In part one of the Young Witness special feature on Autism we looked at what Autism Spectrum Disorder is, in part two we heard from a local mother of a child on the spectrum and in part three we will focus on the local Facebook group which has been launched for parents and carers of children on the spectrum.
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The Facebook group Autism Support Group, Young NSW can be found in the search bar on Facebook, anyone wishing to join the group will need to answer questions before they can be approved.
What is the group about?
The Autism Support Group, Young NSW has been set up to give parents and carers of children on the spectrum a chance to vent, discuss and give advice, ask questions and just chill out in a safe and judgement free zone from the realities of raising a child on the spectrum.
Say your child has been having meltdown after meltdown, the parent or carer can put up a post on the page and see that they are not alone, all while they will get advice from experienced educators and other parents who have been through similar experiences.
We are also aiming to organise a get together so we can all meet in person. Though we know we’re not alone in all of this we can at times feel alone and knowing there is other parents in the local area will help with that.
How did the group come about?
The Facebook group was the brainchild of an ASD parent who spoke to others and the idea grew from there.
We as parents have plenty of online forums, chat groups and other groups on Facebook, however the majority of them are from the United States or are based in large/capital cities which aren’t always relevant to us out in rural communities.
Going through Early Intervention we are aware there are a lot of other ASD parents and carers around and though we’ve made our own little connections it is great to find feedback, advice and support from others who know what it is like living, working and raising a family here in Young.
The group is still only in its early stages however the more feedback, members and commentators we can get the better it will be.
Who can join the group?
Any parent or carer of a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Asperger Syndrome.
Though we do not require to site medical documentation, confirmation that the child/ren have received a diagnosis is essential.
The group is a judgement free zone so feel free to post as often as you like and any form of bullying behaviour will not be tolerated.
Where can I find the group?
The group can be found by going to https://www.facebook.com/groups/106689990140753/.