Cothu (Northern Ireland only)

The Cothú (meaning nurture) programme is an incredibly respectful way of supporting Neurodivergent children. Cothú provides you with insights and perspectives authentically because it is designed by people who are Autistic themselves. Taking a new approach, away from the deficit-based medical model, Cothú offers a neuro-affirming stance with practical solutions that positively benefit the children in your care. 

This will be delivered over three consecutive weeks for 2.5 hours per session by Clare, a Fostering Attainment and Achievement project worker. As an autistic adult and advocate, Clare takes a neuro-affirmative approach to support children and young people. Along with a master's specialising in autism, Clare is a licensed, accredited practitioner of the Cothú programme.

Connect with other carers and get helpful tips and guidance from Autistic trainers who will guide and support you to meet the needs of the children in your care. 

Week 1 - Introduction to Neurodiversity 

Neurodiversity myths and facts and ways of understanding an autistic child.

Week 2 - What it feels like to be Autistic 

How Autistic children sense and learn. How children best play, create, and communicate. 

Home Life  

Sensory needs and understand that everyone has sensory needs. Ideas on how best to organise and make accommodations around non-structured time. 

Week 3 - Caring Autistically  

Importance of support and self-care because as carers we cannot fill from an empty cup. 

Caring for a happy, authentic, Autistic child  

Autistic Pride and what it means to raise an authentic, Autistic child. 

4, 11, 18 November - Strabane Enterprise Agency   

Carers should attend all three sessions as the programme is designed to complement learning each week.   

To book a place, please click here

Training is funded by Fostering Attainment and Achievement and is for foster carers and kinship carers in Northern Ireland.