Resources

At the Network we want to offer support in any way that we can , whether that be signposting to resources, educational tools, social stories, strategy planning or more bespoke tailored information relating to specific individual circumstances. We will be working remotely and are contactable by phone (0141 444 8146), email ([email protected]). We can also discuss the use of alternative communication methods such as Skype, Zoom on an individual basis. Please keep in touch with us and let us know how and when we can provide support. Equally, if you become aware of any resources, information or services that might be helpful to others, please send them onto us so that we can share nationwide.

Included in this part of the website is information and links to a selection of resources. We try to keep these resources useful and current but if you are looking for something you can’t find please contact us and we will try to help.  If you become aware of any resources, information or services that you have found helpful or interesting, please share with us so we can share with others.  We theme some of our resources and links on a monthly basis to keep this interesting, current and useful.

Monthly Themed Resources

 

Our theme for November is Autism and Ageing Well.  If you have anything you would like us to share on this topic, please email [email protected]

On our Neil In Conversation With page, you can listen to his chat with Lynsey Stewart, Team Capacity Builder and Network Co-ordinator at Autism Network Scotland.  Neil talks to Lynsey about Autism and Ageing well and the research they conducted into this topic as well as plans for their forthcoming pilot based on the recommendations made in their report.  Or pop over to our YouTube channel and watch the video there.

ANS survey into Autism and Ageing Well

In 2019, Autism Network Scotland carried out research into Autism and ageing well. Part of this research involved individuals and organisations completing an online survey, 3 key questions were 

  1. How can we ensure that autistic people Age Well
  2. What Barriers Do Autistic Individuals Face in Older Age
  3. How do We Improve Outcomes for Older Autistic Individuals.

In terms of how autistics age well the main concerns were: reducing isolation, early diagnosis, and staff training. What this demonstrates is in order to ensure the best outcomes for Autistic Individuals greater attention needs to be to training staff involved in adult care to ensure diagnosis is completed as early as possible, this will open up services and supports to Autistic individuals and thus overcome the main challenges such as a lack of understanding and thus isolation for the Autistic individual concerned. The main area of concern for respondents when asked about improving outcomes was ensuring adequate social contact was available. This is important as with all older people a sense of isolation can be extremely detrimental to an individual’s mental health and this is exacerbated in individuals with autism who often struggle in developing meaningful social interaction with others. This sense of isolation and resultant depression could be further alleviated by increasing awareness about autism among the general population and further individualising support plans for older people as was strongly recommended by respondents. (Neil Barbour, Autistic Associate)

A summary overview of the key themes emerging from the Autism and Ageing Report can be read by clicking on the following link:https://bit.ly/2UaO5lC

 

 

Our theme for October is Autism and Human Rights.

This month is conference month.  Over on the dedicated conference page you will have free access to 30 presentations on a range of topics from a variety of organisations. 

Our theme for September is Positive Mental Health.  

Mental health and difficulties with our mental health is a topic that many of us find very difficult to discuss. We all face times when our mental health is affected to varying degrees which can be very challenging. The feeling of being alone can make it difficult to know where to turn to for help when you need it.

It is important to get help before you feel you are losing control and to speak to someone and/or an organisation you trust.

This month we will be providing links to such organisations; contact details for support and information on other ways to communicate how you are feeling and events which may be of interest.

Below, Graeme Nesbit from Think Thrive speaks with Christine Collingwood.  During the conversation, Graeme discusses his Apergers diagnosis and how he self manages his Aspergers through his art, writing and mindfulness. 

 If you have something you would like us to share or highlight on the topic of mental health, please email [email protected]

 

 

Our theme for August is young people. We will be promoting services, campaigns and programmes throughout the month via our social media pages, so if you are an autistic young person with something to promote (whether it’s a youtube channel, blog or social group) or a practitioner, parent or carer looking to highlight a service, we would love to hear from you.  You can email us at [email protected]

 

Our theme for July is Autism and Physical wellbeing.  We will be sharing stories, insights, resources and interviews about how autistic people have been keeping physically well and overcoming the challenges of maintaining an active lifestyle and accessing health services.

This month autistic adults from Autism Initiatives Scotland and Scottish Autism have kindly shared their positive stories about keeping and becoming more physically active during lockdown:  click here to read the stories from Jonathon, Jack and Thomas from Autism Initiatives; click here to read Mike's Story from Scottish Autism

 

Autism from the perspective of the Healthcare Provider - As part of our focus on Autism and Physical Wellbeing, our Director, Richard Ibbotson spoke to Ruth-Ann Welsh, a Mental Health and Wellbeing Nurse with the South Perthshire Community Mental Health Team as he was keen to hear directly from a primary health care practitioner about the challenges they face in providing good care to autistic patients.  Ruth has a background in working with autism and learning disabilities and was conscious that she had more insight into the needs of autistic people than many of her colleagues but commented that she would also benefit from access to more training and resources.  Click here to read the article.

 

We are pleased to share the following short article from Donna Nelson, who shares her passion for the benefits of yoga for autistic people and some top tips on getting the best out of yoga. We will be following up this article with more insights from Donna over the next few months. To read Donna's article, please click here

 

  

During June, in partnership with autistic people, families and professionals, we have co-ordinated a series of topical pieces covering the broad area of transitions  Topics include thoughts around transition in education, care, support groups and networks with consideration particularly given to the importance of communication, individualisation and planning. 

Autism Resources Coordination Hub (ARCH) brought together a small group of autistic adults to discuss their lived experience of personalisation and supports through life transitions. All participants are at very different ages and stages of their adult lives.  They hope some of the themes they outline make a valuable contribution to the development of more personalised services for autistic children young people and adults through their life span.

 

 

Lee Archibald shares some of the positive aspects she and her son experienced with his school transition.

 

Tom Wightman, presents a personal and balanced parental perspective on care-accommodation and planning.

 

 

Thom Kirkwood introduces us to “Individualisation and Planning”, ‘Skippy’ and the experience of inclusive partnership working, which along with individualisation and planning gets him the best outcomes. 

 

 

By Community for Community

In collaboration with community, Autism Network Scotland’s "positive partnership approach" via support groups, focus groups and positive partnership workshops, have created the By Community for Community Series, a non-academic, yet informative series of leaflets:

This series will increase as we develop more collaborative leaflets.