Aiming to improve the lives of families affected by Autism & Asperger's in the Shepton Mallet area.
SMASG is a community group, run by parents/carers of children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition. We aim to provide support & advice for parents/carers through monthly term-time informal meetings, where they can chat & discuss issues over tea & coffee. We provide support in the school holidays with fun activities for the children & their siblings,to help promote social skills, boost self esteem and confidence. We aim to promote a positive image of Autism in our community at local events.
Why the community needs usSomerset ia a very rural community, knowing other parents with an Autistic child helps to reduce the isolation that many of our families experience. The children get to know each other socially in fun activities with the security of their family. The siblings get the chance to meet other children who know what its like to have an Autistic sibling. Promoting Autism in a positive way helps our children to be accepted within the community and may open up new opportunities for their future life.
Our impact on the communitySMASG helps to provide a network for parents/carers to support each other, share the frustrations of parenting & educating an autistic child. Parents/carers that are able to share their problems have a better chance of being able to cope with the additional stress in their lives. Less stressed-out parents results in less anxious, happier Autistic children & siblings. Being able to sign-post parents/carers who are in the diagnosis stage to the right information helps to make their journey easier.
