For Rachel Hill, NEAS toddler groups have provided a place to meet other parents, to find expert guidance and advocacy, and above all, to see her little ones flourish.
The mum-of-two from Gateshead has attended the group with four-year-old Cole for over two years and says the support has changed their lives.
“They’ve been absolutely fantastic for us, it’s a lovely break away for myself, to meet other parents who are in similar situations,” Rachel says.
The groups often benefit parents as much as their toddlers, giving them a space to share experiences, tips, and connect with other people in similar situations to theirs.
Rachel adds:
"There’s no judging, it’s just a lovely zen place to bring your children, where you feel comfortable to be and you’re accepted because here autism is the norm, and it’s just lovely."
Since the family started attending the toddler groups, the weekly sessions have become part of Cole’s routine, providing a safe space where he can explore and let his confidence bloom.
“He’s a lot more confident coming in here,” Rachel says. “He sees the door and he knows where he’s going, he knows the structure of the group.”
Rachel has seen Cole come out of his shell after attending toddler groups, exploring the area or playing with toys or in the sandpit, but there’s no problem on days when Cole might not feel as outgoing.
She adds: “Some days we do have bad days where he’ll sit on my knee and it takes about twenty minutes for him to settle in, that’s just the norm sometimes, but it’s just totally accepted,”
As well as support from other parents, having experienced practitioners running the group sessions has made all the difference to Rachel and Cole.
NEAS Senior Family Worker Rebecca Weatherstone, who runs the group Rachel attends, has helped the family with vital support around Cole’s transition into school.
Rachel says: “With me being here so long I have used Becca’s knowledge for a fair few things.
"It’s nice to have someone who’s qualified, and they know what they’re talking about at a professional level, and also at a friendly level, where they’ll be there if you need to talk to them, or have any questions, and you can have a good laugh."
She added: “It’s a brilliant organisation that has changed our lives, it’s helped us so much.
“For any SEND parents you’ll know that you don’t get much support without fighting for it, so just having the North East Autism Society on your side and you being in with them, it’s just great.”
