Autism Deep Dive - Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust

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Communication
Emotions and Wellbeing
Sensory
PDA
Apps and Blogs

Communication

Autism communication & interaction styles

https://www.autisticslt.com/communicationfeatures

This website provides information about diversity in communication methods.

Autism and Friendship

Autism and Friendship — Stephanie Bethany | Autistic Adult

Gestalt Language Processors

https://autismlittlelearners.com/gestalt-language-processors/

Barnsley Speech & Language Therapy

https://www.youtube.com/c/Barnsleyspeechandlanguagetherapy?app=desktop&cbrd=1

Videos, advice and tips to help children’s speech, language and communication

How Can I Talk If My Lips Don’t Move: Inside My Autistic Mind by Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1535459.How_Can_I_Talk_If_My_Lips_Don_t_Move

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida

https://thereasonijumpfilm.com/

Bestselling book with film adapatation – autistic and non-verbal, Naoki learnt to communicate by using a ‘cardboard keyboard’ – and what he has to say gives a rare insight into an autistically-wired mind.

Small Talk Parent Hub

https://smalltalkparenthub.com/resources/

For parents who want to do the best for their children with speech, language and communication difficulties

SMIRA (Selective Mutism Information & Research Association)

http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/

Selective Mutism, sometimes called Situational Mutism, is an anxiety-based mental health disorder which usually commences in early childhood. Those with SM speak fluently in some situations but remain consistently silent in others. They may have a blank expression, or appear ‘frozen’ when expected to speak.

Situational Mutism

https://www.autisticality.co.uk/situational-mutism-2-0

Info-graphics about situational mutism

Confident Children

https://www.confidentchildren.co.uk/videosandarticles

Advice and resources for parent of children who have selective mutism

Communication tools

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/communication/communication-tools/visual-supports

How to use visual supports as a communication tool

Visual supports

https://www.autismtoolbox.co.uk/supporting-learners-and-families/effective-partnerships-and-communication/visual-supports/

Visual supports can be very helpful in helping learners with a range of additional support needs. They support communication and can be used in various environments and locations and in many situations. For some autistic learners they are a vital communication support.

Stickman Communications

https://stickmancommunications.co.uk/

Visual Stickman Communications®, a company using stickman cartoons to break down the barriers and communicate positively yet realistically about a wide range of disabilities, conditions, needs and symptoms

Twinkl symbols

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/inclusion-teaching-resources/twinkl-symbols-communication-and-interaction-areas-of-need-send-inclusion

Visual communication aids

Widgit symbols

https://www.widgit.com/

Widgit Symbols are used worldwide to support people to realise their full potential, regardless of age, ability or background.

CALL Scotland symbols

https://www.callscotland.org.uk/Blog/symbols-for-all-new-inclusive-learning-symbol-resources/

CALL Scotland have created a set of symbolised print and interactive resources for learning accross the curriculum. The resources are all made using Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) and are freely accessible to any schools using Boardmaker Software.

Makaton

https://makaton.org/

Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.

Something Special

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/something-special

Something Special uses Makaton signs, speech and symbols to help children learn how to communicate and develop their language skills in a fun and exciting way. Join Mr Tumble and friends as they sing, play and learn together.

Signalong

https://signalong.org.uk/

Signalong is a communication charity that provides training and resources to assist those with communication difficulties and English as an additional language

Emotions and Wellbeing

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria blog posts

Living with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria » NeuroClastic

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria — Authentically Emily

What is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria RSD with Autism or ADHD? – Autistic PhD

Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is an extreme emotional response to either real or perceived criticism or rejection. It is commonly experienced by neurodivergent people. It has been argued to be an exclusive emotional condition to ADHD, but others disagree, arguing that it can also be present in autism, social anxiety, and trauma, amongst others.

Autism and Anxiety

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vueAASgTz8s

Dr Luke Beardon has written 3 books – you might have seen his books on Anxiety in Autistic Adults or in Autistic Children. Luke has an inclusive, positive approach to helping autistic people thrive in a neurotypical world, celebrating strengths as well as acknowledging difficulties.

IDAS

https://idas.org.uk/what-we-do/children-and-young-people/

IDAS offers a range of free and confidential services to help people cope with, and recover from, the traumatic effects of violence within the family (including child to parent/carer violence).

Suicide Response Project

The Suicide Response Project

Co-designed with autistic people with lived experience of suicide. Provides tips on how to detect and respond to suicide risk in others.

