How Aspens supports your family

Aspens is here to help families to care more confidently for individuals with autism spectrum condition (ASC), a learning disability or 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 disabilities 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.

South East Region

Request Support

Seek advice from someone who is here to listen, offer guidance and tell you about services that are available in your local area. 

Event Registration

Aspens is the South-East hub for Autism Central, a service that offers guidance to families, carers and personal assistants of autistic people. All of our sessions are run by Peer Educators. These are parents or carers of autistic people, who are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. We offer group and one-to-one sessions to help you and other parents and carers find the information and services available in your area. We also run events such as workshops, drop-in sessions, coffee mornings and virtual meet-ups.

Click on the link above to view and register for upcoming sessions.

West Sussex and West Kent*

Face-to-face clinics

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

Please call 01243 214120 or email [email protected] to book a clinic appointment or access further information. 

*This service is currently commissioned by West Sussex ICB and Kent County Council for West Kent, enabling us to offer clinics at no charge to parents and carers in these counties. We are looking to secure further funding so we can offer more opportunities to people in other areas.

Online workshops for parents, carers and professionals

Our specialist team runs a wide range of online workshops for parents and carers of autistic and neurodiverse individuals, as well as sessions aimed at professionals working with such individuals and their families. Subjects covered include sensory processing, demand avoidance, anxiety and autism and an introduction to ASC and neurodiversity.

View workshops here

Click on the event you are interested and follow the link to register. 

If you have any queries about our workshops please contact: [email protected]

Meet the family support team

Karen Enticknapp - Family Support Administrator

Karen worked as a Personal Assistant and Office Administrator within the legal sector 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.

“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 provide.” 

Lucy Colborn – Family Support Engagement Officer (West Sussex)

Lucy previously worked as a deputy manager of a pre-school for over 15 years before joining Aspens as a Family Engagement Officer.

Lucy enjoys supporting families and building a rapport with them, and seeing them grow and overcome barriers. Lucy is really looking forward to working with future families with Aspens.

Outside of work Lucy has 3 horses and 3 dogs of which take up most of her spare time! Lucy also does a lot of fundraising and charity work for various animal rescues, in particular a rescue centre in Romania.

Leanne Mitchell – Family Engagement Development Officer (West Kent)

Leanne worked as a Foster Carer for 18 years with Kent County council. In this time, she specialised in children and young people up to the age of 18 who were extremely vulnerable and had complex needs. Her family also adopted three children, two of whom have ADHD and ASD.

Leanne has worked at an alternative provision for six years as a HLTA and Behaviour Support, providing support to children aged 11 – 16 with social and emotional needs. Leanne gained qualifications in this time, including a Diploma in The Children and Young People’s Workforce and a Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning. Leanne is looking forward to supporting families in West Kent, listening to them and offering advice.

Outside of work Leanne has a large family of children and grandchildren who keep her busy! Leanne has been riding horses since she was four and loves spending time at the stables with her horse Fitzroy. Leanne also loves painting and drawing to relax.