This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

When: Tuesday 17 June, 6pm – 7:30pm

About the event: Caring for an adult child with Additional Support Needs can be both deeply rewarding and challenging, particularly as their needs change over time. As a carer, you may be juggling not only practical concerns, but also the emotional complexities of ensuring the person you care for’s future. This session offers practical tools and a space to connect with others who understand your journey.

This session will provide exactly that—practical, actionable strategies that can make a real difference in your day-to-day caring. It’s not about rehashing the basics of autism; it’s about sharing solutions and insights based on 25 years of experience to help you support your loved one’s independence, manage health concerns, and feel more confident about both your futures.
What you can expect:
• A chance to connect with other parents facing similar challenges, because caring can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be.
• To leave the session with tools and strategies that you can start using right away to make life easier and build your confidence around future planning.
Key topics:
• Recording: How you can share the vital information you have gathered over the years with others, so individuals can learn about the needs, preferences and routines of your child.
• Everyday strategies for promoting independence and enhancing life skills.
• What is available to help manage outings to familiar and new events and places.
• Health and wellbeing tips, including solutions for common issues like sleep struggles and managing personal hygiene.

This isn’t a formal training—it’s a facilitated session where you’ll get the chance to share experiences with other parents and gain practical advice.

Delivered by:

Gaynor Cauldwell.

In 1999, Gaynor’s second child was diagnosed with autism and additional support needs—a diagnosis that fundamentally shaped her life. Parenting two very different children brought its own set of challenges, but her desire to better understand how to support her autistic son led her on a journey of learning. She immersed herself in everything she could find, eventually earning a degree in Autism from Manchester University. Gaynor then went on to work for the National Autistic Society, and over the years, she contributed to several charities and carer centres, delivering training that blends both personal and professional experience.
More recently, Gaynor has worked with Scottish Autism, and her training continues to evolve alongside her own life experiences. As she navigates the present and plans for the future, Gaynor remains committed to supporting families and carers in meaningful ways. For more information about Gaynor and to access some helpful blogs and resources, please visit her website at www.gaynorcaldwellautism.com

Instructions for attending:

This event will be delivered ONLINE. Details of how to join the event will be sent to you via email once you have registered. Please note, if you do not get an email with Zoom details for the event you have registered for please contact VOCAL on the details below.

Please note that some events require a minimum number for them to run or may be cancelled near the time of the event, we will contact you if this is the case.

Booking info:

If this event is showing as full, please email carertraining@vocal.org.uk or call 0808 196 6666 and we will add you to our waiting list and contact you if a space becomes available.

Online bookings end 24 hours prior to the event. If you wish to attend and book within this time, please call 0808 196 6666 or email carertraining@vocal.org.uk.