Approx. 0 to 5/6 years
EarlyBird
For parents and carers of autistic children in the early years.
Read about EarlyBird
Information for HSE clinicians
NAS Parent Support Programmes
The National Autistic Society (NAS) offers a range of evidence-based parent and carer support programmes. We are proud to deliver these programmes, which empower families to develop their understanding of autism and explore supportive approaches that can be used across a wide range of situations and experiences.
Programmes offered by AutismCare
AutismCare offers three NAS parent support programmes, each matched to the age and stage of the child or young person.
Approx. 5 to 10 years
EarlyBird Plus
For parents and carers of autistic children aged approximately 5 to 10 years.
Read about EarlyBird Plus
Approx. 10 to 16 years
Teen Life
For parents and carers of autistic young people aged approximately 10 to 16 years.
Read about Teen LifeThere is flexibility within these age categories, depending on the developmental needs, strengths and circumstances of the child or young person.
Early years · Approx. 0 to 10 years
EarlyBird and EarlyBird Plus
EarlyBird and EarlyBird Plus are evidence-based parent support programmes devised by the National Autistic Society (NAS).
Both programmes are designed for parents and carers of autistic children in the early years. They aim to empower parents and carers to develop their understanding of autism, recognise their child's individual strengths and needs, and explore supportive approaches that can be incorporated into everyday family life.
Parents and carers have opportunities to learn about autism, share experiences with other families and consider practical ways of supporting their child's communication, development and wellbeing.
Key areas explored
The six sessions provide opportunities to explore:
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Understanding Autism
Developing an understanding of autism and the individual experiences of autistic children.
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Communication
Exploring communication differences and ways to support communication and interaction.
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Understanding Your Child
Considering the individual strengths, needs, experiences and responses of the child, with a particular emphasis on sensory differences, meltdowns and shutdowns, and self-regulation.
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Supporting Development
Exploring ways to support children's development and participation in everyday activities.
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Understanding Behaviour
Considering what behaviour may communicate and exploring supportive responses.
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Supporting Family Life
Considering the wellbeing of the child and family and developing confidence in supporting the child at home and in the wider community.
Key principles
EarlyBird and EarlyBird Plus are about:
- Empowering parents and carers
- Building understanding of autism
- Recognising and valuing autistic experiences
- Understanding the individual child
- Supporting communication and interaction
- Practical, supportive approaches to managing meltdowns and shutdowns
- Self-regulation and co-regulation
- Sharing experiences and learning as a group
- Supporting positive relationships
- Helping families feel more confident in supporting their autistic child
In a nutshell
EarlyBird and EarlyBird Plus support parents and carers to develop their understanding of autism, understand their child's individual experiences and explore practical approaches that can support their child and family during the early years.
Adolescence · Approx. 10 to 16 years
Teen Life
Teen Life is an evidence-based parent support programme devised by the National Autistic Society (NAS).
The programme is designed to empower parents and carers to develop their understanding of autism during adolescence and explore supportive approaches that can help autistic young people and their families navigate the opportunities and challenges of the teenage years.
Key areas explored
The six sessions provide opportunities to explore:
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Understanding Autism
Developing an understanding of autism and how autistic experiences may change and develop during adolescence.
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Communication
Exploring communication differences, relationships and ways to support positive communication with young people.
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Understanding the Teenage Experience
Considering how autistic young people may experience adolescence and how this can influence their emotions, behaviour, communication and responses.
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Independence and Daily Living
Exploring practical approaches to support developing independence, everyday activities and life skills.
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Health and Wellbeing
Considering the physical and emotional wellbeing of autistic young people and their families.
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Relationships and Connections
Exploring friendships, relationships, social connections and ways to support young people to feel connected and understood.
Key principles
Teen Life is about:
- Empowering parents and carers
- Building understanding of autism during adolescence
- Recognising and valuing autistic experiences
- Understanding the individual young person
- Practical, supportive approaches to managing meltdowns and shutdowns
- Self-regulation and co-regulation
- Supporting communication and relationships
- Promoting health and wellbeing
- Supporting developing independence
- Sharing experiences and learning as a group
- Helping families feel more confident in supporting their autistic young person
In a nutshell
Teen Life supports parents and carers to better understand autism during adolescence, understand their young person's individual experiences and explore practical approaches that can support wellbeing, relationships and increasing independence in everyday life.
Who delivers the programmes?
EarlyBird, EarlyBird Plus and Teen Life are delivered by a licensed user from AutismCare, alongside another experienced AutismCare clinician who specialises in neurodivergence.
The facilitators aim to create a supportive, respectful and inclusive environment in which parents and carers can explore their experiences, ask questions and consider approaches that are appropriate for their individual child and family.
Questions about the programmes?
For further information on EarlyBird, EarlyBird Plus or Teen Life, or to discuss whether a programme may suit a family you are supporting, please contact our programme lead.
