What are the NAS EarlyBird and EarlyBird  Plus Programmes?

The National Autistic Society (NAS) EarlyBird Plus Programmes are a three-month training programme that combines group training sessions with individual home visits.

Who runs the Programmes?

The programmes are delivered by teams of Licensed Trainers across Dorset. The Programme at Yewstock is coordinated by Amanda Ayliffe (01258 472796).

Trainers are local professionals with experience and understanding of autistic spectrum disorders. They have been trained to run the programme at the NAS EarlyBird Centre in South Yorkshire.

Who can attend the programme?

Parents of a child 5 years old or under can attend the EarlyBird programme (with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD).

Parents of a child aged over 4 and under 10 with a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder can attend the EarlyBird Plus programme, along with a professional who works with their child. The programmes are mainly offered to families within the Dorset County Council area.

What are the aims of the programme?

  • To empower parents/carers.
  • To encourage a consistent approach between home and school by training parents and professionals together.
  • To help establish good practice and consistency in your child’s life.

What will we learn about?

The NAS Early Bird Plus programme will help you to:

  • Understand your child’s autistic spectrum disorder
  • Help improve communication with your child
  • Help to develop practical strategies to pre-empt problem behaviours and/or manage those which do occur

Will the programme cure my child’s autism?

We do not offer a cure at EarlyBird Plus BUT we do offer hope.

What do I do next?

Contact Amanda Ayliffe at Yewstock for an information pack or an informal chat.

Tel:  01258 472796
Email: earlybirdplus@yewstock.dorset.sch.uk
NAS Website: www.autism.org.uk

And the next step?

Come to an information meeting in your local area and hear all about it. Courses are offered across Dorset. Contact your nearest team (above) for details of the next information meeting.

EarlyBird Plus Safeguarding Leads

Acting Designated Safeguarding Lead for Earlybird service – Caroline Hubbuck
Line manager – Karen Bidwell
https://westfield.dorset.sch.uk/

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) for Earlybird Service – Christine Chadwick
https://yewstock.dorset.sch.uk/