Category Archives: Adults

For adults with autism, their parents or carers

Related Calendar – Lincoln Castle …

Easter Quest

An exclusive opportunity outside of opening hours for children and adults on the autistic spectrum to visit with their families. Alice in Wonderland Easter Quest at Lincoln Castle. Follow the white rabbit and seek out the clues to solve the Mad Hatter’s riddle and claim your chocolate reward. Sat 20th Apr, 9am – 10am. Click icon for more information.

Overcoming trauma

Hesley are putting on a free event for parents about overcoming trauma and building resilience for people with autism. It will be on 8 May in Nottingham. Click icon for details and to book. (new)

Family dog workshops

Workshops for families with children diagnosed with autism in Lincoln on 10 May and 7 Jun. Click icon for details.

Signposting

Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum (LPCF) will be putting on a general signposting event on Wed 22 May in Lincoln,

The Groove

An exciting, fun-filled night for adults with disabilities aged 16+, their families and support workers. Saturday 27th July, Guildhall Arts Centre Ballroom, St Peter’s Hill, Grantham. NG31 6PZ. Click icon for more information. See also map.

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These events, on our Related Calendar, are NOT put on by GAIN but may be of interest. See also Local Groups for autism support groups in the South Lincolnshire and beyond. They put on events in their area.

East Midlands events

Workshop for parents of special needs children – Coping with Challenging Behaviour. Wed, 3rd Apr, 10am – 12pm. 25 FREE places available for parents. At Voluntary Action Rutland, Rutland Community Hub, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6RB. To book your free place email westmids.office@contact.org.uk with your name, address and telephone number. Please also state the age of your child with special needs, and the nature of his/ her disability. Click poster preview to view.

Have your say

Lincolnshire Autistic Society are putting together feedback from parents and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome about autism related issues. In particular they believe that the main areas of concern are Education Health Care Plans and Children’s diagnostic pathway. Click PDF icon for details. If you have something to say please contact: elizabeth.elvidge@lincolnshireautisticsociety.org.uk . She would like to hear from you by the end of March, if possible.

Contact events

Click icon for the Spring Contact news bulletin. To find out about Contact see about.

The selfish giant – theatre show for children with additional needs and their families. 13 Mar, Lincoln. All places are free but need to be booked. See poster.
Free workshop for EHC plans in Nottingham on 26 Mar. A few places left as of 30 Jan. Click icon for details.
What’s on at the end gives a round-up of events by county.

SEND workshops

Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum (LPCF) are putting on parents’ workshop days about Special Educational Needs and Disability. £10 for non-members. Click icon for details.

Tue 26 Feb in Boston. for those without an EHC plan.
Wed 20 Mar in Lincoln. for those entering or in the EHC process.
LPCF has also been involved with the council’s Special Educational Needs consultation exercise. Click icon to see when and where they will be holding their coffee mornings.

PAACT workshops

PAACT is putting on several workshops at St Peter and St Paul’s Church hall, Skellingthorpe Rd, Lincoln, LN6 7RB. Email Gordon Forsyth at paactsupport@hotmail.co.uk to book your place.

Andrew Whitehouse will lead a course in behaviour management on 15 Feb. £10 per person. Networking from 9.15am to begin training at 10am. Click icon for event details.
Hilllary Sharp will provide Puberty & wellbeing training on 1st Mar. £25 per person. See poster for more information.
Jane Husscisson will provide Makaton training on 4th Mar. £25 per person. See poster for more information.

Childhood anxiety

Family Graffiti are putting on a Childhood anxiety workshop on 14 Feb in Magna village hall, Great Hale, Sleaford, NG34 9LH. Click poster to zoom in. See map.

Sensory perception

PAACT has invited Olga Bogdashina, Lecturer at the International Autism Institute to share her expertise on sensory perception & communication on 8th Feb in Lincoln. Click icon for details.

Signposting & workshops

Free signposting and information event in Horncastle on Tue 22nd Jan 2019
Workshop: “Talking to children with Disabilities/SEN about Puberty, Relationships & Sexual Health” in Horncastle on 22nd Jan 2019

Dick Whittington

Polka Dot Pantomimes are performing another season at the Guildhall Arts Centre theatre in Grantham. The relexed performance is scheduled for 2nd January 2019 at 2pm. Phone the booking office on (01476) 406 158 to confirm that you are booking the relaxed performance. See also available seats

Lincoln Castle Explorers

On the 29th December, 9 – 10am, we have an exclusive opportunity outside of our opening hours, for children and adults on the Autism spectrum, to visit with their families. The team at Lincoln Castle have undergone Autism Awareness training and worked alongside Lincoln’s Parent Support Group PAACT. Click icon for more information and to book.