Autism and Therapy

The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy | Jessica Kingsley Publishers – UK (jkp.com)

In this candid, witty and insightful exploration into therapy, Steph Jones uses her professional and lived experiences as a late diagnosed autistic woman and therapist, as well as consulting therapists from across the world and tapping into the autistic community, to create the ultimate autistic survival guide to therapy.

YUVA Service at DVIP (domestic violence intervention project)

593-YUVA-leaflet-A5-110521_v2.pdf (dvip.org)

For Young People – DVIP | Domestic Violence Intervention Project

YUVA works with young people aged 11 to 18 who have used violence or abuse towards their parents/carers.

The Zones of Regulation

https://zonesofregulation.com/

The Incredible 5-Point Scale

https://www.5pointscale.com/

The Incredible 5-Point Scale was developed to share information about the use of the 5-point scale and other systems to teach social and emotional concepts to children and adults who could use some extra support.

The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills by Sonny Jane Wise

https://livedexperiencecounsellor.com/

How Do I Feel? By Rebekah Lipp and Craig Phillips

https://www.wildlingbooks.com/collections/how-do-i-feel

This book is about helping children, teenagers, and even adults help to identify and understand their emotions.

What to Do What You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner

https://www.dawnhuebnerphd.com/worry-too-much-overcoming-anxiety/

An interactive self-help book designed to guide 6 – 12 year olds and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques most often used in the treatment of generalized anxiety.

Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children by Dr Luke Beardon

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54503471-avoiding-anxiety-in-autistic-children

How to support autistic children through through the situations in life which might cause them greater stress, anxiety and worry than if they were neurotypical.

Window of Tolerance

https://www.pookyknightsmith.com/video-emotional-regulation-window-of-tolerance-explained/

The Window of Tolerance’ concept of emotional regulation explained in a video by Pooky Knightsmith

The Go To

https://thegoto.org.uk/

Welcome to the home of wellbeing and mental health for young people in North Yorkshire. We’re here to help you find the right help and support for you, to help you stay well, whatever is going on in your life.

Young Minds Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

Whether you want to understand more about how you’re feeling and find ways to feel better, or you want to support someone who’s struggling, we can help.

Autistic Realms Supporting Children through Autistic Burnout (Parent/Carer Guide)

https://www.autisticrealms.com/post/supporting-children-through-autistic-burnout-parents-guide#:~:text=Supporting%20Children%20through%20Autistic%20Burnout%20%28Parent%2FCarer%20Guide%29%201,4%204.%20Transitions%20…%205%205.%20Sensory%20Needs

Autistic Mental Health

https://autisticmentalhealth.uk/

Dedicated to improving mental health support for the autistic community, with resources and training designed and delivered by autistic people, with research informed by autistic experiences and expertise.

Good practice guide for professionals delivering talking therapies for autistic adults and children

https://eu-prod-tapcrowd-static.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/20004/catalogpdf/140774/NAS-Good-Practice-Guide-A4_1676993667.pdf

Our Mental Health Project, in collaboration with Mind, aims to establish how to make mental health talking therapies better for autistic people.

Kooth

https://www.kooth.com/

The Kooth team are here to provide free, safe and anonymous online support and counselling. The whole team are made up of friendly and experienced individuals who want to help you.

Papyrus

https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.

Sensory

Sensory Pack – Introduction to Sensory Differences and Sensory Overload

The Big Book of Interoception Games by Kelly Mahler

https://www.kelly-mahler.com/product/the-big-book-of-interoception-games/

The Sensory Spectrum: Your Online Sensory Community

http://www.thesensoryspectrum.com/

Articles and resources to help your young person with sensory processing

Sensory Parenting for Sensory Children by Tanya van Dalen

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/tanya-van-dalen/sensory-parenting-for-sensory-children/9781839972546/

This book helps you to recognise your own behaviours to help you in staying calm when your young person dysregulates or has a sensory meltdown

Success with Sensory Supports by Kim Griffin

https://www.griffinot.com/success-with-sensory-supports/

This is the ultimate guide to using Sensory Diets, Movement Breaks and Sensory Circuits at School

PDA

PDA Society

https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/

Information, support and training for Pathological Demand Avoidance

PDA Society helpful approaches with PDA children

https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/life-with-pda-menu/family-life-intro/helpful-approaches-children/

Helpful approaches with PDA – children

The PDA Space

https://www.thepdaspace.com/

Spreading awareness of PDA and helping families create a calmer more compassionate home to live in

Positively PDA

https://www.positivelypda.co.uk/

Welcome to Positively PDA, I am Melanie, mum to three boys, 2 crazy dogs and a pretty clever cat. I am passionate about changing perspectives and understanding around autism and specialise in the profile of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance).

