Understanding ADHD and Autism for Dads

Understanding ADHD and Autism for Dads starts at the Sopwell Family Centre on Tuesday 3 November, and runs for six weeks through to 8 December. It's an introductory course built for fathers and male carers of children aged 5 to 14 — or four and already in reception — who have a diagnosis or a suspected diagnosis of ADHD and/or Autism. The sessions run on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 pm, so it's six face-to-face evenings in total.

The whole thing is about getting practical tools into your hand. Over the six weeks, you'll work through understanding the conditions themselves, building your child's self-esteem, and managing anxiety and anger triggers. There's a focus on reducing meltdowns and developing positive behaviour strategies, as well as the more logistical side of things: working with schools, knowing your rights, and managing the needs of siblings. It also covers cutting your own stress and improving family communication, with signposting to local support networks to keep you going after the course finishes.

It's funded by Hertfordshire County Council's Targeted Parenting Fund, which means it's free to attend, though it's open to Hertfordshire residents only. Places are capped at 14, so it's a small group rather than a big lecture. The sessions are at the Sopwell Family Centre on Mandeville Drive, St Albans, AL1 2LD, running every Tuesday from 3 November to 8 December, 7-9 pm.