The Groove

We have a Christmas disco at the Guildhall which is suitable for adults with disabilities aged 16+, their families and support workers. It is on Saturday 22nd Dec 2018, Guildhall Arts Centre Ballroom, St Peter’s Hill, Grantham. NG31 6PZ. Click icon for more information. See also map.

Making sense of autism

Free training session for parents and professionals on 29th Nov at Huntingtower Primary School, Grantham, NG31 7AU. Click icon for more information / booking.

Autism Conference

PAACT is taking bookings to attend and for information stands for annual conference in Lincoln on Tuesday 13th November 2018.
The venue will be The Showroom, Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7QY. Click icon for agenda.

See: Book to attend Book display stand Booking return address map

Gateway club

Becky, the leader of The Gateway Club, would like to invite you to an open evening on Thursday 8th Nov. The Gateway Club is an evening social club for those 18+ with learning disabilities. They are a service run by Grantham and District Mencap. The club is on Monday & Thursday 6.30 – 9pm, at The Cree Centre on Aire Road / Medway avenue, NG31 7QP. We offer activities that are both centre based and out in the community.

They are trying to encourage new members and have a open evening planned for people to come along for a chat, piece of cake and see what they do … Click PDF icon for poster.

Louth speaker event

Thursday 6th September, London Road Pavillion, Louth, LN11 9QP, 10am – 3pm. Registration, tea & coffee from 9.15am. Email LAAFS: contact@laafs.org for more information and to book.

Performing Arts Workshops

Two Linkage Adult Skills days for people aged 16+ with learning disabilities, are coming to the Newark area:

On 21st August with a Greatest Showman themed performance arts workshop. Click on link to book your place.
Then on 28th August, another workshop. You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life. See Mamma Mia!

Caravan breaks

Magic moments for autistic kids has a caravan in Chapel St Leonards, up the coast from Skegness, available for bookings between May and September 2018. Click icon for details. See also Take a break.

Summer Fun

Contact East Midlands has put together a bulletin of summer activities. Click icon to browse. Venues include Nottingham and Leicester. The sailing session is the other side of Nottingham.

Dysart Park Fun Day

GAIN will have a stall at The Dysart Park Fun Day again this year, on Sunday 1st July 2018, 11am to after 4pm. Click poster thumbnail for official information. See also map.

We would be grateful for any donated tombola prizes – old toys, books, food/drink, plants, trinkets, toiletries, teddies, etc (we won’t turn anything down). Please leave them at the Belton Lane Children’s Centre, with the receptionist OR contact GAIN at
(01476) 855 070 to arrange to drop off or collect.

Playtowers

Playtowers special needs evening every Thursday from 28th June. Venue is at Rochford Tower lane, Boston., PE21 9RH. £6.95 per person, including meal and drink. Click thumbnail for poster.

Little Steps support

An opportunity to chat/laugh/cry/celebrate the ‘little steps’ etc. 13th June at the Jubilee Church Life Centre, Grantham.

Challenging decisions

Free workshops about Education, Health and Care, EHC, plans:

Tribunals, 18 May, Northampton. See poster
Challenging decisions, 18 June, Northampton. See poster
Challenging decisions, 20 June, Nottingham. See poster

SEND Workshops

Workshop about SEND legislation on 18th May in Navenby, near Lincoln. For parents without an EHC plan.
Workshop about the EHC process on 15th June in Spalding. For parents entering or in the EHC process.

Click icon on the right for details. See also: booking form – download SEN/EHC information SEN/EHC support

Carers’ event

Carers FIRST are hosting a carer’s event promoting carer’s week on Monday 11th June at Carers First office, 28 Market Place, Grantham. NG31 6LR. Phone: 0300 303 1555

The event is to highlight services that are available to carer’s who may help them in their caring role.

Fun on the farm

Free event on Saturday 16th June at Tattershall Farm Park, Lincolnshire, LN4 4JR. Click icon for details and to book. See also map.

