| ASD CHALLENGE |
INTERVENTIONS
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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. |
Scottish Autism provides:
- Right Click is an online programme for parents and carers to provide information and support at times when you need it most. Aims to share knowledge and experience which will enable you to further understand autism and develop effective skills and strategies to support your family.
Barnardo’s provides:
- Barnardo’s Family Support Team is an equal opportunities project providing community based support for families from any culture which include a child or young person who has a significant learning disability. This is within the age range of 0-19 years and catchment area of Dundee.
Dundee Carers Centre provides:
- Aim to improve the lives of carers and disabled people through practical and emotional support, advocacy and training plus information about welfare rights and benefits
Dundee City Council provides:
- Educational psychologists who apply psychology in educational settings in order to support children and young people to make the most of their lives. We aim to be a Service that is accessible, innovative and offers consistent support and advice.
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Information pack for parents and carers of children who have complex and additional needs.
- Co-ordinated Support Plans for students
- Social work supports for adults
- A book of ASD friendly places in Dundee assembled by a local clinical psychologist is available at local libraries
NHS Tayside provides:
- Wedderburn House in Dundee provides services in community mental health teams, community nursing & clinical psychology learning disabilities, speech & language therapy, and occupational health
- Armistead Child Development Centre provides support for children with additional and complex needs, including occupational therapy and a paediatric dietician
- Centre for Child Health
- Autism information pack provided at diagnosis
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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. |
NHS Tayside provides:
- Wedderburn House in Dundee provides services in community mental health teams, community nursing & clinical psychology learning disabilities, speech & language therapy, and occupational health
- Armistead Child Development Centre provides support for children with additional and complex needs, including occupational therapy and a paediatric dietician
- Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) provides intensive communication training, access to programmes including TEACHH, PECS, Makaton, Boardmaker, talking mats, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication
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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. |
Advocating Together Dundee provides:
- An independent, member based self-advocacy organisation for people with learning disabilities (LD) and/or autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). They aim to develop people’s communication skills, confidence and ability to voice their views and to influence those who provide services.
Barnardo’s provides:
- Barnardo’s Family Support Team is an equal opportunities project providing community based support for families from any culture which include a child or young person who has a significant learning disability. This is within the age range of 0-19 years and catchment area of Dundee.
HUSH Club provides:
A group for children with additional needs and sensory issues, the club aims to support parents, carers and their children. Meets weekly at the Fun Factory.
NHS Tayside provides:
- Wedderburn House in Dundee provides services in community mental health teams, community nursing & clinical psychology learning disabilities, speech & language therapy, and occupational health
- Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) provides intensive communication training, access to programs including TEACHH, PECS, Makaton, Boardmaker, Hanen, talking mats, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Social Skills Central provides:
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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 |
National Autistic Society (NAS) provides:
- A Social Group for people over the age of 16 with Asperger syndrome (AS). The groups are facilitated by a Social Programmes Manager who is responsible for a number of groups in their area.
Advocating Together Dundee provides:
- An independent, member based self-advocacy organisation for people with learning disabilities (LD) and/or autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). They aim to develop people’s communication skills, confidence and ability to voice their views and to influence those who provide services.
Barnardo’s provides:
Dundee Boccia Club provides:
- A sporting club that welcomes people of all ages and abilities
Dundee Rep Theatre provides:
- Opportunities for young people to experience professional theatre practice- open to anyone with an interest in drama and/or theatre arts. Provides a safe space in which young people can express themselves, whilst developing their skills, growing in confidence and making friends in the process.
Dundee Disabled Children’s Association (DDCA) provides:
- Evening youth clubs and a summer residential holiday. They also work with other organisations to provide various activities and support groups for young people with disabilities and their families.”Jigsaw” is a support group for parents with young children with extra support needs, and “Sunflower” is a family group
HUSH Club provides:
- A group for children with additional needs and sensory issues, the club aims to support parents, carers and their children. Meets weekly at the Fun Factory.
for pre-nursery children with extra support needs.
Kidzworld Soft Play provides:
- Environment for toddlers and children to develop and learn new skills in a fun and exciting play centre, while also allowing them to interact with other children.
Share Special provides:
- Curriculum materials on Sex and Relationships Education for young people with moderate or severe learning difficulties and/or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in educational settings.
Spectrum Dundee provides:
- After school club and two youth groups (Monday & Wednesday evenings), providing parents and carers of children with an ASD with a specific facility where children can benefit from staff who are familiar with their need for structure and routine within play.
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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 |
National Autistic Society (NAS) provides:
- A Social Group for people over the age of 16 with Asperger syndrome (AS). The groups are facilitated by a Social Programmes Manager who is responsible for a number of groups in their area.
