A new support group for parents and carers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder is starting at KidzWish Place, Shell Cove on June 17.
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The group will meet every second Monday at 7pm.
It is being facilitated by KidzWish and Kylie O'Neill who has a child with Autism and knows the value of having an opportunity to make contact with others in a similar situation.
Also involved is KidzWish therapy manager Larissa Forde who has seen the value of such groups before.
"It is really a family group," she said.
Mrs O'Neill said the idea behind starting the group came about after a number of parents contacted her following a recent event at Flagstaff Hill.
"After World Autism Day we had lots of parents raise the need for a support group. Kidzwish were able to support us with a venue. It is for parents and carers. It will basically be a time out for them and an opportunity to share stories and ideas with other parents.
"And a chance for them to create a toolbox of services and things that they can use".
From her own experience Mrs O'Neill knows caring for a child with Autism can quite often be difficult and isolating.
Involvement in a similar group when she was starting out really helped her and now she wants to see a similar opportunity for others.
"What parents and carers need to know is that they don't have to travel this journey on their own," she said.
"I have seen the value of it and other parents have seen the value of having a group such as this. It will be a non-judgmental and confidential setting".
Down the track the group will invite guest speakers and provide some pampering and therapy opportunities for the parents and carers.
It will initially facilitated by KidzWish at KidzWish Place at Shell Cove before being relocated to the new KidzWish House early in 2020.
Any parent or carer interested in attending can contact KidzWish.
A Parent and Carers Support Group - ASD Facebook page will be launched soon.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
