Children with autism (0 - 4 years old)
Many children with a diagnosis of autism attend their local childcare provision. Support and training for staff working in the setting is available from the early years team. Specialist group sessions and family support are also available at the Child Development Centre at Ross Road, Hereford.
What is autism?
Watch this helpful video by the National Autistic Society:
While You Wait group for pre-school age children awaiting neurodevelopmental assessment
As part of Herefordshire's 'Waiting Well' initiative, we run a monthly multi-agency information and advice session for families of pre-school age children only who are already on the waiting list to see a paediatrician for a neurodevelopmental assessment. Professionals and settings can signpost parents to the group once a referral has been made for assessment.
The While You Wait group is held every month at Widemarsh Children's Centre with a range of professionals in attendance including Portage Workers, Speech and Language Therapists, Early Years Family Support Workers, Children with Disabilities Family Support Workers, Community Nursery Nurses and Health Visitors.
Sessions also include specific themes and include visiting professionals such as dental specialists, the bladder and bowel service and therapists who can support with feeding, chewing and food aversion.
Please note, this group is only for families of pre-school age children who are already on the waiting list for a neurodevelopmental assessment with the community paediatrician. If you are not on the waiting list but you have concerns about your pre-school age child's development, please discuss your concerns with your childcare provider, Health Visitor or GP in the first instance.
If you are a professional who would like to support the group, please contact:
- Gail Rogers, Assistant Specialist Practitioner on 01432 356438, email cdcclinical@wvt.nhs.uk or
- Della Pascoe, EY SEND Manager, email della.pascoe@herefordshire.gov.uk
Child Development Centre: Communication and social interaction difficulties group (COSI)
If your child is within the pre-school year and has been diagnosed with autism, you can access the COSI group. The group is designed to provide intervention in meeting the needs of children which arise from their autism, including difficulties with communication, social interaction and play.
A variety of approaches are applied which include intensive interaction, TEACCH (teaching, expanding, appreciating, collaborating and co-operating, holistic) and PECS (picture exchange communication system) within a structured and communication friendly environment. Children are reviewed termly and support and advice is provided to parents.
The child's transition into school is supported through the group in liaison with pre-schools, schools and parents.
For further information, download the COSI group criteria and COSI group leaflet.
Further information
Find out more about neurodivergence and the support available in the neurodivergence section on the Local Offer.
Our autism strategy sets out our long term plans with and on behalf of people of all ages with autism and their family carers.