Service URL: https://www.facebook.com/PCProgramme

I personally developed the Purposeful Communication Programme 15 years ago, having worked independently with pre-school and Early Years children with ASD/PDD/GDD and Communication difficulties for over 25 years, and realised there was very little support for children and their families upon initial diagnosis.

Most nurseries, playgroups and schools have very little expertise in autism, meaning their support is not always appropriate and parents are keen to get support going as early as possible. The PCProgramme follows many principles of accepted Early Intervention, SaLT and OT techniques, but I am not tied to one style of intervention. I believe a spectrum condition such as autism, requires a spectrum of intervention and support delivered simultaneously rather than in isolation. 

I have developed my own approach for meeting the individual needs of each child, which is why it has been proven to be successful for a great many children, who have gone on to mainstream schools and successful careers. The PCProgramme is suitable for any child who is diagnosed or likely to be diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, who is struggling behaviourally and/or with any type of communication or speech delay. The Purposeful Communication Programme is a play-based/child-focused, but adult-led intervention, with all sessions involving targeted teaching techniques to ensure every child is engaged and feels supported in their activity, but ensuring all activities have a specific teaching target to be met and monitored whilst having fun. I provide a unique and highly personal service which is specific to each family.

I draw upon all my experience to ensure I constantly adapt my teaching to meet the changing needs of each child and unlike other intervention programmes, I both devise and run each programme myself and visit each child at home where they feel most relaxed and secure. I really get to know each child and their unique needs and support parents with their EHCP and DLA applications by providing detailed reports on their child's specific needs.

Autism awareness and understanding cannot be taught other than through experiencing and engaging with individuals and their families. Every child has taught me far more than any text book.

Age range: 18 months to 7 years (not for all ages, as stated below)