Helping families come to terms with autism

PRIDE nominees: Catherine Fox (left) and the Child Development Service at the Woodfield Centre in Werneth

A HELPING hand from a specialist team set up to support people with autism and their families has been rewarded with a Pride in Oldham nomination

Catherine Fox and the Child Development Service, based at the Woodfield Centre in Werneth, have been nominated for the prestigious award by one grateful family.

Sara Handley, a district nurse in Oldham, said she and her husband Paul were left devastated when their three-year-old son Lewis was diagnosed with autism in May this year.

Mrs Handley, from Royton, said the invaluable help and support given by Catherine and the team helped them come to terms with and best way to cope with their son’s condition.

She said: “We could not have got through the last year without the support from Catherine and the team.

“From his initial diagnosis to the support and advice they’ve given to us, they’ve been fantastic. Communication from the team has been fantastic — we were kept informed at all stages and all appointments made swiftly.

“They also provided support to facilitate a smooth transition into primary school, setting up meetings with teachers and giving them tools, such as visual aids, to help Lewis.

“They’ve given us and our family lots of materials about how to care for him and the best things to do. Without a doubt they deserve a nomination.”

Mrs Fox, service co-ordinator, said: “It’s fantastic news to be nominated and we very much appreciate that Sara has taken the time and the effort to make the nomination.

“It’s good to know the work and support the service provides to children and families is making a difference.”


Still time to nominate someone! See the details in the top item in our Pride in Oldham section