About this information and resource pack
Whether you are already diagnosed as autistic or are waiting for an autism assessment, you may be struggling with various area areas of life. This pack outlines a range of resources, advice and support service that you, your family and the people that support you may find useful to help you.
Please note, you do not have to wait for an assessment or diagnosis to ask for reasonable adjustments or support. Other services should be providing support for people, regardless of whether they are on the waiting list for an autism assessment.
Resources you can request from the Somerset Autism Spectrum Service (SASS)
- Job protection information from the Somerset Employment Support Service
- Self-help guides on anxiety management, dealing with distress, improving self-esteem, managing emotions, managing worry, being present, mood management, self-compassion, managing your relationships
- De-stress not distress pack
- ‘Why are you fabulous document’ to help you think about your strengths
- List of helpline phone numbers
- Safety plan document if you sometimes struggle with suicidal thoughts
Please email somersetautismspectrumservice@somersetft.nhs.uk to request these resources.
Useful resources, services, and information
General
Somerset Autism Spectrum Service
Please find Autism Awareness videos created collaboratively with Experts by Experience on the following topics:
- Before and during the autism diagnostic process
- Getting the diagnosis
- What is good about being autistic
- Some of our interests
- Autistic people’s experiences of using NHS services
- Autistic people’s experiences of adjustments NHS services have or have not made
- Reasonable adjustments NHS services can make for
autistic people
Somerset Adult Social Care
Includes information for people who are 18 or over who have care and support needs, disabilities, mental health problems, a sensory loss or general frailty. Includes help, advice, for carers.
Tel: 0300 1232224
Text: 07862 12246
Southwest Autism Central Hubs
Offers guidance to families, carers and personal assistants of autistic people.
Somerset SEND Local Offer
Information on services available for children and young people with Disabilities aged 0 to 25 and/or Special Educational Needs and how to access them. Includes a ‘My Important Stuff’ document to help people communicate their needs to others.
Somerset Council SEND Local Offer
Autism and ADHD Pathway – Somerset Council
Tel: 0300 123 2224
NHS website
You can read further information about autism on the NHS website.
The Safe Place Scheme
Is for anyone with communication difficulties and enables them to ring a dedicated support line if they have been a victim of crime or feel lost, scared and upset and don’t
know what to do.
They also issue a safe space card for you to carry with you
when out.
National Charities and Organisations
The National Autistic Society (NAS)
National, confidential support on autism for anyone affected by or researching autism. Their website provides a range of factsheets on issues relating to Autism, and discussion forums.
National Autistic Society Website
Email: nas@nas.org.uk
They have local branches across the country, and you may be interested in the National Autistic North Somerset branch
The Autism Services Directory
The Directory helps autistic people, their families and the professionals who work with them to find local and national services.
Autism Independent UK
A charity that helps to increase awareness of autism to the notice of all, together with well established and newly developed approaches in the diagnosis, assessment, education and treatment.
Tel: +44 (0)1536 523274
Email: autism@autismuk.com
Ambitious About Autism
Charity for children and young autistic people. Provides services, raises awareness and understanding and campaigns for change. My voice is a website for young people aged 16-25 years with content created by young people.
Ambitious About Autism Website
Tel: 020 8815 5444
Email: info@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
Autism West Midlands
Website offering resources, information and support.
Autism Spectrum Australia
Website offering information, resources, research and support.
Autism Spectrum Australia Website
NHS Website
You can read further information about autism on the NHS website.
Family life and relationships
Family life can have its challenges for everyone. Many people have written about their experiences of dating, relationships, and marriage, both with neuro-typical and neurodiverse partners.
The National Autistic Society information
Resources for people living with an autistic partner, and information on family life and autism.
Family relationships- a guide for the whole family
Family relationships – a guide for partners of autistic people.
Relate
Offers relationship support to everyone who needs it.
Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS)
Support anyone affected by domestic abuse, including outreach, refuge and family intervention.
Somerset Domestic Abuse Service – Paragon
For the Somerset Domestic Abuse Support helpline:
Tel: 0800 69 49 999
Email: ParagonSIDAS@theyoutrust.org.uk
Opening Hours – 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
and 9am to 1pm Saturday/Sunday.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please always call the Police on 999.
