Our Support Services
Mustard Seed Autism Trust is a registered charity providing support to autistic children, their carers and siblings. Our Vision is to create a world that understands autism. Our Mission is to equip children, empower carers and educate society.
Accessing our Services
Step1
Self Referral
We open our waiting list twice a year. The date will be announced in advance here, on social media, in our newsletter and through local networks.
Step 2
Initial Assessment
One to one with parent/carers to discuss referral and create a plan.
Step 3
Work with Family
Work through pathway of support.
Step 4
Evaluation
Recommendations, evaluations and next steps.
Family Support Services
We open our waiting list twice a year. The date will be announced in advance here, on social media, in our newsletter and through local networks.
Pathway Planning
Each child has an individual pathway plan, which may involve one-to-one or small group work, focusing on social, communication, emotional, sensory and motor difficulties.
Please see our Facebook page and Twitter for additional information.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MustardSeedAutismTrust
Twitter: @MustardAutism
Referral Criteria
We accept children aged between 3 and 11 who live within Hart and Rushmoor, including the borders of Surrey, up to a 10-mile radius of Farnborough. We take referrals directly from parents/carers only.
OUR WAITING LIST IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. We hope to open to new referrals late spring/early summer 2024. Please keep checking our social media and this page for updates.
Our Pathways of Support
Occupational Therapy
Sensory Processing
Motor skills
Life skills
Social Communication
Communication work (younger children)
Social understanding (older children)
Using visual communication
Anxiety management
Understanding emotions
Emotional regulation
Anxiety management course for young people
Family Support
Monthly sibling support groups (primary and teens groups)
Parent/Carer workshops
Loan of equipment and books
Waiting for Support?
If you are looking for support whilst our waiting list is closed, here are some things you can try:
- Email us for a copy of our Signposting document .
- Explore our Resources Hub – all resources free to download!
- Check out our daily social media posts – recommendations, resources and ideas.
Resources
Selected resources you can use at home or at school
Calm Breathing
A few deep breaths can help us calm when feeling stressed or anxious.
Cutting Nails tips
Many autistic children have difficulties with nail cutting.
Tying Shoe Laces
Tying shoes laces can be a challenge.
Occupational Therapy for Schools
Our service covers mainstream pre-schools, primary, secondary schools, colleges and special schools.
We offer:
The opportunity to purchase Occupational Therapy directly from Mustard Seed OT for Schools Service, including OT services that are not currently provided for by local health providers.
A reduced waiting time and easier access to intervention that meets the child’s needs.
Highly trained and experienced Paediatric Occupational Therapy staff to assess and treat children/young people.
Training and support to education staff.
What People are Saying About Mustard Seed Autism Trust
I feel that we were listened to and given excellent support and possible solutions going forward. I don’t think we would be in as good a place as we are now without this support. The staff were all fantastic!
The support is amazing and we have already seen the impact of the practical suggestions and strategies that we have learnt from the course. The dressing chart, social stories, reference to the literature – the list goes on!
My daughter has made life- long friends through sibling group and it has been incredibly important to her and continues to be. She loves the cooking and arts and crafts activities and the trip out at the end of the year too.
The support offered by Mustard Seed is outstanding. I am not aware of anything of this sort being available elsewhere without going through a private route which is cost prohibitive. Thank you so much for doing what you do. It helped my son very much and he enjoyed the sessions.
FAQ
When can I refer?
We only take referrals directly from parents/carers. When the waiting list is open you can request a referral form.
How does the advice line work?
Our advice line runs one afternoon every week. You can email to book a call with a member of our team, who will be able to give advice, recommendations, signposting and resources. Most calls last 45 minutes to 1 hour and are followed up with an email.
If my child is not eligible or I have missed the open period for the self-referral list what can I do?
Our resources section has a varitey of tools you can freely download and use while you are waiting or out of our area.
Do we have to be a self-referred family to use the advice line?
You don’t have to be on our waiting list to make an appointment, but you do need to be within 10 miles of Farnborough GU14.
Families can book a call by contacting us.