NAS Dundee (Facebook page) provides:
- Hold regular autism group meetings in Dundee; provide information about autism-friendly events in the area
Advocating Together Dundee provides:
- An independent, member based self-advocacy organisation for people with learning disabilities (LD) and/or autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). They aim to develop people’s communication skills, confidence and ability to voice their views and to influence those who provide services.
Art Angel provides:
- An arts advocacy project run for and by people with experience of mental health difficulties, offering a wide spectrum of arts based activities as a means of positive self-expression, creative exploration, self-development through creativity, developing communication and peer support.
Barnardo’s provides:
- Support groups for children and families
- The Growing Up service offers skills training in horticulture and utilises horticultural therapy to aid the development of the trainees, aged from 18 – 25 years old. The programme will give the young people a recognised industry qualification; work experience and skills that could lead to further education or to employment, as well as a lifelong interest in horticulture.
CoderDojo Scotland (Dundee) provides:
- CoderDojo Scotland is part of a global collaboration which provides free coding clubs for young people. It enables them to learn everything they need to become a great programmer whilst providing a safe, fun and sociable environment to do it in. They are based at Dundee Central Library.
Dimensions UK provides:
- Autism friendly cinema screenings, shown at over 250 cinemas, working in partnership with VUE, Cineworld, Odeon and Showcase. Screenings offer low lighting, low volume with the ability of individuals to move around in the cinema.
- Each month, participating cinemas show a different movie from a selection of new releases and classics, suitable for all age ranges.
Discovery Swimming Club provides:
- Coaches swimmers with disabilities from the Dundee area
Dundee Disabled Children’s Association (DDCA) provides:
- Evening youth clubs and a summer residential holiday. They also work with other organisations to provide various activities and support groups for young people with disabilities and their families.”Jigsaw” is a support group for parents with young children with extra support needs, and “Sunflower” is a family group for pre-nursery children with extra support needs.
Dundee Sports Development provides:
- The Disability Sport Officers have a range of programmes and activities during the week for people with a disability to take part in. These range from participation level activities up to and including competitive events. Regular programmes are provided on weekdays in the various Sport and Community Centres throughout the city with activities including Football, Swimming, Boccia, Carpet Bowls and Fitness sessions including gym tuition.
Education Scotland provides:
- X-plore is a Community Learning and Development (CLD) youth work project aimed at 11-18-year-olds. The project works in partnership with a number of agencies to deliver a range of learning, leisure and social activities which promote social inclusion and meet the needs of young people in the local community.
GreyLodge provides:
- A youth and community based charity organisation in the Hilltown area of Dundee. They promote leisure, learning and local action for all ages. They offer Parent & Toddler Groups, a daily Playgroup, After School Children’s Clubs, Dancing groups, Youth groups (evenings), Adult groups, Older Person activities, Self Defence clubs, Walking Groups, Indoor Bowling, Writing Group, Open Door Project (daily Minibus trips) and more.
HUSH Club provides:
- A group for children with additional needs and sensory issues, the club aims to support parents, carers and their children. Meets weekly at the Fun Factory.
Kidzworld Soft Play provides:
- Environment for toddlers and children to develop and learn new skills in a fun and exciting play centre, while also allowing them to interact with other children.
Youthlink Dundee provides:
- One-to-one befriending, which addresses the individual support needs of isolated and disadvantaged children and young people (5-18) by providing fun weekly/fortnightly activities and experiences with volunteer befrienders (18+).
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6. Social isolation for family
Family/ Partner/ Carer support, opportunity for respite. Access to autism friendly environments |
Barnardo’s provides:
Boomerang provides:
- Youth and adult activities in the Stobswell area, covering education, health and wellbeing as well as providing activities for all.
- Boomerang is an inclusive organisation that welcomes people of all ages and abilities.
- Boomerang runs the No1 Youth Cafe on Pitkerro Road. Young people between the ages of 5 and 17 are welcome.
Dundee Carers Centre provides:
- Aim to improve the lives of carers and disabled people through practical and emotional support, advocacy and training plus information about welfare rights and benefits
Dundee Disabled Children’s Association (DDCA) provides:
- Evening youth clubs and a summer residential holiday. They also work with other organisations to provide various activities and support groups for young people with disabilities and their families.”Jigsaw” is a support group for parents with young children with extra support needs, and “Sunflower” is family group for pre-nursery children with extra support needs.
HUSH Club provides:
- A group for children with additional needs and sensory issues, the club aims to support parents, carers and their children. Meets weekly at the Fun Factory.
One Parent Families Scotland provides:
- Us Together organises free activities and outings for single fathers and their children, including men who only see their children for part of the time. They go to soft play centres, swimming centres, play parks, the beach and other places.
Parent to Parent provides:
- Parent to Parent was established in 1988 to support families caring for a child with additional needs living in Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross. It is open to all families of children who have a diagnosis or are awaiting or undergoing assessment. A team of support workers help parents on a one to one basis and are available to any family caring for a child with an additional need in the Dundee, Angus and Perth and Kinross area. This may be a physical disability, learning difficulty, sensory difficulties, long-term illness or emotional difficulty.