Curly Hair Project

The Curly Hair Project is putting on talks on aspects of autism around the country. Tickets from about £20. Click icon for their full list of events.

Wed May 23: ASD and Females – Workshop, Peterborough

Sounds of the 60s

Linkage are putting on a disco on Friday 11th May from 8pm ‘til late at The County Assembly Rooms, 76 Bailgate, Lincoln, LN1 3AR. This is a fundraising event for a learning centre at Boultham Park. Click thumbnail to book.

Peterborough Meet-up

Autism Peterborough are organising a meet-up for Thursday 19th April at the Nene Valley Community Centre, Candy Street, Peterborough, PE2 9RE. Friendly chat over cup tea and coffee. With a Tombola stand and special guest stands … Click icon to for more information. See also local groups.

Autism Conference

Lincolnshire Autism Conference, Thursday 22^nd March 2018 at The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QG. Click icon to book your place. Please return this form to janet.corcoran@talk21.com or her postal address on the form.

SEND consultation

Lincolnshire County Council is developing a new strategy for special education. The Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum (LPCF) is keen for parents to have their say. Click icon for survey form. Open until 14th March 2018. See also: LPCF information

The Groove

An exciting, fun-filled night for adults with disabilities aged 16+, their families and support workers. Saturday 10th March, Guildhall Arts Centre Ballroom, St Peter’s Hill, Grantham. NG31 6PZ. Click icon for more information. See also map.

Signposting

Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum will be putting on a free signposting and information event on Wednesday 24th January at The Stanhope Hall, Boston Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 6NF – see Map. Click icon for poster. See also LPCF Events.

Bourne talks

The Curly Hair Project is putting on talks on aspects of autism around the country. Several are planned for Bourne at Rippingdale Village Hall, Station Street, PE10 0TA. See map. Tickets from £19.70.

ASD and anxiety, Thursday 23 Nov 2017
ASD and meltdowns. Thursday 7 Dec 2017
ASD and socialising, Thursday 11 Jan 2018
ASD and challenging behaviour, Thursday 1 Feb 2018

See also full list of Curly Hair Project events.

Conference

Autism Peterborough are putting on a conference on Sunday 17th December at Omiston Bushfield Academy, Peterborough, PE2 5RQ. The guest speaker will be Geoff Evans and the title will be The sensory world and challenging behaviour. £1 donation on the day. See also: map local groups – about Autism Peterborough.

Aladdin Panto

Relaxed performance on Mon 18 Dec 2017, 1:30pm at Embassy Theatre, Grand Parade, Skegness, PE25 2UG. See details map.

PAACT calendar

Parents and Autistic Children Together hold monthly morning and evening meetings in Lincoln. They also put on a monthly afternoon games club. See also about PAACT.

Swimming

PAACT swimming starts back this SATURDAY 28th January 2017, 5:30 – 6:30 pm. You can start getting access to the changing rooms by 5:10 pm if you need the time to change. The swimming is at, North Kesteven sports centre, North Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 9AX. Below are the dates for the years session we have booked. the cost is £3 per child and £2 per adult.

January 28th February-25th March-25th April-22nd May-20th June-24th July-22nd August-12th September-23rd October-21st November-25th December-09th.

Autism Conference

PAACT invites you to their annual conference in Lincoln. It will be on Tuesday 21st November 2017 at the Lincolnshire Showground, the same as last year. Click icon for poster.

Here is a summary of the Talks at the conference and biographies of speakers. Please return the booking form to simply attend the event – click icon above for prices. GAIN will be represented there.

To book space for a display stand use this form as well as the attendance form.. The £50 covers the stand and one person. Additional people are £30 each.

For more information contact: paactsupport@hotmail.co.uk See also directions for venue with Map .

Quiet clinics

Specsavers in Lincoln High Street, LN5 7DW, hold quiet clinics on the first Sunday of every month, 10am until 4pm. These clinics have been planned in consultation with local support groups such as Canadda and PAACT. Click icon for more information.

Have your say

The closing date to have your say about delays in getting GP appointments is 10 Nov 2017. See survey. It only takes about 5 minutes.

Magic Moments

They have availability from Wednesday 6th to Thursday 28th September and Wednesday 4th to Saturday 21st October, all at the rate of £170 for up to 4 nights and £300 for a week.
Contact on 07742 565382 most times and days to discuss further details. See Take a break for more about Magic Moments and other specialist providers.

