How Aspens supports your family

Aspens is here to help families to care more confidently for individuals with autism spectrum condition (ASC), learning difficulties and complex needs. We welcome all family members, whether you are a parent, sibling, grandparent or friend of someone with a disability, of any age.

We understand that finding the right information and support can be hard, we are here to listen and offer advice.  We strive to increase understanding, challenge perceptions and encourage acceptance of autism spectrum condition, learning difficulties and other complex needs.  We offer support before, during and after an ASC diagnosis.

We understand the challenges for individuals who do not yet have an autism diagnosis and how confusing things can be post diagnosis.  Our advice, guidance, signposting and support is on-going, for as long as a family wishes.

Online support

We offer online support for parents, carers and professionals who are living or working with someone who has autism spectrum condition, learning difficulties or complex needs

Talk to one of our experienced specialists via Live Chat Our specialists are available (times updated 15 March 2021):

MONDAY - 9:30-11:30am/  7:00-9:00pm; TUESDAY - 1:00-2:30pm; 6:00-7:30pm; WEDNESDAY - 9:00-11:00am/ 3:00-5:00pm; THURSDAY - 10:00am-12:00pm/ 3:30-5:00pm; FRIDAY - 9:00-11:00am/ 1:00-3:00pm

Face-to-face clinics

Aspens runs clinics where parents, carers and professionals who are living or working with someone who has autism spectrum condition, learning difficulties or complex needs can drop in for a chat.  If you'd like to speak to someone face-to-face, book an appointment - our engagement officers will work with you to address your specific circumstances.

This service is currently commissioned by West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group. We are looking to secure further funding so we can offer more opportunities to people across Sussex and Kent.

If you would like a face to face clinic and live outside West Sussex we can book you into a virtual family clinic.  The cost for this 30 minutes consultation is £20.

Just call 01243 214120 or email [email protected] to book an appointment.

Free workshops

Aspens works in partnership with other providers to run free workshops for parents, carers and professionals living or working with someone who has autism spectrum condition, learning difficulties or complex needs.  

Working with organisations including Mind Coastal, which facilitates our courses, and West Sussex CCG, which funds our programme of learning events, we offer a varied selection of workshops and courses to enable families to develop their understanding of the conditions and issues experienced by their children. 

  AUTISM & ADHD Brochure

We're also happy to talk at local parent and carer support groups, tailoring workshops to requirements.

Sibling support

It can be tough for children and young people who are living with a sibling who has autism spectrum condition, learning difficulties or complex needs.  Aspens' sibling groups are fun meet-ups that siblings come to so they can play games, share experiences, have their voices heard and get some friendly advice, when they need it, both from other siblings and from experienced Aspens staff.  

If you're worried about a child or young person who is sibling to a brother or sister with a disability, our specialist team can help. We offer 1-1 sibling clinics - home or in the community - to support self-esteem, increase knowledge and offer tactics and strategies to deal with the types of behaviours siblings sometimes encounter when living with a brother or sister with a disability.

[email protected] 

Meet the family support team

Karen Enticknapp, Family Support Administrator

Karen is an experienced Personal Assistant and Office Administrator with in the legal sector until before joining Aspens.  Karen has also been a youth worker and mentor for young offenders. Karen is instrumental to our service and the first point of contact for many of our families.

Call 01243 214120 or email [email protected]

“I am used to being the first contact clients have when facing difficult situations, often feeling distressed and vulnerable. I enjoy helping people and working as Administrator within the Family Support Team gives me the opportunity and privilege of providing a ‘listening ear’ to all who make that initial contact for help, and be part of a great team who deliver the service we can provide.” 

Tasha Brabon, Family and Specialist Support Manager

Tasha has over 12 years’ experience of working with children, young people and their families, who live with a range of special needs including Autism. Tasha has a wealth of knowledge about the services within the county and uses this to support families. Her background is Short Breaks and supporting families through their journeys.

“By supporting the family as a whole you are able to help provide an environment for the individual to be feel supported. I enjoy being able to help family members who spend their time helping those they care for.”

Hannah Cordrey, Family Engagement Officer

Hannah Cordrey is our family engagement officer. Hannah has over 11 years' experience working with children/young people and families, including working with young people with special education needs. She has a lot of autism knowledge and experiences in schools, behaviour management and care. Hannah keenly supports her local community through the Scout Association, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme and projects abroad.  Hannah works across the county with professionals, young people and families.

Call 07850 907358 or email [email protected]

Join our team

We currently have a fantastic opportunity for a Family Support Engagement Officer to join our West Sussex team. Working alongside our existing family, specialist support and children’s services, the Family Support Engagement Officer will provide a single point of contact for families throughout their assessment period. Find out more and apply here.