In Guernsey children with autistic spectrum disorders and related special educational needs are educated either within the local mainstream schools, the two special needs schools (Le Rondin Primary School and Le Murier secondary school) or, in a small number of cases where care, education and health needs cannot be met within the provision available in Guernsey, in off-island placements.
Comunication Bases staffed by the Communication and Autism Service are also located within Amherst Primary School and St Sampsons High School and provide additional support for some pupils.
Information about education support services for children with special needs can be found on the Guernsey Education Department's website here.
Educational Psychology Service
The Educational Psychology Service in Guernsey is a specialist serice provided by qualified, experienced practitioners in the fields of Psychology and Teaching. They are based at the Education Department's offices in Grange Road and promote child development and learning by proving advice, assessment and support to parents, schools, services and other agencies in relation to children with special education needs.
More information about ther service can be found on their webite by clicking here
Further Education
The Guernsey College of Further Education provides a range of post-16 opportunuties including Access courses which may be suitable for some students.
Children' Disability Service
The Children's Disability Service is a multi professional team that includes paediatrician, nurse, social worker, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologist and specialist speech and language therapists. The team is responsible for providing a range of services to children with complex health and learning needs.
Child Adolescent Mental Health Team (CAMHS)
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)is available to young people under the age of 18, their families and carers. They provide assessment and treatment for a wide range of problems related to mental health.
This includes fear and anxiety, depression and low mood, behaviour problems, eating disorders and early onset psychosis.
They work with young people individually, with whole families and with other professionals who are involved with young people (such as social workers, teachers and medical staff).
The services that can be accessed through CAMHS include:
Attendance Allowance - This weekly benefit is intended for adults and children who have a physical or mental disability and needs lots of attention or supervision during the day or night.
Invalid Care Allowance - This weekly benefit is intended for the people who stay at home to care for adults and children who have a physical or mental disability and needs lots of attention or supervision during the day or night. If you care for an adult or child for at least 35 hours per weeks you could be entitiled to apply for this benefit.
To claim attendance and invalid carfe allowance for a child, then 'the level of attention or supervision must be greater than what would normally be needed for a child of the same age.'
For more information about attendance and invalid care allowance click here or call the Soclal Security Department helpline on 732506
Communicate is a local charity which aims to support young people with mild communication disorders find worthwhile employment.
Wigwam is a local support group for parents and carers of children with special needs.
Specials Gym Club is a gymnastics club for children with special needs. See directory for contact details.
ADHD support group - see directory for contact details