National Autistic Society Isle of Wight
The National Autistic Society (NAS) Isle of Wight (IOW) branch is launching a new support group for parents of children with autism in Ryde. The support group will allow parents from the local area to meet on a regular basis and receive advice, information and support on bringing up a child with autism.
The Ryde Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Parent Support Group launches on 13th September and will meet on a monthly basis. Local organisations and professionals will be attending the launch to share information about their work with parents from the area. Ali Matthews, Deputy Director for Children’s Safeguarding at the Isle of Wight Council, is attending as their first guest speaker.
The group has been set up by Louise Foley, Branch Officer at the NAS IOW branch, and follows the success of a range of other activities already organised by the branch. These include autism-friendly film screenings at Cineworld, a trampoline club, a Saturday Lego club, as well as regular branch meetings and coffee mornings. Up until now these activities have been largely based in Newport, and so the launch of the support group in Ryde will expand the service offered significantly.
Louise Foley, IOW Branch Officer, said, ”We have recently found out that Ryde has the highest prevalence of autism on the Isle of Wight and so I am really pleased to be able to launch this service in an area where I know many local families will directly benefit from the support. The group will give families the opportunity to meet other parents of children with autism who understand the highs and lows we experience every day. Families can often feel like they have nowhere to turn, but through our new group we hope to be able to help parents and children with all autism-related issues. The right support, at the right time can make a world of difference to children with autism and their families.”
Ali Matthews, Deputy Director for Children’s Safeguarding at the Isle of Wight Council, said, “I’m delighted to be speaking at the first meeting of the Ryde ASD Parent Support Group. I have worked closely with the NAS in other local authorities and have seen firsthand the difference the society can make to families’ lives. Having a child with autism can invoke lots of complex emotions: isolation, grief, embarrassment and fear, to name but a few. The knowledge and expertise that the NAS offers to the island can help families to cope both emotionally
The Ryde ASD support group is launching on Tuesday 13th September at 9.00 – 11.30am at The Park Centre, High Park Rd, Ryde, PO33 1BP. The group will then meet on the second Tuesday of every month during school
For more information about the Ryde ASD support group contact: Louise Foley on 07827 308768 or email rydeasdsupport@hotmail.co.uk. To find out more about the NAS IOW branch please visit www.nasbranch.org.uk/isleofwight
