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Louth & District NAS Branch:
We support families whom have one or more family member with Autism and we have an increasing number of members which is fantastic !!
 We have members whose children are placed at varying places on the Autistic Spectrum (from Classic Autism to Asperger's Syndrome) and aim to help each child build their Social Skills as well as boosting their self-esteem and confidence. This group is unlike other groups that just focus on the parents our focus is on the children whom need our help and support too. On joining the group each child has their own individual folder which they decorate themselves and is kept at the group so they always have their own piece of property at the meetings. These folders contain various acitivities depending on the age and ability of the child and they do these activities first to settle them and allow time for everyone to arrive. Once they have completed these activities the children do a craft activity where they have to share equipment. If this is a problem for any child we do adjust this for them. The children will then all play games which help to increase their social skills and self-confidence and self-esteem ... All games are specifically for these key areas which our children find difficult or lack and the best thing is they do not realise that they are learning they just think they are having fun! Just before the end of the meeting, if there is time, there is a "let of steam" period before hometime !
We are a friendly group who enjoy meeting new members and the meetings are relaxed and informal and aim to give practical advice and support to all our members. This takes the form of talking, listening and also finding the appropriate information and sharing this as needed. There is abundant tea and coffee as well as the odd biscuit or two for all parents/carers which are provided free of charge. The children also have a drink and crisps/fruit time ... The crisps are plain Seabrooks crisps as these have no nasty additives in them and we have normal juice and gluten free juice too, again provided free of charge.
We appreciate that people may feel a little anxious when first attending our meetings with their children but there really is no need as everyone who attends the meetings knows what it is like to stand in your shoes so there are no disapproving looks from other parents (We are sure you know what we mean!!)
If you are in Louth or Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire and surrounding areas and feel you would like to talk to other parents who know how you are feeling and what you are going through then please come along to the next meeting and join us !!
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