What’s so special about special interests?
What’s so special about special interests? From trading card collections to train timetables, dolls to Disney characters, the special Interests of people on the spectrum can be intense and long lasting. But why do they develop, what role do they play and can we accommodate them and keep the whole family happy? If you share […]
Using Visual Supports
‘A picture paints a thousand words’ – the case for using visual supports As American newspaper editor Arthur Brisbane instructed back in 1911 – ‘Use a picture, it’s worth a thousand words.’ That power to convey meaning by taking the fleeting world of the spoken word and turning it into a more physical, concrete image […]
Yo! Ho ! No!!
Take a look at tips to help make the festive season fun for everyone with a few well planned action points to support your family member on the autism spectrum. The Festive season can be a fun packed frenzied time, but can also be a confusing sensory assault that leaves those on the spectrum overwhelmed […]
Is sensory sensitivity behind your child’ challenging behaviour?
Meltdowns in the middle of markets, tears at tea time, and stressful school runs – sound familiar? Parenting can be exhausting at the best of times and can bring additional joys and challenges for those of us raising children on the spectrum. It’s easy to find ourselves fire -fighting the latest mini crisis as we […]
Be back to school ready
Preparation is the key to a successful start back to school or move to a new educational setting for our young people on the autistic spectrum. Most of us can recall the tummy tingling anticipation of a return to school as shopping for a new pencil case, shoes, and a haircut signal the end of […]
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes….
Planning, preparation and patience are key to creating happy Summer holidays for families when taking the needs of someone on the autistic spectrum into consideration. So along with the sun cream and sandals make sure you pack a few of these handy travel tips. Most people on the spectrum find change challenging and surprises can […]
Help for H.E. students on the autism spectrum
To get help with when you are doing a Higher Education course you could apply for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). There is lots of information on the internet about applying, but this is a few tips from an applicant’s perspective after having gone through the process. DSA is not means tested and is a grant […]
World Autism Awareness Week
World Autism Awareness Week March 26th – April 2nd To mark World Autism Awareness Week, we bring you a review of our activities during the year, along with our thanks for the continued support of our fantastic parents, carers, families and friends – and the amazing young people who are the inspiration for everything we […]
Eye Contact
Scientists have shed new light on why people with autism often find it difficult to make eye contact. Research shows that avoidance of eye contact is a way of decreasing an unpleasant sensation caused by an over stimulation in a particular part of the brain and is not simply a sign of social and personal […]
Not sleeping?
As the clocks go back and thoughts turn to how to persuade young children to stay in bed for that extra hour, we take a look at why sleep can be such a struggle for someone on the spectrum and what we can do to help. Sleep problems are thought to affect up to 80% […]
