Parents and carers of autistic children in Barrow to benefit

The parents and carers of autistic children living in Barrow are to benefit from a training programme thanks to a grant from Barrow Local Committee. 

The Local Committee agreed today to give a grant of £10,530 to the Barrow Sure Start programme to help fund the National Autistic Society's Early Bird programme to enable pre-schoolchildren diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder to achieve their maximum potential. 

The programme is aimed at developing parents and carers understanding of autism and enabling them to communicate more effectively with their child. It is also aimed at increasing their confidence in managing the child's behavioural problems, resulting is less stress and better quality of life for all the family. 

Councillor Alan Nicholson, Chairman of Barrow Local Committee, said:   

"I am pleased the Local Committee has been able to give a grant towards this training programme, which will be of real benefit to families with autistic children in Barrow." 

Michelle Doherty, Barrow Area Early Years Co-ordinator, said:   

"The course supports parents in their difficult role of managing their child's autism by giving them knowledge and insight of their child's condition. It also provides useful and practical ideas as a 'tool box' while developing parental confidence. Self help groups are also developed during the course to provide mutual support for parents and carers after the programme has ended."