Cynon Valley AM meets new group supporting autistic children and their families

Vikki Howells AM has met with staff, parents and children of ASD Rainbows, a new group aiming to provide support to children with autism spectrum disorders. The group also gives parents a chance to get together and speak to other parents and professionals. The Cynon Valley Assembly Member heard how the group will be using early intervention strategies to ensure Cynon Valley children with ASD will get the best start in life.

Vikki Howells AM joined the launch event for the group in Miskin Christian Centre. ASD Rainbows, set up as a charitable incorporated organisation, is currently seeking core funding and finance to support equipment and a sensory room.

ASD Rainbows will be supported by staff who have over 40 years of experience between them, and will be overseen by 2 highly qualified consultants in the Applied Behaviour Analysis early intervention strategy.

Vikki Howells AM said:-

“I was delighted to be able to visit ASD Rainbows, and meet the parents, children and professionals who are involved in this excellent initiative. I was impressed by the dedication of the staff and the wide variety of things available for children to do.

“Parents who I spoke to told me that they find the support provided from staff and other parents at ASD Rainbows to be invaluable. It helps enormously to be able to talk to other people who understand the difficulties of caring for a child on the Autistic Spectrum, makes them feel as if they are not alone, and without this support they would struggle.

“The Welsh Government will be launching its £6 million National Integrated Autism Service in April, and addressing and identifying gaps in information will be crucial to this. Groups like ASD Rainbows have a key role to play in not only ensuring parents get the factual information they need, but also in making sure they can get the emotional support that can be so vital”.

Sessions will run at 9.30am and 12.30pm Monday to Friday for under 5yr olds and 3.30-5.30pm Tuesday and Thursdays for over 5yr olds.

For further information, please contact Adele on 07812102178, Joanne on 07872026446, Lianne on 07935876143, Andrea on 07500820899 or email [email protected].