This website (previously ASDinfoWales) belongs to and is run by the National Autism Team, which is funded by Welsh Government. It is one of the resources which helps the Team achieve their aim to improve the lives of autistic people in Wales.

Supporting a grandparent to manage their grandchildren’s behaviour

Actions and outcomes

P attended an introductory talk about the IAS at Coed Pella Council office in Colwyn Bay. P was impressed by the sound of our service and how we support individuals with an autism diagnosis, so she decided to attend an advice HUB to gain more information.

 

P has two autistic grandsons. P’s daughter is a single parent and the family struggle as a one parent family to cope with behaviours of the children. They also have a limited understanding of autism. P supports her daughter as much as she can with her children and her grandson stays with her on a regular basis.

 

At our meeting, we discussed strategies for coping with difficult behaviours with P. Strategies discussed included:

  • Using story boards and comic strips to explain situations, emotions and behaviours visually for the young person.
  • Using communication cards to use to show feelings and emotions (especially their usefulness in school).
  • Having a quiet place when the young person comes home from school before interaction which allows them to process the day.
  • The use of ear plugs and sunglasses to support sensory difficulties.
  • Introducing timers for activities to create boundaries that can be followed.
  • Using visual timetables throughout the year to plan events in advance to maintain structure in daily life.
  • Using a visual reward jar to promote positive behaviours.

 

We also signposted support for the family such as:

  • Requesting Social Worker assessment.
  • Seeking support from the local family workers for a Carer’s Assessment.
  • Approaching the S.E.N.C.O. in school for support.
  • Contacting S.N.A.P. to support educational needs and reasonable adjustments.

Feedback

P arranged a second appointment to share updates on how the strategies had supported her family. P thanked North Wales IAS for being there for her and providing the strategies and support they had given. Both P and her daughter really appreciated the advice and ‘could not thank the IAS enough’.

 

During the holidays she felt the strategies and support had “saved her life”. The support provided by the IAS had a hugely positive impact on the family. As a result of putting in place the strategies discussed previously, family day to day life was much calmer. The family had also started making progress with school and had submitted applications into other services for support.

 

P gave this feedback:

“We can’t express how wonderful we have found your help, support and listening. We would really appreciate any further strategies by phone, post or email”

Lessons Learned

It is incredibly important to listen to our clients and to let the client know they have been heard by empathizing with them. Listening is a powerful tool and this can in turn empower the client to make positive changes.

 

Having information packs with coping strategies for parent/carers to take away with them so that they can read through and put the resources into practice is useful. Using the drop in information HUBS also offers support to clients and they know that our service is there in regular venues to offer support.

Information

Health Board:
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Local Authority:
Conwy
Integrated Autism Service:
North Wales IAS
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