The Argyll and Bute Menu of Interventions Roadshow Event took place in Lochgilphead on 17 November 2014 at the Mid Argyll Community Hospital and Integrated Care Centre. The information gathered from delegates on the day has been collated and can be found below.

For each of the 14 “challenges” we collected information about the following:

  • Specific relevant links
  • Specific relevant strategies
  • Specific relevant documents
  • Gaps, research and other relevant information not covered by another category
We are in the process of gathering relevant information to meet these 14 challenges. If you would like to contribute to the information collected below, please contact us by email.

 

 

Contact details for each of the resources mentioned are available at the bottom of this page.
ASD CHALLENGE

INTERVENTIONS

 
1. Understanding the implications of an autism diagnosis
Post diagnostic discussion (s) and individualised counsellingThe provision of good quality education and information packs for individuals, families/carers along with appropriate verbal discussion at time of need. Use of visual props if needed. Signposting to useful websites and forums.		 Autism Network Scotland provides:

The National Autistic Society provides:

Scottish Autism provides:

  • Get Set 4 Autism
  • A post-diagnostic education and support program for parents of children up to the age of 18

Autism Argyll provides:

  •  Eclectic unbiased information on ASD and relevant disability related issues
  •  Impartial and confidential telephone support
  •  Information booklet for parents of children receiving an autism diagnosis
  •  Information sheet for adults receiving an autism diagnosis
  •  A range of  ASD specific talks and training
  •  A specialist library of books and videos
  •  Regular newsletters

Autism Rights Group Highland (ARGH) provides:

  • A group run by and for autistic adults

NHS Highland provides:

Wrong Planet provides:

  • An online resource and community for autism and Asperger Syndrome

 
2. Development of effective means of communication
Individualised language therapy assessment. Updated as required. Alternative and augmentative communication systems introduced where required. Work to ensure language system (regardless of form) is used functionally and is therefore effective on an individual basis. Teaching/learning on internet etiquette and supervision.		 CALL Scotland provides:

NHS Highland provides:

Pinterest provides:

Sand Tray Therapy provides:

  • A form of expressive therapy that allows a person to construct his or her own microcosm using miniature toys and colored sand. The scene created acts as a reflection of the person’s own life and allows him or her the opportunity to resolve conflicts, remove obstacles, and gain acceptance of self.

Talking Mats provides:

  • A communication symbols tool based on extensive research and designed by Speech and Language Therapists that uses unique, specially designed picture communication symbols
3. Social communication
Targeted social communication programmes delivered either individually or in a group setting as required and appropriate to the individual to include internet etiquette and promotion of online safety.		  Autism Argyll provides:

  • A variety of resources and supports for people with autism and their families

Education provides:

Forest School provides:

  • A long-term approach to education, for children, young people, families and adults, that maximises the benefits of learning in the

NHS Highland provides:

  • outdoors.

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) provides:

The Duke of Edinburgh Award provides:

  • Gives young people aged 14-24 the chance to develop skills for life and work, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future.
4. Developing and maintaining relationships
Work to assess the understanding of relationships and promotion of skills to develop relationships including sexuality issues and intimate relationships. Access to social groups, friendship circles etc		 A & B Rape Crisis Centre provides:

Achievement Bute provides:

  • An autism mentoring programme

Autism Toolbox provides:

  • A resource to support the inclusion of children and young people with autism spectrum disorder in mainstream education

Respect Me provides:

  • Scotland’s Anti-Bullying Service provides web-based resources
  • Annual conference offers practitioners the opportunity to attend three practical workshops, delivered by a range of partners around the theme of bullying.
5. Social isolation for individual with autism
Accessible social groups and opportunities, support in the community. Befrienders. Respect the need to be alone at times. Acceptance by families that friendships can take many forms		 Scottish Autism provides:

Achievement Bute provides:

  • A charity on the Isle of Bute that provides support to children with additional support needs and their families. They also organise trips, clubs and events for all children.

Argyll Voluntary Action provides:

  • Distance befrienders

Autism Argyll provides:

  • A variety of resources and supports for people with autism and their families

Befrienders provides:

  • Befriending for Argyll & Bute children

 

Helensburgh and Lomond Autism/Asperger Society provides:

  • Fortnightly meetings and other social opportunities

Kintyre Six Circle Group (Campbeltown) provides:

  • Opportunities for socially excluded people to relate to others.

NHS Highland provides:
6. Social isolation for family
Family/ Partner/ Carer support, opportunity for respite. Access to autism friendly environments		 Sense Scotland provides:

  • Residental breaks for children and young people up to the age of 21.They provide an enjoyable stay using the range of facilities available on site and in the local area. They have active links with a number of local schools and can arrange breaks around school attendance requirements.

