ASD Helping Hands

ASD Helping Hands is a UK-registered charity dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Background

Founded in the latter part of 2010 by Julie, ASD Helping Hands was motivated by personal experience. Julie, whose husband has Asperger's Syndrome and two of her sons are on the autism spectrum, identified a significant gap in support services for ASD individuals in Norfolk. The charity began with modest support groups for families and has grown into the largest autism support charity in the region[2].

Services

ASD Helping Hands offers a wide array of services including:

• Personalised Family Support: Tailored support to meet the unique needs of each family.
• Ongoing Support Groups: Regular gatherings for individuals and families to share experiences and receive mutual support.
• Residential Holidays and Activity Days: Organized events to foster inclusion and enjoyment for those with ASD.
• Accredited Training: Educational programs for caregivers and professionals to enhance their understanding and skills in supporting ASD individuals[2].

Operations and Philosophy

ASD Helping Hands operates independently of government funding, ensuring that its support remains impartial and unbiased. This autonomy allows the charity to maintain flexibility in its service delivery[2]. The organization is staffed by a team of passionate volunteers, many of whom have firsthand experience supporting individuals with ASD. This personal understanding helps them provide empathetic and effective support[2].

Impact

Over the years, ASD Helping Hands has assisted more than 3,500 families across Norfolk and Suffolk. The charity is known for its inclusive approach, welcoming individuals of all ages and stages of life without strict criteria for accessing its services[3][4].

Activities and Community Engagement

The charity encourages community involvement through various activities and volunteer opportunities. In recent years, over 604 hours of volunteering have been contributed across the Norfolk Partnership Boards and ASD Helping Hands[1]. Additionally, the organization hosts social and support groups, which have seen significant attendance[1].

Areas of Concern

Recent referrals to ASD Helping Hands highlight key areas of concern, including challenging behavior, mental health issues, and diagnosis challenges, which are addressed through the charity's comprehensive support services[1].

[1] https://www.asdhelpinghands.org.uk [2] https://www.asdhelpinghands.org.uk/about-us/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5103278 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5103278/full-print [5] https://www.charitycommissionni.org.uk/charity-details/?regid=105722&subid=0