Spectrum Dundee provides:
- After school club and two youth groups (Monday & Wednesday evenings), providing parents and carers of children with an ASD with a specific facility where children can benefit from staff who are familiar with their need for structure and routine within play.
Youthlink Dundee provides:
- Group activities for children who are living in a household where a family member suffers from ill-health or disability.
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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 |
Dundee City Council provides:
- Educational psychologists who apply psychology in educational settings in order to support children and young people to make the most of their lives. We aim to be a Service that is accessible, innovative and offers consistent support and advice.
- Integrated Children’s Services, which provides Team Around the Child, including the Single Child’s Plan.
Jarvis Optometrist provides:
NHS Tayside provides:
- Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) provides intensive communication training, access to programs including TEACHH, PECS, Makaton, Boardmaker, Hanen, talking mats, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication
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8. Predicting and managing change
Timely individual direct work with individuals to teach methods where required. Family/carer /employer guidance/education in these methods. Visual supports; timetables, timers, text alerts, choice boards etc to be used as appropriate |
Scottish Autism provides:
- Information resources on a range of day to day topics and issues. Their information development is based on their knowledge and understanding of the common challenges that arise for people.
Discover Opportunities provides:
- Discover Opportunities is the Dundee Partnership’s Employability Programme. They help people get into work. They fund a wide range of projects that help people with issues like skills, finding out about jobs that are available, preparation for job interviews, health, childcare and money advice.
NHS Tayside provides:
- Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) provides intensive communication training, access to programs including TEACHH, PECS, Makaton, Boardmaker, Hanen, talking mats, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication
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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 |
Advocating Together Dundee provides:
- An independent, member based self-advocacy organisation for people with learning disabilities (LD) and/or autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). They aim to develop people’s communication skills, confidence and ability to voice their views and to influence those who provide services.
Barnardo’s provides:
Dundee City Council provides:
- Educational psychologists who apply psychology in educational settings in order to support children and young people to make the most of their lives. We aim to be a Service that is accessible, innovative and offers consistent support and advice.
National Autistic Society provides:
- Hold regular autism group meetings in Dundee; provide information about autism-friendly events in the area
- Autism Alert Card, designed to tell people about the condition and asks them to show respect and tolerance. It can be particularly useful if a person who has autism comes into contact with criminal justice professionals, such as police officers, magistrates and solicitors.
NHS Tayside provides:
- Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) provides intensive communication training, access to programs including TEACHH, PECS, Makaton, Boardmaker, Hanen, talking mats, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Spectrum Dundee provides:
- After school club and two youth groups (Monday & Wednesday evenings), providing parents and carers of children with an ASD with a specific facility where children can benefit from staff who are familiar with their need for structure and routine within play.
The Brae provides:
- The Brae is an independent charity group that is part of the national Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). Through the commitment of volunteers, The Brae enables people with disabilities to benefit their health and well being and to achieve their goals.
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10. Restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours
Assessment and positive day to day management on an individualised basis. Treatment by mental health clinician if required |
Scottish Autism provides:
- A range of services available are designed to support adults through their whole life journey and enhance the quality and potential of individuals’ lives and experiences.
Dundee Carers Centre provides:
- Aim to improve the lives of carers and disabled people through practical and emotional support, advocacy and training plus information about welfare rights and benefits
Dundee City Council provides:
- Educational psychologists who apply psychology in educational settings in order to support children and young people to make the most of their lives. They aim to be a Service that is accessible, innovative and offers consistent support and advice.
NHS Tayside provides:
- Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) provides intensive communication training, access to programs including TEACHH, PECS, Makaton, Boardmaker, Hanen, talking mats, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Parent to Parent provides:
- Parent to Parent was established in 1988 to support families caring for a child with additional needs living in Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross. It is open to all families of children who have a diagnosis or are awaiting or undergoing assessment. A team of support workers help parents on a one to one basis and are available to any family caring for a child with an additional need in the Dundee, Angus and Perth and Kinross area. This may be a physical disability, learning difficulty, sensory difficulties, long-term illness or emotional difficulty.
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11. Motivation issues
Structured programmes as appropriate to the individual linking to the other core challenges as required. Career guidance, employer/HE/FE support. |
Barnardo’s provides:
- The Growing Up service offers skills training in horticulture and utilises horticultural therapy to aid the development of the trainees, aged from 18 – 25 years old. The programme will give the young people a recognised industry qualification; work experience and skills that could lead to further education or to employment, as well as a lifelong interest in horticulture.
Capability Scotland provides:
- Offers employment help and advice through their Employment Services. Offers advice and support for jobseekers and employers.