Autism Argyll provides:

  • A variety of resources and supports for people with autism and their families

North Argyll Carers Centre provides:

  • Support for carers

Helensburgh and Lomond Autism/Asperger Society provides:

  • Fortnightly meetings and other social opportunities

Scottish Autism provides:

Cornerstone provides:

  • Fostering and respite
  • Activity clubs
  • Holiday play schemes

Achievement Bute provides:

  • Support for parents

 
7. Learning to learn skills
A functional assessment of the person’s cognitive abilities and learning style leading to a planned programme both directly with the individual and indirectly with the family, carers etc. Formal psychometric testing may be conducted if appropriate to inform intervention		 Education provides:

NHS Highland provides:

  • Learning Disability services
  • Adult Psychology services
  • Occupational therapy

Spark of Genius Dunoon provides:

  • Education placements for children and young people in well equipped, spacious, welcoming learning environments
8. Predicting and managing change
Timely individual direct work with individuals to teach methods where required. Family/carer /employer guidance/education in these methodsVisual supports; timetables, timers, text alerts, choice boards etc to be used as appropriate
9. Behaviour and emotional regulation protecting wellbeing
Knowledge development in understanding behaviour in the context ofASD. Individual work with the individual on assessing behaviour, recognising triggers and developing and managing the implementation of strategies to help. Behaviour support plans, cognitive interventions, psychotherapy or counselling as required and indicated by life circumstances eg around transitions of all types including bereavement. Work with the individual’s family/carers, criminal justice, social work, Police as appropriate. Autism Alert card possession		 Autism Argyll provides:

  • “Bereavement Box,“ a collection of resources to help people with ASD at times of bereavement

Emotion Works provides:

  • Emotional learning and communication for all

 
10. Restricted and repetitive interests and behavioursAssessment and positive day to day management on an individualised basis. Treatment by mental health clinician if required
11. Motivation issues
Structured programmes as appropriate to the individual linking to the other core challenges as required. Career guidance, employer/HE/FE support.
12. Sensory issues
Assessment of sensory difficulties. Identification and implementation of strategies. Environmental adaptation on an individual basis with individual control working towards reducing the impact of sensory sensitivities
13. Daily living skills
Assessment of core life skills as required across the lifespan and to take account of changing needs at various transitions. Specific individual programmes to teach and maintain these skills where needed. Involvement of families/carers in assessment and implementation of new learningEducation for families/employers/ care providers/housing dept re practical needs		  Spark of Genius Dunoon provides:

  • Skills for Work resource centre
14. Co existing conditions- examples
epilepsy, dyspraxia, dyslexia, disorders of attention, sensory impairment, anxiety, sleep disorder, addiction, anger management, depression, self harm, psychosis, personality disorder, OCD, disordered eating patterns etc. These require assessment and treatment/management by appropriate specialist clinician. Joint working is crucial across specialities with a clear case co-ordinating lead identified.		 Dyslexia Scotland provides:

  • Dyslexia Screener (through Education)

 

CONTACT DETAILS FOR ARYGLL AND BUTE RESOURCES

A & B Rape Crisis Centre
PO Box 9338
Dunoon
PA23 8WS
Telephone: 01369 700 800

Achievement Bute
9  Castle Street
Rothessay
Isle of Bute
PA20 9HA
Telephone: 01700 505558

Argyll Voluntary Action
21 High Street
Oban
PA34 4BG
Telephone: 01631 564839

Autism Argyll
40 Union Street
Lochgilphead
Argyll
PA31 8JS
Telephone: 01546 600004

Autism Network Scotland
Level 6, Curran Building
The University of Strathclyde
101 St James Road
Glasgow
G4 0NS
Telephone:0141 444 8146

Autism Rights Group Highland (ARGH)
contact via email

Autism Toolbox
Contact via web form

Befrienders
PO Box 9576
Lochgilphead
Argyll,  PA31 9BB
Telephone: 01546 603144

CALL Scotland
University of Edinburgh
Moray House, Paterson’s Land
Holyrood Road
Edinburgh
EH8 8AQ
Telephone: 0131 651 6235

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP)
33 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London SW1V 2WG
Telephone: 0870 000 3344

Cornerstone
120 Sydney Street
Glasgow
G31 1JF
Telephone: 0141 550 7580

The Duke of Edinburgh Award
Rosebery House
9 Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 5EZ
Telephone: 0131 343 0920

Dyslexia Scotland
2nd floor - East Suite
Wallace House
17 - 21 Maxwell Place
Stirling
FK8 1JU
Telephone: 01786 446650

Forest School
contact via webform
contact via email
Telephone: 07787 930030

Helensburgh and Lomond Autism/Asperger Society
contact via web form

Kintyre Six Circle Group
Kintyre Community Education Centre
Stewart Road
Campbeltown
PA28 6AT
contact via email

National Autistic Society
Central Chambers
1st Floor
109 Hope Street
Glasgow
G2 6LL
Tel: 01412 218090

NHS Highland
Assynt House
Beechwood Park
Inverness IV2 3BW
Telephone: 01463 717123

North Argyll Carers Centre
Albany Street
Oban
Argyll
PA34 4AL
Telephone: 01631 564422

Respect Me
Brunswick House
51 Wilson Street
Glasgow
G1 1UZ
Telephone: 0844 800 8600

Scottish Autism
Hilton House
Alloa Business Park
Whins Road
Alloa, FK10 3SA
Telephone: 01259 720044

Sense Scotland
43 Middlesex Street
Kinning Park
Glasgow
G41 1EE
Telephone: 0141 429 0294

Spark of Genius Dunoon
Main office:
Trojan House
Phoenix Business Park
Paisley
Renfrewshire
PA1 2BH
Telephone: 0141 587 2710

Wrong Planet
(online resource)