01 February 2017

Autism information morning in Alford for parents with pre-school children

Parents and carers of children aged between 0 – 8 years with diagnosed autism, who are awaiting diagnosis or suspect their child has autism are being invited along to an information morning in Alford this month.

The Alford Early Years Forum, which is made up of early years professionals who support families with young children in the Alford area, has organised the event which will take place at Alford Community Campus on Saturday, February 18 from 10am until midday.

The morning will include activities from charity SensationALL in Westhill who will have a sensory space in the library, as well as a demonstration by library staff on how to access books on the condition via the digital library catalogue.

There will also be a cooking demonstration from the Garioch Community Kitchen who will discuss and demonstrate ‘food and mood’ workshops to raise awareness of how certain foods can impact on behaviour.

Banchory-based charity Supporting Children in Learning for Life (SCILL) and Spikin’ Autism an Alford-based group, which both support parents and carers who have children with additional support needs or autism, will also be there.

Joint chair of the Alford Early Years Forum, Jackie Coroon, said: “We were approached by ‘Spikin’ Autism for help with setting up their new group and they told us that there was a lack of information on autism for parents with younger children, especially if they were awaiting diagnosis or suspect their child had the condition.

“The support group, which has only been running a few months, has really helped each other and the group is growing each month as word is spreading of their fortnightly meetings in the campus.”

Joint chair, Helen Crouch, added: “It is important that families, parent and carers do not feel isolated and alone in what can be a challenging time during a child’s early stages. We thought this event would help them to feel that they are not alone and someone is there to help and support them when needed. Come and meet people who can help and support you.”