HAY is proud to be the only community-based organisation in Hounslow trained to deliver the Cygnet Autism Support Programme.
This is something close to our hearts. HAY’s CEO is a parent of a child with autism, and her own experience of searching for community support and eventually participating in the Cygnet programme in another borough inspired her to bring it to Hounslow. We know first-hand the difference the right support can make, and we are committed to making sure families in our community have access to it too.
The programme is open to parents and carers of young people with autism or who are on the pathway to diagnosis, as well as professionals who want to deepen their understanding. Participants have the opportunity to grow their knowledge, share experiences, and explore all aspects of autism together, with practical tools and insights drawn from curiosity and lived experience at the heart of every session.
Above all, we create a space where parents facing similar challenges can find each other, building a community of support that continues long after the programme ends. At HAY, we recognise that parenting is demanding at the best of times, and that raising a child with SEND brings additional pressures that are rarely talked about openly enough.
About the Programme
The Cygnet Autism Support Programme is designed to offer parents and carers a practical and compassionate understanding of autism and the unique experiences of autistic children and young people.
Through the programme, parents build confidence in recognising how autism can affect communication, behaviour, sensory processing, and social interaction and develop strategies to better support their child’s individual needs. Sessions are built around evidence-based techniques that help strengthen communication, reduce anxiety, and promote positive outcomes at home and in everyday life.
We create a safe, supportive space where parents and carers can learn, reflect, and share openly because we know that feeling heard and understood makes all the difference. The programme also gently encourages parents and carers to see the world through their child’s eyes, fostering deeper empathy and understanding.
Ultimately, our aim is to leave every parent feeling more informed, more confident, and better equipped to advocate for their child and to create a home environment where their child can truly flourish.
What Participants Have Told Us
100% of parents said they would do the programme again and would recommend it to other parents
100% of participants reported improved confidence across every area of the programme
Parents showed measurable improvements in recognising when their child is becoming overwhelmed, and in knowing how to support them in those moments
Parents reported that Cygnet filled a gap in the support available to them
Parents reported a positive impact on home life