If your child has not been developing as expected, hearing the news that your child may be ‘on the spectrum’ is likely to produce more questions rather answers.

You might have some questions like: ‘Why did this happen to my child?’, ‘What is going on in my child’s head?’, ‘Why does he/she react in a certain way?’, ‘How do I deal with my child’s behaviour?’. You may be hearing new abbreviations like ASD, ASS, ABA, PRT, PECS and you may be faced with having to accept that ‘autism spectrum disorder’ is now a part of your child’s life and of your life, before you even understand what it means.

We see you. We understand that this can be a terribly confusing time. We also know that you want to provide the best possible support for your child and that you are ready to fight for your child, but that you may not know where to start.

The Support Programme

Why not start here? Start with the Autism Parent Support Programme,  designed and presented by Inclusion4all together with Jet Sichterman of Embracing Horizons and Ekaterina Evdokimova of PsyCompass.

The programme has 7 sessions in English and we will cover a number of topics that you may be facing with your child.  Additionally, you will be able to explore what it means to be a parent with a child on the spectrum, how it affects you and your family and how it affects other families. You will find support from the other families going through similar experiences and have the opportunity to offer support to them too.

The 7 sessions cover the following topics:

1. Wednesday 15 September An introduction to the theories of autism. What is autism and what causes it?
What does this mean for the development of my child? What therapies are available in The Netherlands?
2. Wednesday 22 September How can I be a ‘good’ parent to my child? Can you suggest ways to support my child’s development and learning at home?
3. Wednesday 29 September Is there (financial) support available to children and parents in the Dutch and expat community?
What is a PGB? How do I get in touch with the social work system?

Wednesday 6 October

How do I choose the ‘right’ school for my child? International school or Dutch school?
What resources do schools have? And if it goes wrong at school, what can I do?
5. Wednesday 13 October What toys and tools should I invest in? Should I encourage specific interests?
What about hypersensitivity to food, clothes, smells, environments?
6. Wednesday 27 October What do I tell others about my child? Parenting a child with autism can be tough – how do I look after myself?
7. Wednesday 3rd November Why do some children with autism have behavioural challenges? How can I manage these? What about in public?
Wednesday 10 November
Social evening ‘borrel’ with drinks and nibbles.
Opportunity to discuss questions informally.
Dates could change if COVID-19 regulations mean that we cannot hold the sessions when planned. You will be informed promptly of any changes.

Wednesday evenings. Walk in for coffee from 19.00. Evening session runs from 19:30 – 21:30

Inclusion4all’s Expertise Centre: Vuursteen 8, 2496 RZ in Den Haag

Situated at the end of Ypenburg shopping centre, close to Trams 15 and 19 and a short distance from A4 and A13, the Expertise Centre is easily accessible from The Hague, Delft, Zoetermeer and surrounding areas. There is free parking in the streets around the Centre.

The cost per session is €75 and both parents may attend sessions together for this price.

Parents who book all 7 sessions before the first one starts, pay for 6 sessions: €450
The social evening costs €12.50 for one person or €20 for two persons booked together.
You may be able to use part of your PGB allowance to cover some of the costs. Please check with your family coach whether this is possible in your personal situation.