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.

For further information call 01243 214120/ 07850 907358 or email [email protected]  

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. 

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.

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.

“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 worked in Short Breaks, West Sussex for 10 years, providing and organising activities for children with learning disabilities. She was also a nursery teacher.

She joined Aspens in 2018 as a family support engagement officer and is now the Family Specialist Support Manager. She has a national diploma in Early Years Education in Childcare and a level 3 NVQ in autism.

She enjoys supporting families and seeing them through their journey. She likes to see how a move, or a new placement or a transition can work out for them.

She describes the Aspens team as being very supportive with a wide range of knowledge and says it’s one of the friendliest places she’s worked.

Outside of work, Tasha enjoys baking birthday cakes for her side business Mrs Brabs Bakes. She also loves spending time with a little boy who she nannies, as well as travelling and keeping fit.

Hannah Cordrey, Family Support Engagement Officer

Hannah joined Aspens in 2020 as a Family Support Engagement Officer. She previously worked for Autism Hampshire and also as a tutor, a learning support advisor and a specialist autism support worker.

Hannah is trained in Lego therapy, autism awareness and has qualifications in Health and Social Care and challenging behaviour. She is currently studying for a counselling qualification.    

The family support clinics she helps to run are Aspens’ first port of call and she likes staying in contact with the families and seeing positive outcomes. She feels rewarded by working with different professionals and loves that she is always learning.

She believes that the Aspens team are understanding and friendly and appreciates that there is always someone who can help and support; plus she gets to work with a knowledgeable team.

Hannah describes herself as an adventurous person who loves being outdoors – she’s involved in Scouts and the Duke of Edinburgh awards. She loves gardening, interiors, paddle boarding, afternoon tea, travel and visiting National Trust properties.