Getting help with autism - the EarlyBird programme

The EarlyBird programmes provide support and training for parents, carers and families when a child in the family has been diagnosed with Autism.

There are two programmes: EarlyBird and EarlyBird Plus.

The EarlyBird programmes are run as part of the Home Visiting Service through Swindon Portage.

EarlyBird

This is a three-month parent programme that combines eight group training sessions with five individual home visits, where video feedback is available. The aim of the programme is to empower parents/carers and support families in the period between the diagnosis of Autism and school placement.

The EarlyBird programme is for families of pre-school children that have been diagnosed with Autism. Where a family is accepted onto the programme, two places are allocated per family.

EarlyBird Plus

This is a three-month training programme involving eight group sessions and two home visits. The aim of the programme is to empower parents/carers to encourage a consistent approach between home and school by training parents and childcare professionals together.

The EarlyBird Plus programme is for families of a child, between the ages of four and eight years-old, where the child has been diagnosed with Autism. Where the family is accepted onto the programme, three spaces are allocated to each family (two places for parents/carers and one for a childcare practitioner/professionals who is working with the child in school).

Accessing the service

Parents or carers of a child diagnosed with Autism can request these services directly. This should be done by:

  • Email at: swindonportage@swindon.gov.uk (please include your name and contact details and indicate the name of the programme for which you are applying)
  • Telephone: 01793 465360

Once your application has been received and accepted, you will initially be placed on a waiting list for the appropriate programme. We will contact you again when a place becomes available on the programme.

Useful resources

Further information can be found on the National Portage Association website.

Give feedback about this page

Help us to improve this website

Use this form to provide feedback on this webpage. Don't use it to contact us about a service or make a complaint. We will not reply, even if you include personal details such as your name and address. If you want us to reply, you should contact us in a different way.

What is your feedback for this webpage?