Sibs
Is a UK charity representing the needs of young and adult siblings of people with disabilities.
Staying Connected
Ark at Edgewood
An inter-generational land-based day service for people of all ages, needs and abilities. ARK creates a safe outdoor space for people to relax, engage with others and improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Diverse
Independent organisation run by and for people that identify as Autistic in the Bristol, Bath, Northeast Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area.
National Autistic Society Community
An online forum for autistic people to discuss their thoughts and experiences with one another.
National Autistic Society Forum
Autism Hangout
This is a YouTube page with short videos from Tony Attwood on living with autism.
Autism Hangout Youtube Video Link
Mendip Health Connections
Offer social opportunities and peer support to over 16s in Mendip and the surrounding areas who have autism.
Health Connections Mendip Webpage
Move to Include
National initiative that spotlights people of differing abilities and disability issues through television, radio, news, special events, and social media.
Leisure
Autistic Eye
Non-profit community interest company founded in 2013 to give people on the Autistic Spectrum an opportunity to sell their artwork and share it in an insightful and positive way.
Autscape
A conference by and for autistic people, centred around autistic people’s interests, needs and sensitivities.
The National Autistic Society- Alert Card
You can download an Autism Alert card from the National Autistic Society. The card can be used to communicate to people that you have autism when you are unable to do so.
I am Autistic Card download link
Dimensions: Autism Friendly Environments
Find out about autism friendly cinemas, libraries, museums and Belong by GAME Arenas. ODEON, Cineworld, Vue, Showcase, Picturehouse and Everyman Cinema all show popular films in an autism friendly environment. They are relaxed sensory friendly screenings where adjustments are made to the sound and lighting, people are free to move around, and staff are trained in autism awareness.
Dimensions: Autism Friendly Environments Information
High Street Shops and Supermarkets
Tesco: Autism quiet hour, 9am-10am Wednesday and Saturdays (Check with your local store)
Tesco Invisible Disability Information
Morrisons: Saturday in all stores from 9-10am.
Morrisons Quieter Hour Information
Asda: 2pm to 3pm on Mondays to Thursdays
Sainsbury: No specific hours but adjustments can be made on request.
Lidl: Tuesday evening from 6pm-8pm
Lidl Autism Awareness Information
Aldi: Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 10:00 am and Saturdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Rusty Road 2 Recovery
Is a social enterprise in Bridgwater offering opportunities to people with mental health difficulties.
Rusty Road 2 Recovery Information
Rusty Road 2 Recovery Facebook
Your IT Now
Offer help people with learning Disabilities to use internet and technology safely and have specialist courses.
Tel: 07809299760
Email: YOURITNOW@HOTMAIL.CO.UK
Horseshoes and Handprints
Therapy through close contact with horses and other animals. Activity for whole family.
Horseshoes and Handprints Facebook
Somerset Activity Sports Partnership (SASP)
Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) is dedicated to increasing the health and happiness of residents in Somerset through physical activity and sport.
Main Office Tel: 01823 653990
Swim School Tel: 01823 653998
Email: enquiries@sasp.co.uk
Somerset Men’s Shed
Men’s Sheds are kitted out community spaces where men can enjoy practical hobbies. They are about making friends, learning and sharing skills.
Game Changer
Game Changer is a weekly event lasting 3hrs. It’s a place for Neurodivergent people, people with Learning Disabilities, Autism or just people (!) 18+ to come socialise, relax, chat, chill and most importantly play video Games!
Taunton: Monday 1pm to 3:30pm at the Glass Box in Taunton Library, Paul Street, TA1 3PF
Bridgwater: Thursday 1pm to 3.30pm at The Hub Charity, 22, Angel Place Shopping Centre, Bridgwater, TA6 3TQ
Yeovil: Wednesday 12.30pm to 3pm at the Yeovil Library, King George Street, BA20 1PY
Glastonbury: Thursday 1pm to 3.30pm at the Glastonbury Library, 1 Orchard Court, BA6 9JB.
Tel: 07809 299760
Email: gameon@gamechangertribe.com
Taunton Glass Box
Various pieces of technology to borrow, clubs and resources including coding equipment, 3d printing and scanning.
Information for Carers
Carers UK
Provide help and advice for unpaid carers, ranging from information on benefits and financial support, carers rights, carers’ assessments, services available to you and the
person you care for and advice on how to challenge and complain in regard to decisions made about a person’s care.
