Specialist parenting courses and support groups

We offer a range of specialist parenting programmes for families. An eight week programme for al families regardless of the disability that their child may have. We run a four week ASD course and a three week ADHD, follow on courses from the eight week programme. We also run an eight week parenting group for parents who have difficulties with learning. For more indepth information about the courses please see website www.parentingspecialchildren.co.uk

Why they need our service

Parenting can be one of the most rewarding things you have done in your life but it does bring it challenges. Having a child with a disability brings another set of challenges, parents have more appointments with many different professionals. They often find that they have to fight for services and this can leave them worn out. Children with disabilities often have more challenging behaviour because of their disability and this can cause parents to feel exhausted and isolated.

Plan and expected results

Parents tell us that they feel less isolated, and how they value meeting with other parents in a similar situation. Parents have time and space to explore and adopt new behaviour strategies for their children. Parents gain new information about local and national services who provide support services, parenting advice and information about their child's disability. Parents feel more confident when meeting with health professionals, teachers and other professionals.

Final Results

Parenting Special Children have been running parenting courses and groups for five years and over 400 parents have accessed the courses. We consistently have good feedback and parents complete courses. We have recently added a new course to meet an unmet need for parents who have difficulties with learning, we have run one pilot course and feedback from the parents was very positive. We are now running the course for two local authorities.

Latest activities and projects

Woodley 10k run for Parenting Special Children

We offer families the opportunity to talk in a relaxed setting with refreshments, childcare when needed and at a local location. Families are able to visit the service as many times as they need, giving them the chance to take time to navigate the new journey that they have embarked upon. We provide information to families about local and national organisations who can support the family. read more

READING HALF MARATHON

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Specialist parenting courses and support groups

We offer a range of specialist parenting programmes for families. An eight week programme for al families regardless of the disability that their child may have. We run a four week ASD course and a three week ADHD, follow on courses from the eight week programme. We also run an eight week parenting group for parents who have difficulties with learning. For more indepth information about the courses please see website www.parentingspecialchildren.co.uk read more

Diagnosis Support Service

The Diagnosis Support Service offers a weekly opportunity for parent/carers to come and talk to a trained peer supporter (a parent who has already been through the process of diagnosis) who will listen to them and provide information about local support services in the area that they live. All our peer supporters receive training before becoming a peer supporter. The Diagnosis Support Service operates in Reading, Newbury and Wokingham. We also offer families an online support service. read more