Parent Training
Regular meetings and trainings with parents on the structures used in Hope communicate with diaries daily. For specific programmes such as PECs and toilet training we work with the parents giving semi-training. PECs videos of their children doing the different phases are then sent home for parents to do at home.
Early Bird and Early Bird Plus training now on offer. Hope is delighted to be able to offer the Early Bird Training to parents of the children in our school and also to other parents, either individually to join one of our courses or in groups.
Staff completed Train-the-Trainer courses from the National Autistic Society in the UK. Courses are available in Ireland but have very long waiting lists. Sherene had a very positive experience on the course when her daughter was younger and hope that this will assist the parents in heling their child/ren.
EarlyBird Plus is for parents whose child/ren has received a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is aged 4-8. The programme addresses the needs of both home and school settings by training parents/careers together with a professional who is working regularly with their child, the aim being that a child will be given consistent support. We work to build both parents' and professionals' confidence and encourage them to problem solve together.
"EarlyBird Plus is an absolute must to help you begin to learn and understand how your child's mind works." - A Parent
We use the established EarlyBird framework of teaching about autism before considering how to develop communication or manage behaviour. The programme consists of eight group sessions, and two home visit weeks. A follow-up session is held six months after the programme.
We work with between three and six teams (parents and a local professional) at a time. Two places are allocated to each family with a third available for their local professional.
"Having the opportunity to discuss things with both his parents and other school staff was invaluable." - Professional