There is a telephone support line available: Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm
Tel: 0808 808 7777
email: advice@carersuk.org
The Autism Page
Information about what to do while you wait for your child to have an autism assessment.
Somerset Carers
Somerset Community Connect is for the whole of Somerset. Somerset Community Connect is about individuals, groups and organisations all working together to create a safe, healthy, supportive and kind Somerset.
Free information and support for Carers
Freephone advice line: 0800 31 68 600 or 01823 331 222
Somerset Parents Carers Forum
For anyone caring for children/young people with any disability and/or additional need.
Aim: to empower and involve parent carers to have their say in order to influence local and national decision making. Directory of services for parents/ carers on website.
Somerset Parent Carer Forum Website
Tel: 01458 259384
Email: admin@somersetparentcarerforum.org.uk
Facebook groups:
Finding your way (Facebook Group)
Finding your way (Facebook Group for Dads only)
Health & Wellbeing: Supporting Parents Online
A directory of tried and tested websites, as recommended by Somerset parents and practitioners.
Health & Wellbeing: Supporting Parents Online Webpage
SENDIAS
Somerset SENDIAS provides information, advice and support about special educational needs and disability (SEND) for parent carers, children and young people (up to the age of 25). The service is free, confidential and impartial.
Tel: 01823 355578
MacMillan Cancer Support
Support service for those who have been diagnosed with Cancer, or those who support people who have been diagnosed.
Self Help Resources
NHS Talking Therapies Self help guides
Northumberland NHS Foundation Trust has created self-help guides on the following topics that are listed below.
- Abuse
- Alcohol and You
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Controlling Anger
- Depression and Low Mood
- Domestic Abuse
- Eating Disorders
- Food for Thought
- Health Anxiety
- Hearing Voices and Disturbing Beliefs
- Obsessions and Compulsions
- Panic
- Post Traumatic Stress
- Postnatal depression
- Self-harm
- Social Anxiety
- Sleeping Problems
- Stress
- Depression and Low Mood: a guide for partners
Self Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff
Video recorded guided self-compassion exercises.
Self compassion exercises webpage
Centre for Clinical Interventions
Information packages are available for conditions such as depression, panic, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, disordered eating and more.
CCI self help resources webpage
Act Mindfully
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Workshops & Training with Russ Harris.
Yoga Nidra
Or ‘yogic sleep’ is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, like the “going-to-sleep” stage, typically induced by a guided meditation. There is evidence that yoga nidra helps relieve stress and helps with sleep. Youtube has a number of videos – just google Yoga Nidra for sleep.
Independent Living
DVLA and Driving
The DVLA should be informed if you feel that your autism affects your driving.
National Autistic Society Advice
First Bus Travel
Provide journey assistance cards that you can show your driver as a way of discretely asking for a little extra help if you’d rather not ask them out loud.
Somerset Independent Living Centres
Information about a wide range of equipment and technology available that can be used in the home or when out and about to make life easier and help keep safe and independent.
Somerset Support Groups
The Hub
Micro enterprise work groups. Work and training opportunities for young people with additional needs in a range of locations and businesses.
Tel: 01935 429277
Email: hello@thehubyeovil.co.uk
Spark Somerset
Provide information, advice, training and support to the voluntary and community sector in Somerset. They also run the Volunteer Service (Spark a Change) and digital inclusion project (Spark IT).
Seeds of Hope
Therapeutic gardening groups run in Watchet, Bridgwater, Chilton Polden and Glastonbury.
Tel: 0330 1170443
Email:
Well Grounded
Free, weekly gardening sessions in Shepton Mallet. Tuesdays 11-1pm (Shepton Mallet).
Email: Alison.Hayward@mindinsomerset.org.uk
Vanessa Gardening Project
Free weekly gardening group on Tuesdays from 11am-1pm at Yeovil Foyer Peters Street.
Vanessa Gardening Project Webpage
Tel: 01935 474875
Email: info@mindinsomerset.org.uk
Diverse- Nature and Wellbeing group
Free nature and wellbeing course in the Bishop’s Palace Gardens, Wells for neurodivergent people. The course is aimed at anyone who identifies as or has a diagnosis of neurodivergence. The course is 5 weeks and with explore the five pathways to nature connectedness: contact, beauty, emotion, compassion, and meaning.
