Children (and indeed adults) with autism/autistic spectrum disorders see the world from a completely different perspective to everyone else, and this can make life very challenging for their parents, teachers and others who may be involved in their care.  For many families a good network of support is essential in helping to cope with some of the day to day experiences involved in parenting a child with autism. However, when families move, these networks are often disrupted, and establishing new ones can sometimes be difficult. This is more likely to be so when one is moving country, and away from friends and family!

While there are already excellent voluntary groups for expat families with children who have special needs (notably the Hague Support Group), it does seem that the needs of children with autistic spectrum disorders and their families are, at times, different.  In addition, the services and supports required may not be the same as those for other children.

The AAOF is a new voluntary group that is being developed here in the Netherlands, to offer a link for such families.  While there is a very good Dutch national association for autism, approaching them may not be the first choice if you don't speak Dutch.  The AAOF has come about as the result of discussions between parents and various expat professionals with an interest in autistic spectrum disorders (teachers, speech and language therapists, educational and clinical psychologists).  Through the AAOF you will, for example, be able to meet other families who have a child with an autistic spectrum disorder, and you may get information from them about the range of services that are available either through the Dutch healthcare system or independent (often expat) practitioners.

Any further enquiries, or a request to be added to our mailing list, can be directed to mail@aaof.info .