Autistics Together

CANadda event: Tuesday 31^st October 2017, Autistics Together which will be held from 9am – 3.30pm at The Engine Shed, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS. This event is for adults only (no under 16’s). Cick icon on the left for poster. See also booking.

Dunkirk

Subtitled screening, Wednesday 23rd August, Dunkirk at 7.30pm. See: Dunkirk South Holland Centre.

Coffee morning

Lincolnshire Autistic Society coffee morning at Castle Cafe and Bar, Albion Street, Spalding, PE11 2AJ on Sunday 20th August 2017, 10am onwards. Their first Sunday event. Click thumbnail for poster.

Book with Patrick Downing: 01775 248 470.

Holiday club

Supported by BBC Children in Need, Linkage are able to offer free places at a Holiday Club at Weelsby Campus, Grimsby, DN32 9RU, between the 24^th and 28^th July 2017 from 10am – 3pm each day. This is an exciting opportunity for 13-18 year olds with disabilities or additional needs to make new friends and have fun whilst trying new activities. Updated details taken from an email from louise.cotton@linkage.org.uk.

Suicide intervention

We have just run a very successful ASIST course in Lincoln and have another one planned for July 25/ 26th. We hope these dates will be particularly suitable for those working in education, or anyone that wants to enjoy a few summer days in beautiful Lincoln.
See also booking terms.

Relaxed Prom

Prom 19 is to be a concert suitable for children and adults with autism… . 12 mid-day, Saturday 29 Jul 2017 Royal Albert Hall, London. Programme to include music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Rossini and Johann Strauss II, as well as Pharrell Williams’s ‘Happy’ and the ‘Doctor Who’ theme. See details. The Proms on TV page does not seem to feature this concert, though.

Dysart Park Fun Day

GAIN is to have a stall at The Dysart Park Fun Day again this year, on Sunday 2nd July 2017, 11am to after 4pm. Click poster thumbnail for official information. See also map.

We would be grateful for any donated tombola prizes – old toys, books, food/drink, plants, trinkets, toiletries, teddies, etc (we won’t turn anything down). Please leave them at the Belton Lane Children’s Centre, with the receptionist OR contact GAIN at (01476) 855 070 to arrange to drop off or collect.

Autistic Pride Day

On June 18 every year, organisations around the world celebrate Autistic Pride Day, with events around the world. See awareness days

CAMHS surveys

If you have experience of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) in Lincolnshire, you can give them your feedback. These are for parents and young people. See: parents young people Both versions close on 31st May 2017.

Robyn Steward

Please book your place on this amazing evening where our warm up act will be Andrew Whitehouse who is responsible for putting PAACT and Robyn together. The evening starts at 7:00pm through to 9:30pm on June 6th at Lincoln College. The cost is £20.00. There is a limit of 60 places for this evening talk. To book your place on this talk please email paactsupport@hotmail.co.uk.

Family Funfest

Sleaford additional needs group, Rainbow stars, and Grantham disabled children’s society are joining forces for a family day at Sleaford rugby club on the 27th of May 2017. Click icon on the right to log your interest. See their organisation page for more detail.

For Autism Parents

This is a free expert-led event about the challenges of and provision for autism and complex needs. It will be in Leicester on 16th May. See details to book your place.

Rand Farm Park visit

Family Activity: exclusive event for families with children on the Autistic spectrum, ADHD or Learning difficulties. Tuesday 11^th April 2017, 5 – 8pm. £6.50 per adult and per child. PAACT needs at least 30 to take part in this activity.
See also: website map

Spilsby day out

A holiday club with a free day out for 13-18 year olds with disabilities or additional needs. 3rd-7th April 2017, 10am – 3pm. Toynton Campus, Toynton All Saints, Spilsby, PE23 5AE. Book before 17th March. See also map.

Next Steps

This transitions event is on 28^th March at Social Care Exchange, Low Manor Road, Lincoln. Click thumbnail to see poster. See also: event website map.

Autism Conference

Lincolnshire Autism Conference, Thursday 23^rd March 2017 at The Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, LN10 6QG. Click icon to book your place simply to attend. Please return this form to janet.corcoran@talk21.com or her postal address – on the form. GAIN will be represented there.

