workshops (2–3 hours)

  • Recorded webinars

  • Downloadable guides and toolkits

  • Visual schedules, social stories, easy-read materials

8. Transitions, Youth & Adulthood
Support beyond childhood.

  • Transition to secondary school
  • Adolescence & puberty
  • Preparing for adulthood
  • Independence skills
  • Employment, volunteering & life skills
  • Adult social groups and wellbeing support

9. Family Voices & Real Stories
Celebrating lived experience.

Parent stories
Sibling voices
Youth & adult autistic perspectives
“What helped our family” features
This builds hope, relatability, and trust

10. Help, Advice & Signposting
Clear pathways to further help.

  • How to get in touch with ASN

  • One-to-one support or advice sessions

  • Signposting to local and national services

  • Emergency guidance (when to seek urgent help)
    FAQs

“Every family’s autism journey is different. There is no right or wrong way. Only your way. We are here to walk alongside you.”

← back