Care & Connect: Free support group for parents of kids with autism
Care & Connect, a casual and friendly support group for parents of children diagnosed with autism, is helping families make connections in Sydney’s northern beaches.
A northern beaches mum who knows what it’s like to feel different is reaching out to support other parents in the same boat.
Kylie Ouvrier, whose sons Ben and Nathan have been diagnosed with autism, has joined with Kids First to coordinate a free parent support group to give mums, dads and other carers the opportunity to get support and friendship.
Called Care & Connect, the support group for parents with ASD kids meets on the first Tuesday of every month in Brookvale.
“As a mum of special needs children, I understand how alone and isolated families affected by autism can feel.”
“Often we parents feel misunderstood, and as our children diagnosed with autism sometimes struggle at preschool and school, they are misunderstood too.”
Kylie says that Care & Connect gives parents a chance to form friendships with other families who understand their challenges.
The group also gives parents the chance to exchange information and learn new ideas that could make life easier for their child and family.
“Autism affects one in 100 Australian children and because of the excellent special schools we have here in the northern beaches, there are many families dealing with their child’s disability on their own in our local community,” Kylie says.
Kylie says that it is easy for parent of a special needs child to fall into feelings of despair and even depression.
“I know first-hand how hard it can be to feel like no one understands.”
“In this group, parents will find other caring parents who have similar experiences.”
“Hopefully together, we can not only support one another, but also find new ways to support our children.”
Care & Connect: Support Group for Parents with ASD Kids will meet next on Friday 23 October at the Community Lounge, Brookvale Oval. You will find the venue in Alfred Street, Brookvale.
The gathering is free and will start at 10.00am.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Kylie on 0412 556 232 or Kids First on (02) 9938 5419