To request information on the next available course, please email: Layla@diverseuk.org
2BU Somerset
Youth Support Services for LGBTQ+ young people in Somerset
Conquest Centre
Support with animals, Wellbeing, Nature, and Connection in a therapeutic context.
Social Media
Asperger and ASD UK Online Forum
Help, support, friendship to anyone whose life is affected by ASD.
Asperger and ASD UK Online Forum
National autistic society e-befriending and community discussion forum
On-line social contact and companionship. Community discussion forum.
Wrong Planet
USA based web community for individuals, parents and those with autism, Asperger syndrome and professionals.
Association for Autism and Neurodiversity
Online support groups and discussion forums for parents and partners of autistic people.
Autism Forum
Online Forum to discuss Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism, High Functioning Autism and related conditions.
Planning and organising day-to-day activities
It is estimated that as many as 80% of people on the autism spectrum report significant difficulties with planning and organising everyday tasks. These are often referred to difficulties with executive functioning, and can refer to a range of things including difficulties:
- Planning this can affect the ability to plan everyday tasks.
- Problem solving this is a complex process involving many of the other cognitive skills listed here. A difficulty in one area can therefore affect the ability to solve everyday problems.
- Working memory refers to specific information held in your short term memory needed to complete everyday tasks, for example, planning your day. Although autistic people can have strengths in their long-term memory, working memory can often be less good in comparison.
- Attention is being able to hold your attention on a task which can be affected by sensory sensitivities, and also an ability to hyper focus on some tasks but difficulty sustaining attention on others.
- Reasoning (also known as verbal processing) is the ability to process verbal information and to interpret and utilise this. This can be a difficulty especially when there is an implied meaning or subtle social meanings.
- Initiating or difficulty starting a task, often dependent on being able to plan a task.
- Inhibiting or controlling impulses refers to being able to withhold automatic responses to be able to select the most appropriate response.
- Thinking flexibly is being able to think about a task or situation from different perspectives.
- Monitoring progress during a task.
Tips for managing everyday tasks
- Using timetables, calendars, visual prompts and reminders.
- Communicate – this can be key to managing everyday tasks, particularly at home. Be clear about who is doing what tasks and when.
- Reminders for non-routine events and appointments; most online calendars have the option to set up reminders which can come via your smartphone or other devices.
- Developing routines for everyday tasks, as well as managing changes to routines, and planning ahead for any changes in routines or non-routine events.
- Using a strengths based approach – finding strategies that compliment your strengths will often work best for you.
Sensory Sensitivities
It is estimated that a third of autistic people are affected by sensory sensitivities including hypersensitivity (over sensitive) to sensory stimuli and hyposensitivity (under sensitive).
Sensory differences can include sensitivity to noise, light, touch, textures ad tactile differences, sensitivity to food and smell can also be experienced.
Often autistic people describe a feeling of being overwhelmed by sensory stimuli which can heighten feelings of anxiety and distress. Sensitivity to noise is commonly associated with the autism spectrum and is often related to certain pitches of noise.
Sensory sensitivity can affect all aspects of everyday life from home, education, employment, leisure and relaxation. If you are able to identify what triggers sensory overload then it’s easier to develop strategies to cope with it.
National Autistic Society sensory sensitivity webpage
Support for sensory sensitivity
You can look to develop strategies to help you to cope with sensory sensitivities. Below are a few examples:
- Using noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to block out noise.
- Sunglasses or tinted glasses in bright places.
- Wearing comfortable clothing to reduce any tactile discomfort.
- Identifying self-soothing activities.
- Having an exit strategy if you feel overwhelmed, or identifying a quiet place where you can go if needed.
- Taking sensory breaks.
You can also, where possible, adapt the environment to limit sensory overload:
- Having the right environment to work, for example, sitting away from busy doorways or areas where people congregate that may become busy and unpredictable. Possibly sitting near a window so you can control the lighting (by opening or closing blinds) and the temperature (by opening and closing the window).
- Avoiding busy environments, for example, going shopping at a quieter time.
There are also a variety of sensory aids including weighted blankets which may be worth looking into. Often a sensory assessment by a qualified professional can help to identify what might be helpful for you.
