What are circles of support?

As a parent or carer of a loved one with autism, creating a supportive community is essential. 

A strong support network helps your loved one reach their goals and stay well. One effective way to establish a support network is through the concept of Circles of Support, which creates a community of friends and helpers, allowing individuals with autism to live fulfilling lives.

Circles of Support refer to intentional and organised networks designed to support your loved one with autism. These circles consist of people who voluntarily come together to help them achieve their goals, promote their interests, and ensure their safety and wellbeing. Unlike informal support networks, Circles of Support are structured and purposeful, focusing on your loved one's needs and aspirations.

The main features are:

• Voluntary participation: Members of the circle choose to be part of the support network out of genuine interest and commitment.
• Diverse membership: The circle can include family members, friends, neighbours, and community members, ensuring a broad range of perspectives and resources.
• Focused support: The circle collaborates to provide practical advice, solve problems, and generate creative ideas to enhance your loved one's life.
• Regular meetings: While the frequency and formality of meetings can vary, regular gatherings ensure ongoing support and engagement.

Benefits of circles of support

One of the primary benefits of Circles of Support is creating a strong community around your loved one. This community provides emotional and practical support and helps reduce isolation. For individuals with autism, who may find it challenging to form typical social connections, having a dedicated group of supporters can be transformative.

A well-structured Circle of Support can significantly enhance your loved one's wellbeing and safety. With multiple people involved, there is a shared responsibility to look out for their best interests. This collective oversight can help ensure your loved one is safe, and their life remains meaningful and secure.

Circles of Support encourage individuals with autism to take an active role in their lives. By involving your loved one in decision-making and planning, the circle helps build their confidence and promotes independence. This empowerment is essential for personal growth and self-advocacy.

Having a mix of supporters means your loved one benefits from different ideas, skills, and resources. This variety can lead to creative solutions and new opportunities that a smaller, less diverse group might miss. The combined creativity and problem-solving abilities of the group can significantly boost your loved one’s quality of life.

Setting up a circle of support

Identifying potential members is the first step in setting up a Circle of Support. These can be family members, friends, neighbours, or anyone genuinely interested in your loved one's wellbeing. It is important to involve your loved one at the circle's centre in this process, as their input is important in determining who they feel comfortable and supported by.

Circles of Support are based on voluntary participation. While paid support staff can be included, it is essential that their involvement is voluntary and that they participate as equals. This ensures that all members feel their contributions are valued and that the circle remains a community effort rather than a professional obligation.

There is no fixed rule on the size of a Circle of Support. Some circles may start with as few as three members, while others might have a dozen. The key is to have a manageable number of people who can actively contribute without overwhelming the process. A smaller, more committed group is often more effective than a large, unwieldy one.

Regular meetings are important for the ongoing success of a Circle of Support. These meetings provide a platform for discussing your loved one's goals, planning future activities, and addressing any challenges. The frequency and format of these meetings can change, but it’s really important to keep them regular to maintain interest and progress.

The Resourcing Inclusive Communities website has comprehensive information on their Circles Of Support webpage. 

What makes circles work

For a Circle of Support to be effective, it should include:

• Long-term commitment: Members should be committed to supporting their loved ones over the long term.
• Creative brainstorming: Encouraging innovative ideas and solutions is important for overcoming challenges.
• Trust and honesty: Building trust and being honest creates a supportive environment.
• Utilising gifts and wisdom: Leveraging each member's unique skills and knowledge enhances the circle's effectiveness.
• Optimism and resilience: Maintaining a positive outlook and being resilient in the face of setbacks is essential for long-term success.
• Facilitation and responsibility: Having someone to facilitate meetings and take responsibility for the circle's functioning ensures continuity.
• Fun and enjoyment: Incorporating enjoyable activities helps strengthen relationships and keeps the process engaging.
• Openness to change: Being open to new ideas and willing to adapt ensures the circle remains dynamic and responsive to your loved one's needs.
• Celebrating achievements: Recognising and celebrating your loved one's achievements boosts morale and motivation.

Practical steps to building a circle of support

Step 1: Mapping current relationships

Begin by mapping out your loved one's current relationships using tools like the Circle of Relationships diagram. This helps identify existing connections and potential members for the Circle of Support. Consider family members, friends, neighbours, and members of clubs or associations your loved one is part of.

Step 2: Extending the network

If the initial network is small, look for ways to extend it. This might involve reaching out to extended family, reconnecting with old friends, or engaging with community groups. Building a broader network takes time, but it is an important step in creating a robust Circle of Support.

Step 3: Inviting members

Once potential members are identified, invite them to join the Circle of Support. Explain the purpose of the circle and the commitment involved. It is important to communicate that this is a voluntary and collaborative effort to support your loved one.

Step 4: Establishing rules

Establishing ground rules for the circle helps set expectations and ensures everyone is on the same page. These rules might cover meeting frequency, decision-making processes, and confidentiality. Clear ground rules help maintain a structured and respectful environment.

Step 5: Regular meetings and check-ins

Schedule regular meetings to discuss progress, set goals, and address any issues. These meetings should be structured but flexible enough to adapt to your loved one's changing needs. Regular check-ins help keep the circle engaged and responsive.

Step 6: Celebrating milestones

Take the time to celebrate your loved one's achievements and milestones. Recognition and celebration boost morale and reinforce the positive impact of the Circle of Support. It also helps build a sense of community and shared purpose among members.

Overcoming challenges

Building trust within the circle can take time, especially if members don’t know each other well. Encourage open communication and create opportunities for members to get to know each other outside of formal meetings. Trust is key for a successful Circle of Support. Keeping members engaged over the long term can be a bit tricky. Regular meetings, clear communication, and recognising everyone’s contributions can help keep the circle going strong. It’s also important to make sure meetings are productive, and everyone feels their time is well spent. 

Conflicts can arise in any group. Address them promptly and constructively, focusing on finding solutions rather than assigning blame. Having a facilitator can help manage conflicts and keep things running smoothly. The needs and goals of your loved one might change over time, so the Circle of Support will need to adapt. Being open to change and willing to adjust plans is essential for maintaining an effective support network.

Remember, establishing and maintaining a Circle of Support requires commitment and effort, the benefits for your loved one and their community are huge. Circles of Support can make a significant difference in their lives by bringing people together, sharing ideas, and working towards common goals.