We are now licensed to deliver the Early Bird Plus Programme to schools within Newport. This has been made possible with a grant from The National Lottery.

Register here for a school visit to discuss our trainer to deliver any of the Early Bird Programmes within your school

The "EarlyBird Programme" is a support program developed by the National Autistic Society for parents and carers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It provides guidance and strategies for understanding and managing their child's needs, focusing on the period between diagnosis and school placement. There are different versions for different age groups, including the original EarlyBird (pre-school), EarlyBird Plus (school-aged), and Teen Life (for teenagers).  

Key aspects of the program

  • Target audience:

    Parents and carers of autistic children. 

  • Goal:

    To empower parents with the knowledge and tools to support their child's development, focusing on communication, behavior, and daily living. 

  • Program content:

    Topics include understanding autism, communication strategies, social interaction, sensory processing, and health and well-being. 

  • Methods:

    The program uses established approaches such as the National Autistic Society's SPELL framework, the TEACCH approach, and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). 

  • Professional involvement:

    The EarlyBird Plus version encourages parents to attend sessions with a professional, such as a teacher, to ensure a consistent approach at both home and school. 

Program versions

  • EarlyBird: For parents and carers of pre-school children (under five) with a diagnosis of autism. 

  • EarlyBird Plus: For parents and carers of school-aged children under ten. 

  • Teen Life: For parents and carers of autistic children aged 10 to 16.