Avoidant/ restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) Support:
Mental Health and Wellbeing
If you are worried about your mental health you can access support via your GP. If you find it difficult to visit your GP, you could ask a friend or family member to accompany you to help you to communicate the difficulties you are experiencing. (See Visiting your GP below.)
The Beacon Centre
Specialist cancer support service offering support with emotional and psychological wellbeing.
The Beacon Centre Support Webpage
Somerset Talking Therapies
Provide counselling for common mental health problems including anxiety and depression. You can ask your GP to refer you to their service, or you can make a self-referral.
Tel: 0300 323 0033
Somerset Talking Therapies Website
Open Mental Health
For adults living in Somerset and experiencing difficulties with mental health. Open Mental Health offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure that anyone struggling with poor mental health can access the right support at the right time.
If you need to speak to someone please contact our team at Mindline Somerset any time of the day, any day of the week locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Mindline Live Web Chat is available every day from 8pm-11pm or email: support@openmentalhealth.org.uk
Mind
Has useful resources on mental health and wellbeing, treatments and how to access support.
Rethink
Works with local groups and campaigners to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness.
Rethink- Find groups in the local area
Every Mind Matters
The website has simple information on anxiety, low mood, stress and sleep as well as tips on how to manage these difficulties.
Somerset Recovery College
The Somerset Recovery College is a Recovery College hosted by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust for the wellbeing of people in Somerset. Runs free courses for students with lived experience of mental health difficulties.
Tel: 07342 063735
Email: enquiries@somersetrecoverycollege.co.uk
Somerset Recovery College Website
The Samaritans
“If you need someone to talk to, we listen. We won’t judge or tell you what to do.” Samaritans can be contacted any time of day, by phone email or letter.
Tel: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org (it can take up to 24 hours for emails to be responded to).
Mindline Trans+
A confidential, emotional and mental health support helpline for people who identify as transgender, agender, gender fluid or non-binary.
Tel: 0300 330 5468 (8pm to midnight, Monday, Wednesday and Friday).
Wellington Community Counselling
Wellington Community Counselling (WCC) offers free and/or affordable adult, family, and child therapeutic services.
Email: rhonda@wellington-counselling.co.uk
Wellington Community Counselling Website
For a list of mental health helplines visit: NHS Mental Health Services
Advocacy and Information Services
Advocates are trained professionals who support people to help them to get their voices heard, to communicate their views and to communicate effectively with services involved in an individual’s care. There are a number of advocacy services in Somerset below.
Swan Advocacy Service
Tel: 03333 447928
Email: somerset@swanadvocacy.org.uk
Somerset Community Care Matters
Provides specialist advice, advocacy and casework under community care. Legislation. Legal advice on NHS, social care and disability rights.
Tel: 01823 282538
Email: enquiries@sccm.org.uk
Somerset Community Care Matters Facebook Page
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice is a independent organisation specialising in confidential information and advice to assist people with legal, debt, consumer, housing and other problems.
Education
Many autistic people appreciate support in transitioning to a new learning environment, college or university. This should include practical support about where to find classrooms and other facilities as well as support with wellbeing.
- You may be entitled to Disability Support Allowance (DSA) whilst you are studying, to find out more visit: DSA Government webpage
- Leaving school and going to university: NAS advice webpage
- Leaving college or university: NAS advice webpage
- U3A offers a range of educational activities for people to get involved in: “Membership of a U3A is open to all in their third age, which is defined not by a particular age but by a period in life in which full time employment has ceased.”: U3A Website
- If you have a diagnosis of Autism you can discuss reasonable adjustments with your educational provider that are tailored to your needs. Some of the colleges in Somerset have dedicated teams to support students with Autism. This may include support with transitioning to college, regular one-to-ones to review progress and develop strategies to cope with college, or a quiet place for students to go to when needed. Support at colleges may differ so it’s important to ask each college individually what they offer and how to access this support.
- Choice Advice Service: Advice and support to all parents on the schools admissions and appeals procedures. Contact choiceadvice@somerset.gov.uk or 01823 356903.
