WHAT IS THIS PROGRAMME?
The Cygnet programme is for parents/carers of children who have a confirmed diagnosis of autism (aged between 5 ½ -18 years old). The Cygnet Programme provides parents and carers with support, information and extra strategies to more effectively respond to the needs of children with autism. Group size ranges from 6-12 people.
Length of Programme: 7 weeks*. Each session lasts for 3 hours with a break.
* parents must commit to attending all sessions.
Refreshments are provided. Unfortunately, no crèche is available for this group.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This programme is for all parents whose child has an Islington GP. The child requires a formal diagnosis of Autism - given by a professional.
TOPICS COVERED
- Autism and diagnosis
- Communication
- Sensory issues
- Understanding behaviour
- Managing behaviour
- Choice of topic decided by parents/carers in the group
WHERE & WHEN ARE THE GROUPS DELIVERED?
The programme is delivered each term within different venues across Islington. Referrals are grouped according to the gender and age of the child (ie., primary or secondary school). This enables the programmes to be adapted to better meet the needs of the parents. Groups are coordinated according to demand and delivered on a regular basis.
Please Note: parents may encounter a waiting list depending on the gender / ages of their child.
Refer to the online parenting programme timetable for details of the next programme. www.islington.gov.uk/parentingprogrammes
HOW DO I GET ONTO THIS GROUP?
Islington CAMHS manage the waiting list for Cygnet. Parents can self-refer by contacting the CAMHS team. Professionals can contact CAMHS for more information and request a referral form.
Most Cygnet referrals are internal (i.e., part of the CAMHS diagnostic pathway) and Cygnet is an automatic offer following diagnosis of a child who is 5-18 yrs.
WHO DO I CONTACT?
For information about Cygnet contact: Kirsty Muldoon (Programme Lead)
Islington CAMHS 020 3316 1824 /5 kirsty.muldoon@nhs.net
For an electronic referral form contact: Colleen Williams (CAMHS Administrator)
Islington CAMHS 020 3316 1825 colleenwilliams@nhs.net