The Scottish Borders Menu of Interventions Roadshow Event took place in Galashiels on 5 August 2014 at the Langley CPD 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.		 National Autistic Society provides:

  • Ask autism, a training service from The National Autistic Society, offering a range of products for professional development.

Number 6 One Stop Shop (Edinburgh) provides:

  • Provides service for individuals living in the Borders area; they have developed a social group which runs once a month with the activity varying from month to month.

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 our knowledge and experience which will enable you to further understand autism and develop effective skills and strategies to support your family.

ASD Borders provides:

  • Signposting to sources of information and support in the local area

Borders Asperger & Autism Group Support (BAAGS) provides:

  • Aims to support everyone in the Scottish Borders area, including Dumfries and Berwick-upon-Tweed, who has an interest in Asperger syndrome, Autism, and Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC).

Borders Autism Network (Facebook) provides:

  • Creates opportunities for sharing knowledge, information and good practice at a local and national level

NHS Borders provides:

  • Post Diagnosis information pack, SIGN guidelines, information about local area supports

Scottish Borders Council provides:

  • Children’s Integrated Services provides a range of supports for children with additional support needs. Includes Spectrum Support services, based out of two local schools.

 
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 Borders provides:

  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) - a team of specially trained workers whose job it is to improve the mental health of children and young people by helping them with the things that make them worried, upset or angry. The team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Paediatricians, Psychotherapist, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and other Clinicians.  Housed at Andrew Lang Unit in Selkirk.
  • Speech and language Therapy (SALT) provides evidence-based services that anticipate and respond to the needs of individuals who experience speech, language, communication or swallowing difficulties.
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.		 The National Autistic Society provides:

Scottish Borders Council provides:

  • Children’s Integrated Services provides a range of supports for children with additional support needs. Includes Spectrum Support services, based out of two local schools.

The Autism Toolbox provides:
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		 Borders Asperger & Autism Group Support (BAAGS) provides:

NHS Borders provides:

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) provides:
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		 Number 6 One Stop Shop (Edinburgh) provides:

  • Provides service for individuals living in the Borders area; they have developed a social group which runs once a month with the activity varying from month to month.

Borders Asperger & Autism Group Support (BAAGS) provides:

  • Monthly support meetings

Equibuddy provides:

  • Opportunities for people who love horses to be part of a unique, challenging and exciting team.They work to engage “hard to reach” individuals in a way that few other activities can. This is done through challenging people, most with disabilities and learning difficulties, to achieve their full potential through the provision of horse riding and equestrian vaulting sessions.

Euan’s Guide provides:

  • A directory of businesses and attractions throughout Scotland and the UK, reviewed by web site users for their level of disabled access.

Galashiels Swimming Pool provides:

  • Quiet swim sessions

Ian Stark Equestrian Centre provides:

Interest Link Borders provides:

  • Around 250 group and 1:1 befriending links for children, young people and adults with learning disabilities in the Scottish Borders each year. Aims to help people with learning disabilities overcome their social exclusion so they can pursue interests, participate in community activities, make choices, gain skills and develop independence; also provides high quality respite for family carers.

Pavilion Cinema provides:

Stable Life provides:

  • Stable Life supports vulnerable young people, aged 10-18 years, who are generally experiencing social, emotional and/or behavioural issues on a referral basis. Their work is based on a model of Equine Assisted Learning developed into a person-centred package using the horse and its environment as a tool and learning medium to engage with the young person.
6. Social isolation for family
Family/ Partner/ Carer support, opportunity for respite. Access to autism friendly environments		 The National Autistic Society provides:

Aberlour Options (Borders) provides:

  • A range of short break respite care and support services for parents and carers with children affected by learning disabilities in the Borders.

Borders Additional Needs Group provides:

  • Monthly meetings for parents of children with additional, complex or rare conditions

Borders Asperger & Autism Group Support (BAAGS) provides:

  • Monthly support meetings

Borders Autism Network (Facebook) provides:

  • Creates opportunities for sharing knowledge, information and good practice at a local and national level. Holds events and meetings.