- Disability rights UK, disabled students helpline: For information relating to post school education, colleagues and universities. Contact via email on students@disabilityrightsuk.org or call on 0330 995 0414. Disability Rights UK Website
Employment
Autistic people have a range of skills and knowledge which are often highly valued by employers and colleagues. It is important that everyone at work feels supported and valued by their employer.
Looking for employment
Job Centre Plus
If you are seeking employment the Jobcentre Plus advertises local jobs, and most Jobcentres have a person who can support you to look for the right job that compliments your skills.
National Autistic Society
Free online resources for finding work
National Autistic Society Finding Employment course
Volunteering in Somerset
This website provides information on volunteering opportunities in Somerset.
Access to Work Scheme
People with a disability can get help with various things related to employment, such as travel costs, cost of adaptations, and work coaches to help them learn a new job.
Discovery
Supports people living in Somerset with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism in all areas of their life and can provide support with employment.
Shaw Trust
Supporting people into the workplace.
Albemarle
Taunton based organisation offering community based day services, individual support, and activities, social and training opportunities.
Tel: 01823 252945
Weston Bay (Weston College)
Residential training for people on the autistic spectrum.
Tel: 01934 411411
Email: westonbay@weston.ac.uk
National Association of Specialist Colleagues
Natspec is the membership association for organisations which offer specialist further education and training for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities aged 16 to 25.
Pluss
“Is an award-winning Community Interest Company that supports thousands of people each year to achieve a career and fulfil their true potential.” They offer a range of support to people looking for employment.
Tel: 0800 334 5525
Email: customer.admin@pluss.org.uk
Step Up Somerset
Offer employment support in the following areas: skills, training, employment and progression.
Tel: 0300 790 6275
At interview
If you disclose your diagnosis before interview the employer is required to make reasonable adjustments for you.
Information to give potential employers to an interview
National Autistic Society advice for employers
Disclosing your diagnosis
There is no law about whether or not you should disclose your diagnosis to your employer. It is your decision and something you may want to think about, or discuss with a close friend, a trusted colleague or family member first.
If you do disclose your diagnosis you are protected by the Equality Act (2010), however, this does not cover people working in the Armed Forces.
Support in employment
Reasonable adjustments
Employers may be able to make reasonable and appropriate adjustments to your work, including your work environment, to support you to achieve your potential in your role. These can be discussed with your employer.
Government ‘reasonable adjustments’ webpage
Employment Support Service
Is part of the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. They support people with mental health needs who want to either find paid employment or need support to remain in their current employment.
If you are currently supported by secondary care mental health services then you can discuss a referral with your care co-ordinator or key-worker.
If you are not being seen by secondary care services and feel you need support with employment due to mental health needs or disability impacting on your current work or job search, then you can make a self-referral through Maximus.
Maximus
Work to support people to sustain employment through understanding how their disability may impact on their work. Helping people find work.
Able 2 Achieve
Support people with learning disabilities, mental health and other associated disabilities with everyday living skills and social events.
Scope
Are a disability equality charity who provide practical and emotional support as well as campaigning for equality. They also provide online support about:
- Benefits
- Finance
- Social care
- Work
- Equipment and assistive technology
- Housing and home adaptations
Tel: 0808 800 3333
Textphone: Use Type Talk by dialling 18001 from a textphone followed by 0808 800 3333
Email: helpline@scope.org.uk
Dimensions
Offers support to autistic people and people with learning disabilities looking for employment
National Autistic Society
Advice for autistic people on looking for a job, as well as information for autistic people in work.
Advice for Employers
In turn, your employer may ask what they can do to support you or where they can access advice to understand more about autism. They may find the following information helpful.
- Guides for employers to help make workplace and employment practices autism-friendly.