Cornerstone provides:
- Encouraging people with disabilities to achieve their goals, while increasing diversity in the workplace, Cornerstone’s Employment Service provides advice and training for people with disabilities and additional support needs to enable them to gain employment.
Dundee City Council provides:
- Employment Support Service, which helps people with disabilities, health problems and other significant barriers to find and sustain employment.
Dundee Rep Theatre provides:
- Opportunities for young people to experience professional theatre practice- open to anyone with an interest in drama and/or theatre arts. Provides a safe space in which young people can express themselves, whilst developing their skills, growing in confidence and making friends in the process.
ENABLE Scotland provides:
- The ENABLE Scotland Employment service can help find jobs. They match available jobs to the individual’s skills. They can also provide training for things that you want to learn more about like using computers.
Gowrie Care provides:
- Support for people who have a learning disability, mental health problems, people on the Autism Spectrum and people who are or have been homeless. They work in people’s homes, out in the community and in temporary and supported accommodation. They can provide support from 1 hour a week to 24 hours a day.
Spectrum Dundee provides:
- After school club and two youth groups (Monday & Wednesday evenings), providing parents and carers of children with an ASD with a specific facility where children can benefit from staff who are familiar with their need for structure and routine within play.
The Inclusion Group provides:
- The Inclusion Group is a registered charity formed by a group of parents and professionals who wanted to see more inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities/additional support needs. Meeting each Monday evening, their aim is to build a young person’s confidence to the point where they feel ready to access local clubs and activities of their choice.
Youthlink Dundee provides:
- Group activities for children who are living in a household where a family member suffers from ill-health or disability.
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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 |
Scottish Autism provides:
- Information resources on a range of day to day topics and issues. Their information development is based on their knowledge and understanding of the common challenges that arise for people.
Dad and Lads provides:
- Barber Shop with knowledge of sensory issues
Dimensions UK provides:
- Autism friendly cinema screenings, shown at over 250 cinemas, working in partnership with VUE, Cineworld, Odeon and Showcase. Screenings offer low lighting, low volume with the ability of individuals to move around in the cinema.
- Each month, participating cinemas show a different movie from a selection of new releases and classics, suitable for all age ranges.
Dundee Disabled Children’s Association (DDCA) provides:
- Evening youth clubs and a summer residential holiday. They also work with other organisations to provide various activities and support groups for young people with disabilities and their families.”Jigsaw” is a support group for parents with young children with extra support needs, and “Sunflower” is a family group for pre-nursery children with extra support needs.
Fun Factory provides:
- A Sensory Room is a place where children and adults with special needs can explore and develop their senses and skills. The multi-sensory room can have many different features ranging from soft play areas, padded floors and walls and interactive equipment which make dramatic changes to the sensory room environment using sound and lighting.
The Brae provides:
- The Brae is an independent charity group that is part of the national Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). Through the commitment of volunteers, The Brae enables people with disabilities to benefit their health and well being and to achieve their goals.
This Little Piggy provides:
- A private shoe fitting service for Autistic children or children with special needs outwith opening/closing hours. This enables both the parents and child to enjoy the retail experience and be able to control the environment around them.
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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 |
Scottish Autism provides:
- A range of services available are designed to support adults through their whole life journey and enhance the quality and potential of individuals’ lives and experiences.
Barnardo’s provides:
- Support groups for children and families
- The Growing Up service offers skills training in horticulture and utilises horticultural therapy to aid the development of the trainees, aged from 18 – 25 years old. The programme will give the young people a recognised industry qualification; work experience and skills that could lead to further education or to employment, as well as a lifelong interest in horticulture.
Capability Scotland provides:
Cornerstone provides:
- Community Support services provide individualised support to build self-confidence and independence, helping people to get the most from life. They are designed to provide a wide range of support from domiciliary care to social support and are flexible to meet the needs of each individual.
ENABLE Scotland provides:
- The ENABLE Scotland Employment service can help find jobs. They match available jobs to the individual’s skills. They can also provide training for things that you want to learn more about like using computers.
Dundee and Angus College provides:
- Certificate in Lifeskills - this programme covers a variety of subjects that allow students to develop skills required for independent living and develop interests and abilities in other areas
One Parent Families Scotland provides:
- Dundee Community Family Support Project delivers support and services to families who currently have fragmented services or none at all. The project focuses on mental well-being, anti poverty and employability work alongside family support.
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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 etcThese require assessment and treatment/management by appropriate specialist clinician. Joint working is crucial across specialities with a clear case co-ordinating lead identified. |
Dundee and Angus ADHD Support Group (Facebook page) provides:
- The purpose of this group is to raise awareness and support families with ADHD.
NHS Tayside provides:
- Wedderburn House in Dundee provides services in community mental health teams, community nursing & clinical psychology learning disabilities, speech & language therapy, and occupational health
The Corner provides:
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