Family Autism Support (FAS) is a well-established local service led by Spring North and delivered in partnership with Child Action Northwest and other trusted community organisations. Funded by the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), the service works across East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen to provide early, practical, and emotional support to autistic children and young people aged 4 to 19, as well as to their parents, carers, and siblings. Families do not need a formal diagnosis to access most of our help, ensuring that support is available as soon as it is needed rather than after long waits.
The service is shaped by what families in our area have told us they need most and is grounded in evidence-based approaches that focus on early intervention. We know that the challenges of autism can affect the whole family, and our work is designed to reduce stress, improve wellbeing, and give children and their parents the tools to thrive. Our team and delivery partners work closely with each family to understand their unique circumstances, ensuring the support we provide is flexible, personal, and relevant to their daily lives.
Support can take many different forms. For children and young people, we offer autism-friendly social sessions that create safe, understanding spaces to meet others, try new experiences, and build confidence. These sessions help reduce feelings of isolation and encourage friendships and positive social skills. We provide wellbeing activities that support emotional health, helping young people to understand their feelings, manage anxiety, and strengthen self-esteem. We also connect them with peer groups and role models who have lived experience of autism, showing them that they are not alone.
For parents and carers, we run our Cygnet training programme throughout the year. This six-week course provides practical insights into autism, sensory needs, communication, and behaviour management, offering a chance to share experiences with others who understand. We also provide one-to-one and practical support for families who may be navigating a new diagnosis, facing school transitions, or trying to manage complex situations at home. Whether it is offering a listening ear, developing personalised strategies, or helping parents to find and access the right services, our team is here to guide them.
We recognise that autism can have an impact on siblings too. That is why we provide dedicated sessions where brothers and sisters can meet others in similar situations, share their thoughts and feelings, and feel seen and supported.
As project managers, Spring North brings all these elements together, coordinating the work of Child Action Northwest and other local providers to ensure the right help reaches families at the right time. We work closely with services such as ELCAS, paediatric teams, and GPs to ensure no one falls through the gaps. Our aim is to offer a joined-up, wrap-around service that gives children, young people, and their families the understanding, confidence, and tools they need to feel supported and move forward positively.
Make a referral today – https://springnorth.org.uk/live/family-autism-service/