- National Autistic Society- information for employers
- Northern Ireland Equality Commission
- Mentoring/ buddy schemes: can be a helpful way for autistic employees to get to know what is expected from them in their role and to feel supported in this process
- Information on buddying
Finances and Managing Money
There are a range of resources available online for help and support managing money, as well as helplines and face-to-face advice. Some useful links are listed below:
- The National Autistic Society has further information on managing your money, budgeting and banking as well as links to other resources. NAS managing money course
- A guide to everyday money management produced by the Financial Conduct Authority in association with the NAS: Everyday banking guide
You may also be entitled to benefits or financial support, to find out more, you can visit the following websites:
- To find out about the different types of support that you be entitled to you can visit the NAS website
- You can access further support on benefits as well as finding out what you may be entitled to and how to apply for benefits on the government’s website
- The Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) operate across the country, and they have offices in Taunton, Bridgwater, Street, Minehead. They offer free advice on benefits, debt and money, work, consumer, house and family, law and courts, immigration and health. The website can be accessed via the following link: Citizens Advice Somerset
- Money Helper offers free and impartial advice on managing your money on areas including homes and mortgages, debt and borrowing, budgeting and saving, pensions and retirement, work and benefits, family care, cars and travel and insurance. Money helper website
Further Resources
BBC Sounds
Dr Tony Attwood
British psychologist notable for his work on Autism. Podcasts, video’s and information.
Coping: A Survival Guide for people with Asperger Syndrome
Marc Segar wrote a book about his experiences of living with Asperger’s Syndrome and offers advice on all areas of everyday life (Segar, M. Coping: A Survival Guide for People with Asperger Syndrome, a copy can be downloaded for free below)
Somerset Autism Collection
Autistic people have helped select the books and DVDs, and organisations like the National Autistic Society, Somerset Parent Carer Forum and other health and social care services have also been involved. Some of the books are written by professionals with many years of experience working in the field of autism and others are written by autistic people and their families, sharing their own personal accounts and experiences. The collection includes fiction, non-fiction and biography. Titles explore a range of topics such as mental health, learning difficulties, relationships, supporting young people and autism in women.
Williton libraries. Every library in Somerset carries a selection of books, and all titles from the collection are available to request free of charge from any Somerset library, or online at Libraries West.
Apps
There are various ways that technology can assist us in everyday life, from helping us to communicate, monitoring our mood and promoting positive wellbeing, to encourage and support physical activity monitoring, organising and planning our everyday tasks and much more. Below are a few apps that are available to help with communication, wellbeing, activity and organisation.
Communication
- Proloquo2go- For support with communication.
- Grace 4 Non-verbal picture exchange- Promotes communication through the use of pictures.
- Assistive Express- Speeds up communication by converting text to speech.
- Emergency Chat (Free)- Designed for people experiencing an autistic breakdown who are in a situation where they need to communicate, but are unable to do so verbally.
- Speech Assistant- Speech Assistant AAC is a text-to-speech (TTS) app designed for people who are speech impaired. The app can create categories and phrases, which are placed on buttons. With these buttons messages can be created that can be shown or spoken (text-to-speech).
Wellbeing
- Action for Happiness (Free)- Sends you friendly messages and actions to help to boost your mood. You can share your progress with like-minded people.
- Headspace (Free trial, with paid add-ons)- Guided meditations to help you to feel healthier and happier.
- Brain in hand (subscription charge applies)- Helps to manage anxiety, making decisions and unexpected situations.
- Smiling mind (Free)- A non-for profit mindfulness app designed for children and adults.
- Dropophone (Free)- Use this to create relaxing melodies.
- Antistress (Free)- A selection of toys to help with relaxation, diversion and distraction.
Organisation and planning
- Habit Tracker (Free)- An app to help you develop habits and achieve goals.
- Todoist (Free with paid add-ons)- An app to assist with everyday organising.
- Tusk (Free)- A task planner and habit tracker. It helps you keep track of your daily tasks, develop good habits, and achieve your goals.
- Tiimo- Helps you organize your life, stick to your routines, and work towards your personal goals.
Books
- Asperger’s On the Job: Must-Have Advice for People with Asperger’s or High Functioning Autism and their Employers, Educators and Advocates- Rudy Simone
- The Reason I Jump- Naoki Higashida
- Autism and Mental Well-being in Higher Education: A Practical Resource for Students, Mentors and Study Skills Support Workers- Susy Ridout
- Education and Girls on the Autism Spectrum: Developing an Integrated Approach- Hebron and Bond
- Understanding Autism in boys and men: A Comprehensive Guide (Autism Insights: A Series on Understanding and Supporting Neurodiversity)- Jennifer Scott
- Autism and Education – The Way I See It: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know- Temple Grandin
- Asperger Syndrome and Employment: Adults Speak Out About Asperger Syndrome- Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon
- Employment for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome or Non-Verbal Learning Disability: Stories and Strategies- Yvona Fast