AsIAm & Saint John of God Foundation launch autism diagnosis support for parents

"It is all about equipping parents and guardians."

Today, AsIAm in association with the Saint John of God Foundation launched a new resource entitled “Understanding Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis” for parents and guardians of autistic children. The resource was commissioned in response to over 500 families (in November alone) seeking more supports following an assessment and diagnosis of autism. Today’s publication is the second of a three-part series of supports for the autism community between the two organisations and is available in hardcopy or online. Building on the first publication “Starting the Autism Journey” this new resource aims to equip parents and guardians with the support needed to assist them as they begin their post-diagnosis journey with their autistic child. Speaking about today's launch Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm stated;

"Today’s launch is all about equipping parents and guardians with the right support and information, as they start their journey with their autistic child. AsIAm along with the Lucena CAMHS have developed this resource in the hope it provides parents and guardians with a starting point as they begin to navigate their journey with the autism community. At its most fundamental this a resource to assist and empower parents and guardians."

As more and more families join the autism community, it is vital that they are supported with the right information and knowledge, so that they can support their autistic child in the best possible way. Sarah Donohoe, Head of Programme Partnerships at the SJOG Foundation, says;

“It has been a great privilege for the Foundation and Lucena CAMHS to partner with AsIAm and to be involved in the publication of ‘Understanding Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis’’. Our hope is that these resource packs will go some way to promoting greater public acceptance and understanding of autism along with a lessening of the impact of delayed identification and childhood stigmatisation”

This publication was developed by AsIAm and Lucena CAMHS and funded by the Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF).