Families Together
Families Together is a free, whole-family autism support programme for families in Norfolk who have an autistic child or young person, or a child or young person currently waiting for an autism assessment.
Whole-family support, delivered together
The programme brings together practical support for parents and carers alongside a structured, autism-informed group offer for young people. Sessions are designed to help families build confidence, reduce stress, strengthen communication and support day-to-day wellbeing.
What does the programme offer?
Families Together provides parallel support for parents/carers and autistic children or young people.
- Parent/carer training, understanding and practical strategies.
- A structured, supportive group programme for autistic young people.
- Sessions that run at the same time and venue to make attendance easier.
- A joined-up approach focused on family wellbeing, confidence, communication and resilience.
Who can take part?
Families must meet the following criteria:
- Live in Norfolk.
- Have a child or young person with a confirmed autism diagnosis, or who is currently on the waiting list for an autism assessment.
- Be able to commit to the programme as a family approach across the 6 weeks.
- Be able to attend sessions in person in Dereham.
What will families receive?
Parent and Carer Support
Parents and carers can receive up to two completely free funded places on our in-person Just Diagnosed? course.
The course focuses on understanding autism, behaviour, sensory needs and communication, with practical strategies that can be used at home and in everyday family life.
Young People’s Programme
Young people take part in a structured, in-house programme designed to support emotional wellbeing and build confidence through autism-informed activities.
- Getting comfortable and exploring “what helps me”.
- Feelings and body signals.
- Worries, thoughts and coping plans.
- Friendships, communication and confidence.
Age groups and session structure
There are two age groups: 6–11 years and 12–16 years. Programmes run each half term, alternating between the two age groups.
Sessions last around 1.5 hours, with groups of up to 6 young people. Parent/carer and young people’s sessions run at the same time and at the same venue, helping with travel and commitment.
Getting started
The whole family meets the team together. We explain what to expect, answer questions and complete short starting point questionnaires so we can understand what support may help most.
Understanding autism and getting comfortable
Parent/carer session: A gentle introduction to autism, how it can show up differently and how this may relate to your child or young person.
Young people’s session: Settling in, getting to know the group and exploring “what helps me”, including strengths, interests, early signs of stress and calming ideas.
Behaviour, feelings and coping
Parent/carer session: Looking at behaviour through a supportive lens and exploring compassionate strategies to try at home.
Young people’s session: Understanding feelings and body signals, such as worry, anger or overwhelm, and building simple coping tools.
Sensory needs and managing worries
Parent/carer session: Exploring sensory differences and how they affect daily life, routines and environments.
Young people’s session: Talking about worries and unhelpful thoughts, and creating simple “what I can do if…” plans.
Communication, friendships and confidence
Parent/carer session: Understanding different communication styles and finding ways to connect, reduce misunderstandings and support expression.
Young people’s session: Confidence, communication skills, friendships, boundaries and helpful ways to ask for support.
Finishing up
The whole family comes together again to complete end questionnaires, review progress and agree next steps. We use this to write a short summary report and follow up with helpful signposting.
Cost
There is no cost to families. Places are funded through Norfolk Community Foundation’s A Better Childhood – Supporting Families with SEND programme.
How to join
- Register your interest using the short form.
- We will contact you to confirm eligibility and cohort dates.
- We will share what to expect and answer any questions.
Register your interest
Families Together is designed to support the whole family. Complete the interest form and we will contact you to discuss eligibility, available cohorts and what happens next.
Learning, evaluation and funding
As part of the funding, ASD Helping Hands will capture learning and outcomes, with permissions and anonymised feedback where required, and contribute to the programme’s shared learning partnership. Funded by Norfolk Community Foundation – A Better Childhood: Supporting Families with SEND.