COVID-19 Resources

At the Network we want to offer support in any way that we can through this next period. Whether that be signposting to resources, educational tools, social stories, strategy planning or more bespoke tailored information relating to specific individual circumstances. 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 during this time, please send them onto us so that we can share nationwide. Stay safe and well, from all of the Autism Network Scotland Team (Richard, Lynsey, Thom, Christine, Corrie, Neil, Cal and Lesley)

Clear Your Head

Things you can do to help clear your head:  For further details please visit:  https://clearyourhead.scot/

01.06.2021: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Protection Levels allocation to local councils

13.01.2021:  Coronavirus (Covid-19):  What's changing

Some of the rules on what you can and cannot do will change on 16 April - for further details click here:  Covid 19 Summary of what you can and cannot do.

From 16 April you can:

  • meet in groups of up to 6 adults from 6 households socially outdoors, for recreation or exercise (under 12s do not count towards the number of people meeting or households)
  • travel anywhere in Scotland to meet others for the above purpose - but you must not stay away from your local council area (or for Highland or Argyll and Bute, the Level 3 or Level 4 part of those areas that you live in) overnight 

The new Level 4 guidance which will come into force at 00:01 on 26 April has still to be updated.

 

05.01.2021:  Coronavirus (Covid-19):  Stay at home guidance

https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/

Please click the following link for an easy read document from SCLD:https://bit.ly/3if8tgk

 

It's ok to worry about going back to school

The Scottish Government has advised it is safe to re-open schools in Phase 3. Your child will return to school when you and your child’s school decide the time is right. The gradual return to school might require you and your child to make some adjustments to the routine you have created due to COVID-19.

The following resource guides Helping your child back to school after lockdown and It's ok to worry about going back to school are designed to help parents of neurodiverse children think about some of the ways you can support your child manage the transition back to school.  

 

Advice on how to travel safely

Following the First Minister's announcement that face coverings will be mandatory on public transport from 22 June 2020, the guidance has been updated in the “steps to follow” and in the relevant sections for each transport mode. You must wear a face covering when using public transport in order to prevent the transmission of the virus. For children under 5 years of age or those with particular health conditions who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of any physical or mental illness or impairment or disability or without severe distress an exemption applies.  Click here for further information.

 

Changes to Lockdown - July 2020

People First (Scotland) has created this easy read document to summarise what has changed during July.  Click here to access.

 

FACTS

People First (Scotland) has also created an easy read document which you can click here to access: Remember the FACTS

 

Route Map for Moving Out of Lockdown

The route map covers changes in the key areas of: Seeing family and friends; Getting around; Schools and childcare settings; Working or running a business; Shopping, eating out and drinking; Sport, culture and leisure; Community and public services; Gatherings and occasions; Health and Social Care. For more information, please click on the following links: 

Phase 3 - Updated Route Map - it is important to recognise that some important restrictions and public health measures will remain in place throughout Phase 3 to keep us safe, protect others and save lives.

Phase 2 - Updated Route Map to reflect the move to Phase 2 in Scotland's route map through and out of the crisis.  The current status of the epidemic in Scotland means that the changes in Phase 2 will be introduced in stages, rather than all at once.

Coronavirus (Covid-19):  framework for decision making - Scotland's route map through and out of the crisis

 

Covid-19: Guidance on Self-directed Support Option 1 and Option 2

This guidance is for Local Authority and Health and Social Care Partnership staff who assess, approve and administer social work and social care and support (including carer support), and approve Self-directed Support (SDS) budgets. It is for those working in adult and children’s services, whether those services are managed by the Local Authority or delegated to the Integration Authority. It is also for care providers delivering Option 2 and organisations who help people to get the most from their social care support.  Guidance on Self-directed Support Option 1 and Option 2.  Click here for frequently asked questions.

 

Autism Statement - Human Rights and Covid-19 

Our groups associated to Autism Network Scotland are clear that Human Rights must be the key central consideration at all times, going forward in the coming weeks and months.  A statement generated from the work within our Autism and Advocacy Groups, Autistic Peer Support Groups and Parent/Carer Support Groups can be read by clicking the following link Autism Statement - Human Rights and Covid-19

 

Blog Piece - Peter Vermeulen

COVID-19 is a new disease caused by the Coronavirus. Because the disease is new to humans and highly contagious, governments around the world are taking steps to limit the spread of the disease. These measures affect millions of people. Also many people with autism and families with a child with autism. Everyday life, sometimes difficult enough for people with autism, is drastically turned upside down and made even more challenging.Here are some tips from Peter Vermeulen which might help if you have autism or if you are a parent or carer of a child on the spectrum.  Autism and the Corona virus: 20 tips

 

COVID-19 Guided Self-help Booklet Series

This series of guided self-help booklets have been developed to support people with mild to moderate learning/intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 outbreak. The booklets can be used with the support of family members, friends, volunteers and carers and are also suitable for social work and health professionals. The booklets are intended to give people with learning/intellectual disabilities an opportunity to talk through their feelings with people providing support to them. There is a guide accompanying each booklet, explaining how the content can be delivered.  This Self-help Booklet series is intended to help you to work in partnership with people who have learning/intellectual disabilities, to talk about their feelings and make plans for staying well at this difficult time. For further details please visit: https://www.scld.org.uk/covid-19-guided-self-help-booklet-series/

 

Communication for people with sensory loss during the COVID-19 pandemic: advice for health and social care staff in Scotland from third sector organisations

People with sensory loss face extra barriers to accessing healthcare which can put them at risk of missing out on the care they need, and avoidable death. In addition, due to the increased risk of adverse outcomes from respiratory conditions for many disabled people, they may be more likely to need to access healthcare services. At this time, it is vital that health and social care workers can still make the reasonable adjustments required by law that these patients need – this document will help you identify the most important things you need to do to communicate effectively with your patient to support their health needs. For further details please visit: http://www.knowledge.scot.nhs.uk/media/CLT/ResourceUploads/4099362/3d6225df-f498-492a-b381-b6fbdabdd468.pdf