Second workshop about autism

A second workshop for parents and carers of young children with autism will be held at the Beachside Family Centre.

It will take place from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Friday, December 3, and will be run by the government-funded Early Days program.

"This workshop can offer the opportunity to learn about play development in children with autism; learn practical tips for encouraging your child to play with toys and with other children and learn how to encourage the development of pretend play in your child," said centre facilitator Ms Debbie Notara.

"This is the second workshop being run by Early Days at Beachside Family Centre.

"The last one proved so successful that we are hoping to run one per term in the future covering a variety of issues that parents and carers of children with autism find themselves facing.

"Helping families with children with autism has become a high priority given the increase in numbers of children being diagnosed."

The workshop is free of charge and morning tea and lunch are provided.

No child care is available.

The workshop is open to mothers, fathers and other family carers of children six years and under who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or are going through the assessment and diagnosis process.

To register, contact Early Days on 1800 334 155.

"The more families who register interest the more workshops will be available in the future," said Ms Notara.

Beachside Family Centre is located in the grounds of Umina Public School, Sydney Ave Umina.

Media release, 14 Oct 2010 Debbie Notara, Beachside Family Centre