Family Centered Intervention Programmes
At St. Gbariel's we are currently running a number of programmes for the children availing of our services and their families. All of the programmes offerede are run by specifically trained clinicians. There are different times available for sessions to accomodate parents' attendance including during the day and in the evening. Some of the programmes outlined below include home visits as part of the package and the aim is that parents learn the skills that will help facilitate their child's ongoing development.
The following are a number of programmes offered in St. Gabriel's Centre:
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Incredible Years
This is a 14 week parenting programme for parents that has been developed by 'Incredible Years' in the Research Institute in the university of Washington and it has been specifically adapted for parents of children attending our services.
Early Bird
This is an 8 week post-diagnostic programme offered to parents of children that have just received the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It introduces what ASD is and strategies on how tohelp a child with ASD. It has been developed by the National Autistioc Society in the UK.
More than Words
The 'more than words' programme is another 8 week programme that is developed by the Hanen Centre in Ontario, Canada. It is aimed at parents of children with ASD and develops strategies in helping children develop their communication skills in the home environment.
Talkability
Talkability is another 8 week programme developed by the Hanen Centre in Canada. This programme, however, is aimed at parents of children with social skills difficulties including but not exclusively those with a diagnosis of ASD. It focuses on social skills development and on developing friendships in the home environment.
Baby Massage 
We are currently offering baby massage programmes led by our paediatric chartered physiotherapist. This includes a 5 week programme introducing parents to massage that aims to help with bonding; attachment; colic and constipation. It is a lovlely ooportunity to meet other parents and proves extremely beneficial to families.
Sib Shops
We also offer a number of Sibshop programmes for brothers and sisters of children with special needs as well as talks for parents in dealing with similar issues. We have ongoing parent information sessions on a rabge of topics such as respite, benefits and entitlements, trusts and wills, etc. Furthernore, St. Gabriel's also offer training to school and preschool staff in the areas of behaviour, sensory processing and communication on an ongoing basis.