Sally Cat PDA

http://www.sallycatpda.co.uk/

A blog about adult PDA with illustrative memes

Autisticality

https://www.autisticality.co.uk/pda

Info-graphics to illustrate and inform about PDA

In Tune Pathways by Kristi Forbes

https://www.kristyforbes.com.au/pda

An online program for forging peaceful pathways for families raising autistic children with a PDA profile

Steph’s Two Girls

https://www.stephstwogirls.co.uk/

Family life with a type of Autism called Pathological Demand Avoidance

Can You See Me? Book By Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/book/c/can-you-see-me/

Written in collaboration with young blogger Libby, who is herself autistic, this is a powerful and highly relatable story about fitting in and being yourself. Tally’s diary entries give an authentic insight into one girl’s perspective of being autistic, and smashing a host of common assumptions and stereotypes about autism.

The Family Experience of PDA by Eliza Fricker

https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/the-family-experience-of-pda/#:~:text=A%20light-hearted%20and%20digestible%20guide%20to%20being%20a,help%20get%20to%20grips%20with%20this%20complex%20condition.

An illustrated guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance

Newbold Hope

https://www.newboldhope.org/

The Explosive Child Book by Dr Ross Greene

https://www.shortform.com/summary/the-explosive-child-summary-ross-greene?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Book%20-%20The%20Explosive%20Child%20-%20Broad%20-%20Intl&utm_term=the%20explosive%20child&utm_content=85281419427798&msclkid=4a7cbf3ee026186cc324db8efe0c3ac0

This book will help you discover the cause of your child’s behavioral problems and explain how you can work together to address them

Dr Ross Greene

https://drrossgreene.com/

Dr Ross Green is a clinical psychologist and author of ‘The Explosive Child’ and ‘Raising Human Beings’ as well as founder of Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS)

The Educator’s Experience of Pathological Demand Avoidance by Laura Kerbey

https://uk.jkp.com/products/the-educators-experience-of-pathological-demand-avoidance

Declarative Language & Co-Regulation by Linda K. Murphy

https://www.declarativelanguage.com/

Books on how to connect with your child and use a thoughtful language style

Beyond Behaviours by Dr Mona Delahooke

https://monadelahooke.com/beyond-behaviors/

What is the Low Arousal Approach and How Can It Benefit My Family?

https://autismawarenesscentre.com/what-is-the-low-arousal-approach-and-how-can-it-benefit-my-family/

What is the Low Arousal Approach?

https://www.studio3.org/post/what-is-the-low-arousal-approach

The low arousal approach, a concept founded at Studio 3, is now widely practised across the globe.

Low Arousal De-escalation Training

https://www.lowarousal.com/

More information from Studio 3 about low arousal

Low-Demand Parenting by Amanda Diekman

https://uk.jkp.com/products/lowdemand-parenting

Low-demand parenting allows you to drop the demands and expectations that are making family life impossible and embrace the joyful freedom of living life with low demands. It can be a particularly effective approach for children with high anxiety levels including neurodivergent children.

Apps and Blogs

Summer Farrelly Blog

Blog – Autistic Perspectives – Summer Farrelly

Apps

Better Sleep – supports calmer, better sleep.

Mesmerize – engaging visuals with relaxing music and guided meditations to give you an all-encompassing medication experience.

Tappy Fidget – Tapping and sliding with incredible haptic responses and delightful sound effects.

Antistress – Interactive fidgets and games to help alleviate stress.

Finch – Self-care journal and habit tracker.

Sweepy – Home cleaning scheduling apps – turns cleaning into a game.

Fluid – Interactive visual stimulation app that relieves stress.

Heat pad – reacts to your fingers to create patterns of different modalities such as rainbows and flames.

SmartyPants – Apple and Android

This app allows children to explore and talk about feelings.

Smile at Me – for the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch

Designed to help autistic children interpret social cues to determine when smiling is a good response.

Book Creator

Book Creator lets children make up their own stories, put in photos, add voices, write text and export them to iBooks. Families with young children might make books about home or nursery, for teenagers the same app is an ideal vehicle for social stories.

Brain in Hand

This app to increase independence. It lets users plan out their week, identify with help the possible stress moments, and plan strategies to help them cope. (£1000 for the year).