Borders Carers Centre provides:

  • Carers’ assessments, certificated and bespoke training to all Health, Social Work and Third Sector Professionals, as well as training to carers. Services are free, independent and confidential.  The Borders Carers Centre is not part of health or social work.
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		 Number 6 One Stop Shop (Edinburgh) provides:

  • Provides service for individuals living in the Borders area; they map out skills, strategies and areas where development is needed

Scottish Borders Council provides:

  • Children’s Integrated Services provides a range of supports for children with additional support needs. Includes Spectrum Support services, based out of two local schools.

Borders College provides:

  • Post school courses on skills for learning and life
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		 Number 6 One Stop Shop (Edinburgh) provides:

  • Provides service for individuals living in the Borders area

Living Life to the Full web site provides:

  • The Living Life to the Full course is a free online life skills course that aims to provide access to high quality, practical and user-friendly training in life skills.

NHS Borders provides:

  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) - a team of specially trained workers whose job it is to improve the mental health of children and young people by helping them with the things that make them worried, upset or angry. The team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Paediatricians, Psychotherapist, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and other Clinicians.  Housed at Andrew Lang Unit in Selkirk.

The Autism Toolbox provides:

 
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.		 Borders College provides:

  • Support and guidance to college applicants at interview and discuss their transition to college. The ELS team can also offer professional guidance to staff who would like to discuss current or future student support needs.

Grow 2 Work provides:

  • Grow to Work is a social enterprise based in the central Scottish Borders which provides young adults with work experience and training opportunities, catered to individuals’ talents and capabilities. Employment, work experience and training opportunities at board and ground level within this community interest company (gardening, landscaping, maintenance, produce)

IntoWork provides:

  • Intowork is a specialised employment support service for disabled jobseekers across Edinburgh, East and Midlothian. They specialise in services to people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions and Acquired Brain Injury to help them reach their employment goals. This includes people with Asperger Syndrome and people recovering from strokes.

Scottish Borders Council provides:

  • Support into employment and supported employment options

Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability provides:

  • They run a number of short open courses that individuals can book places on. They can also design and deliver bespoke training packages direct to your organisation.
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		 Borders Additional Needs Group provides:

  • Autism friendly activities

Galashiels Swimming Pool provides:

  • Quiet swim sessions

Mojo’s Soft Play provides:

  • An indoor children’s activity centre, café and party venue.

NHS Borders provides:

  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) - a team of specially trained workers whose job it is to improve the mental health of children and young people by helping them with the things that make them worried, upset or angry. The team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Paediatricians, Psychotherapist, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and other Clinicians.  Housed at Andrew Lang Unit in Selkirk.
  • Dentist specializing in sensory issues - Ruth Hanley at Hawick Dental Centre
  • Occupational Therapy - enables people to achieve health, well-being and life satisfaction through participation in occupation. Occupational Therapists work with people from childhood to old age in a wide range of specialities e.g. paediatrics, adult physical, learning disability and mental health.
  • Podiatry - The podiatry service is a foot health service which offers advice, support and care based on clinical need.
  • Speech and language Therapy (SALT) provides evidence-based services that anticipate and respond to the needs of individuals who experience speech, language, communication or swallowing difficulties.

Pavilion Cinema provides:
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		 Autism Initiatives provides:

Howdenburn Schoolhouse provides:

  • A local authority educational support centre based in Jedburgh, Scottish Borders, the centre supports young people with complex additional support needs aged 16-19 across Scottish Borders, with most young people attending through a shared placement with their local secondary school. At Howdenburn Schoolhouse contextualised learning approaches enable students with complex learning needs to develop skills and attributes for learning, life and work.

 
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.		 Health Talk (web site) provides:

  • Information on a range of illnesses and other health-related issues from seeing and hearing people’s real life experiences. Thousands of people have shared their experiences on film to help others understand what it’s really like to have a health condition.

