Being a Parent Autism
Being a Parent Autism is a 10-week group programme offered to parents/carers of children with Autism aged from 5 to 12 years old.
The course is led by trained Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities (EPEC) parent group leaders with lived experience of parenting a child with additional needs. The group is specifically designed for parents/carers of a child/children with Autism to explore tailored parenting strategies and meet other parents/carers who share similar experiences.
The group aims to support children and families to get the best start in life by supporting you to manage your and your child's feelings, communicate and interact positively with your child, use positive behaviour management strategies, and manage parental stress.
Next Sessions
Our Autumn term 2026 programme will begin on:
Wednesdays 30th September 2026 - 9th December 2026, 10am - 12.30pm (no session in half term, 28th October 2026) at Sunnyhill Children's Centre, Harborough Road, London, SW16 2XW
Being a Parent Autism Workshops
These workshops are for parents and carers of children with Autism. There are 3 workshops, you can come to just one or all three.
Workshops Set 1
Workshop 1 – Being a Parent, Wednesday 30th September 9.45am-11.45am. In this workshop we discuss what life is like for you as a parent, give parents the opportunity to explore the joys and challenges of parenting an autistic child. Help parents to have realistic expectations and encourage parents to recognise the importance of looking after themselves.
Workshop 2 – Understanding Autism, Wednesday 7th October 9.45am-11.45am. Will give parents the opportunity to share their knowledge of Autism relating to areas of social skills, communication and interaction, coping with change, being flexible and difficulties with sensory experience. Will raise awareness of the challenges children with Autism have coping with sensory information.
Workshop 3 – Parenting Strategies, Wednesday 14th October 9.45am - 11.45am. In this workshop we will help parents to understand what contributes to behaviour and give them a tool to better manage or prevent specific distressing behaviour. To raise parents' awareness of meltdowns and shutdowns, and what they can do to support their child or young person when they become overwhelmed. Supporting parents to explore creating a safe space to use.
The workshops are run by parents who have completed the Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities training. Their own experiences, backgrounds and skills make the sessions friendly and engaging.
Workshops Set 2
Workshop 1 - Being a Parent - Wednesday 11th November 2026, 9.45am -11.45am
Workshop 2 - Understanding Autism - Wednesday 18th November, 9.45am - 11.45am
Workshop 3 - Parenting Strategies - Wednesday 25th November, 9.45am - 11.45am
All workshops in sets 1 and 2 will take place at Stockwell Children's Centre, Burgoyne Road, SW9 9QJ.