faqs
Frequently Asked Questions
WKAPSS is the West Kent Autism Parents’ Support Society. It was set up in 2020 by Claudia Goodman, a retired SEN teacher, as an informal group in West Kent for parents of children with autism. The membership has expanded since then, and in early 2024 the informal group became the West Kent Autism Parents' Support Society, with a formal constitution, its own bank account and a managing committee. WKAPSS is a Society, not a charity or company.
Constitution of the West Kent Autism Parents’ Support Society (WKAPSS)
A copy of the Constitution is available for download below : -
WKAPSS holds a monthly parents’ meeting (except in August) of around two hours. Often at the meetings specialist speakers will give a talk on a specific area of autism or associated special educational needs. There are questions and answers after the talks. Many parents find great benefit from the post-talk discussions and hearing the experiences of other members in a confidential environment.
In addition, WKAPSS runs activities periodically for different age groups, including crafts, Lego and badminton. We collate useful information on autism and its management and add it to the WKAPSS 'pinboard' in our WhatsApp Community.
WKAPSS is for parents of children living or at school in West Kent (Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling and Tunbridge Wells).
No, but we do ask for a minimum £2 contribution from those attending each monthly meeting. WKAPSS is financed entirely by voluntary contributions, and receives no public sector funding. WKAPSS does bear various costs such as contributions to speakers’ expenses, hall hire, refreshments, IT, website costs, and running children’s activities. WKAPSS raises some funds from raffles, sales of items such as Christmas cards and handicrafts, parent contributions to the cost of activities and general donations. In addition, we have been very fortunate to receive some very generous donations from the Sevenoaks Lions. WKAPSS is run entirely by unpaid volunteers.
The WKAPSS WhatsApp Community contains a number of groups :
For parents of:
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Children aged 2 -8
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Children aged 9-12
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Teens
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Young People Transitioning to Adulthood (16+)
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Home educated children
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Children unable to attend school
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Children experiencing burnout
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Children experiencing eating issues
Our WhatsApp Community also contains :
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EHCP group
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Swap Shop, allowing parents to exchange free, good quality, second-hand products eg toys, games, books and sensory items
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A neurodivergent parent group
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A social evenings group for working parents and for others who cannot make day time meetings
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WKAPSS liaises with key people in other organisations in West Kent, addressing the many challenges and opportunities experienced by parents and children.
Events from other local organisations and meetings are shared on WhatsApp eg the local PDA group. Names and details of recommended local professionals from different autism-related fields (eg Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Play Therapists, Counsellors, Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatrists) are circulated for parents to feel guided and supported.
WKAPSS is not a lobbying organisation, but it may on occasion respond to public consultations, and provide advice.
Please contact the WKAPSS team via the contact us page.