NHS Borders provides:

  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) - a team of specially trained workers whose job it is to improve the mental health of children and young people by helping them with the things that make them worried, upset or angry. The team includes Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Paediatricians, Psychotherapist, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and other Clinicians.  Housed at Andrew Lang Unit in Selkirk.
  • Speech and language Therapy (SALT) provides evidence-based services that anticipate and respond to the needs of individuals who experience speech, language, communication or swallowing difficulties.
  • Podiatry - The podiatry service is a foot health service which offers advice, support and care based on clinical need.
  • Occupational Therapy - enables people to achieve health, well-being and life satisfaction through participation in occupation. Occupational Therapists work with people from childhood to old age in a wide range of specialities e.g. paediatrics, adult physical, learning disability and mental health.
  • Dentist specializing in sensory issues - Ruth Hanley at Hawick Dental Centre

 

CONTACT DETAILS FOR SCOTTISH BORDERS RESOURCES

Aberlour Options (Borders)
4 St.Cuthbert’s Drive
St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0DF
Telephone: 01835 823337

ASD Borders
(web site only)

Autism Initiatives
11 Granton Square
Edinburgh
EH5 1HX
Tel: 01315 517260

Borders Additional Needs Group
70 Kenilworth Avenue
Galashiels
TD1 2DB
Telephone: 01896 756893

Borders Asperger & Autism Group Support (BAAGS)
1 Cotgreen Road
Tweedbank
Galashiels
TD1 3SG
Telephone: 01896 668961

Borders Autism Network (Facebook)
(web site only)

Borders Carers Centre
Brewerybrig
Low Buckholmside
Galashiels
TD1 1RT
Telephone: 01896 752431

Borders College
Scottish Borders Campus
Nether Road
Galashiels
TD1 3HE
Telephone: 08700 505152

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

Equibuddy
Greenlawdean
Greenlaw
Scottish Borders
TD10 6XP
Telephone:  01361 810354

Euan’s Guide
10 Constitution Street
Edinburgh
EH6 7BT
Telephone: 01315 105106

Galashiels Swimming Pool
Livingstone Place
Galashiels
TD1 1DQ
Telephone: 01896 752154

Grow 2 Work
Thornylee House
By Clovenfords
Galashiels
TD1 3LN
Email preferred (click here)
Telephone: 01896 888348

Health Talk
(web site only)

Howdenburn Schoolhouse
contact via web form

Ian Stark Equestrian Centre
Greenhill Farm
Selkirk
TD7 4NP
Telephone: 01750 20202

Interest Link Borders
Platform One
Station Road
Duns
Berwickshire
TD11 3HS
Telephone: 01361 88366

IntoWork
Norton Park
57 Albion Road
Edinburgh
EH7 5QY
Telephone: 01314 752600

Living Life to the Full
contact via email

Mojo’s Soft Play
Wheatlands Mill
Wheatlands Road
Galashiels
TD1 2HQ
Telephone: 01896 752981

Number 6 One Stop Shop (Edinburgh)
Borders Services:
Telephone: 01312 201075
contact via email

NHS Borders
Headquarters
Borders General Hospital
Melrose
Roxburghshire
TD6 9DA
Telephone: 01896 826000

Pavilion Cinema
Market Street
Galashiels
TD1 3AF
Telephone: 01896 752767

Scottish Autism
Lothian and Borders Area Services
17D North High Street
Musselburgh
EH21 6JA
Telephone: 08453 009274

Scottish Borders Council
Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA
Telephone: 03001 001800

Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability
6th Floor, Merchant Exchange
20 Bell Street
Glasgow
G1 1LG
Telephone: 01415 595720

Stable Life
Dryden Farm
Ashkirk
Selkirk
TD7 4NT
Telephone: 01750 32277

The Autism Toolbox
(web site only)

The National Autistic Society
contact via email (Scotland)
393 City Road
London, EC1V 1NG
United Kingdom
Telephone: 01412 218090