Quodlibet

I'd be interested too.

I'd be really grateful for any objective feedback on any of these firms. We're about to jump in and commit a lot of money, and would really appreciate any first-hand experience with any of these firms. Please do private message me if it's more appropriate. Many thanks in advance!

Otta, it makes me angry too that these services are not universally funded, as they are desperately needed. And cuts to services for children and families in need are only going to get more intense with this horrible government. However,it's not a case of "if you are not wealthy, jog on". There are organisations - including Rainbow Sibs, which I linked to - which work very hard to achieve grants from trusts and foundations to enable them to run projects and services for free or at a very subsidised rate where possible for those who can't pay for support. I happen to know that Lil has also put in thousands and thousands of hours of voluntary time over many years supporting families and children and setting up services outside of her paid job. Unfortunately the funding climate is very difficult and so I think the compromise which is sometimes struck is to offer paid services for people who can afford it alongside grant-funded and subsidised projects. It's an imperfect solution in an imperfect system, but the overall goal is to get children and families the help they need however possible.

Hi there I don't know if this might be an approach that would work for you, but I can recommend Lil who runs Rainbow SIBS. She has a background as an autistic specialist teacher and has done amazing work with reception-age children in their first year at school, but has now moved into supporting children and families outside of school settings in coping with an autism diagnosis, including home tutoring, behavioural advice and support, specialist babysitting and respite services. She is a very knowledgeable and very kind woman. Her website is here: http://www.rainbowsibs.com I hope you find the support you are looking for.

Hi there, I'd be interested in any wisdom you gleaned on this as well...do you have any info you can easily share by PM, rather than me starting a whole new thread? Thanks!