CS6027 Family Support Service

Tower Hamlets has a significant proportion of children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and learning difficulties; in 2023, the percentage of pupils with an EHCP in Tower Hamlets schools was the fifth highest in England. When a child or young person (CYP) is first diagnosed with ASC, it can be a confusing and overwhelming time for parents/carers. They may not fully understand what the diagnosis means or how best to support their child, or what services are available and how to access them. It is therefore vital that the local authority is able to provide regular and ongoing support to these families, to help meet the needs of their ASC children. The Family Support Service will deliver advice and guidance to the parents and carers of children and young people (CYP) with ASC living in the borough. The service will seek to work in partnership with the Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment Service (ASDAS) and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHs) to ensure that families receive appropriate support at the right time, preferably soon after diagnosis, whilst remaining flexible to meet family's needs at different stages in their journey.