Autism Toolbox for parents and carers

The Early Years Service offer Buckinghamshire families of autistic children (with or without a diagnosis) who attend a Buckinghamshire Early Years provider, the opportunity to learn together with their child’s settings..

The Thames Valley Autism Alert Card provides a simple way for autistic people of all ages and their parents or carers to quickly and easily explain the condition to others, giving cardholders and their families more confidence to go out and about.

On the back of the card, there is space for two emergency contacts, such as parents or carers so they can be contacted if help is needed. The card is free to anyone in Buckinghamshire with an autism diagnosis. Frontline staff like police and paramedics are trained to recognise the alert card.

There are several local groups on social media whose community can help and support parents/carers who have a child with autism. These groups can be either public or private.

• Bucks Local Offer for SEND Facebook page
• Bucks Local Offer for SEND group
• FACT Bucks
• GRASPS Buckinghamshire
• Autism and ADHD Journey - SEND Info Bucks

Websites that offer advice and information.

Stay Ok is an easy-to-read website for people with learning disabilities and autism. It is designed to provide information and guidance on staying safe whilst at home, and out and about in the community. It covers a range of topics such as:

• healthy relationships
• exploitation
• grooming
• online safety
• hate crime

Health for Kids Buckinghamshire offers health advice to help children grow and flourish.

Health for Teens provides help and advice for young people.

Support groups who provide support and information.

Greater Resources for Autism Supporting Parents and Siblings (Established: March 2013). GRASPS is a voluntary-run, inclusive support group for families, young adults, and adults, affected by Autism in Buckinghamshire.

SPACE Chesham and South Bucks is a support group for parents and carers of children with ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Challenging Behaviour. We aim to provide a space where you can find advice, support and information.

Autism Early Support Trust Limited assessment and support services for parents and practitioners.

Their early support and specialist education encompasses specific, structured and targeted neuro-affirmative approaches founded on established research, evidence-based practice and our extensive experience.

South Buckinghamshire branch of the National Autistic Society, is a support group for people with autism. The service includes parent support group, social group for young adults over 16 years, speaker evenings, newsletter, Rainbow Club for 5 to 11 year olds as well as family activities including Autism friendly cinema screenings, swimming, bowling, indoor play centre and other days out.

FACT Bucks, short for Families and Carers Together in Buckinghamshire, is a group of parents and professionals who meet to discuss real issues that affect children and young people with additional needs and disabilities in Buckinghamshire.

The Buckinghamshire Disability Service (BuDS) is a user-led pan-disability charity operating primarily in Buckinghamshire. We are a successful, dynamic and influential charity, focused on supporting disabled people by fixing the biggest issues facing them. We aim to build a world which is Fair4All, including disabled people.

The Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIAS) provides free, confidential, impartial information, advice and support on all matters relating to special educational needs and disability for children and young people up to 25 years, and their parents/carers.

The South Bucks PDA Support Group aims to provide parents/carers, who either have a diagnosis or believe their child may have the autism profile of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), with an opportunity to meet informally, share experiences and positively support each other.