Here is the Invitation to set up a display/stall at the conference, complete with application form. For more information contact Gordon Forsyth at enquiries@lincolnshireautisticsociety.co.uk or 07847 5073. See also Map with directions. Please be aware that Gordon is currently using the Lincolnshire Autistic Society email address for returning display booking forms and enquiries.

Self-harm workshops

Following on from requests from parents and professionals Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum (LPCF) will be holding self-harm talks and workshops on Wednesday 15th March 2017 in South Holland Centre, Market Place, Spalding, PE11 1SS. Click icon for more information. See also LPCF Newsletter.

CAMHS survey

If you have experience of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) in Lincolnshire, there may just be time to voice any concerns you have to your GP, or who ever made the referral, so that they can take them into account when filling in the survey for professionals. The idea, as you might imagine, is to help to improve their services. See Home for more information. The post is currently at the top. The survey closes on 28^th Feb.

Lincoln research

My name is Sahibur Rahman, I study at the University of Lincoln. I am currently undergoing research for my dissertation which focuses on the way media affects autistic individuals, and as a marketing student, how in particular adverts can be/are catered to autistic people. As its a topic regarding autistic people I was wondering if I was able to get in contact with individuals who are parents to autistic children or are autistic themselves.

I would conclude a one to one meeting with them and it would be completely confidential. I understand this is quite forward and giving such information out is a problem, however this would help my study massively. Email: SahiburRahman@hotmail.com (Sent: 20 Jan 2017) She could travel as far as Grantham if need be.

Transition planning

A free two day program of information and workshops highlighting the many issues around the transition from childhood to adulthood. 23rd & 24th February 2017, at Bishop Grosseteste University College, Lincoln, LN1 3DY. Book either or both using form.

Managing money

A free course in Boston on Monday 6th February . See: poster website.

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Personal reflections

Adult diagnosis

Here is a discussion that starts with a surprising diagnosis of Autism at the age of 16. It goes on to consider issues of identity with borderline Asperger’s.

They thought I was lazy …

They thought I was lazy…when I was just actually autistic. This is one of many perceptive reflections on life through one female Asperger’s lens. Click icon for article.

Socially acceptable

The writer shares some difficulties he experiences trying to mix socially with neurotypical people. Click icon for article.

What is Neurotypical?

Writers often ask “What is Asperger’s Syndrome?” The boot is on the other foot in this article. For example, it may be difficult to get an opinion from a Neurotypical person. Click icon for article.

The decline and fall of “autism”

A mother of two children with profound developmental impairments questions Simon Baron-Cohen’s description of autism as a variant like left-handedness or homosexuality. Click icon for article.

All a bit autistic?

No, we are not all a little bit autistic. Click icon for article.

Stranger darker better

Here is a message to all the self-diagnosed autistic people. Click icon for article. It concludes, Trust yourself. Trust the research you’ve done. … Self-diagnosis grants us access to our community and resources to help us live better lives and self-understanding that can radically change how we live. See also about Sabrina.

Talk normally please

Ido is non-verbal but this does not stop him from keeping a blog. In his mother’s guest post she says, I thought, “Okay, say something now before this becomes a pattern and he becomes insulted.” As tactfully as I could, I mentioned to her that Ido doesn’t like “high five.” He wants to be spoken to normally. … Regularly, Ido gets letters from parents telling him that they now speak normally to their child with autism, thanks to his advice, and that their child is responding positively. Click icon for article.

Bob Christian

A father, husband, and poet on the autism spectrum. His favourite poets are spoken word artists like Neil Hillman. Click icon to see his profile. See blog for more contributors to Learn from Autistics. See also Poems.

Why do you do that?

All my fingers in perfect order moving in a rhythmic order its calming to me like the sight of a quiet ocean gently coming in and out to shore.
Having all the same foods creates less anxiety and means I don’t have to starve myself.
Without those plans I have no idea what to expect or whats going on, I depend on those plans to live and without them I just fall apart.

Click icon to read article.

Autism’s Resident Experts

This article it titled, Oh, the Autistic Humanity … of Neurotypical Rejection of Autism’s Resident Experts. Perhaps the nub of the article is, I mean, we’re right here, in all our autistic glory, with tons of insight and experience just waiting to be tapped. … Yet, we’re pushed to the side, and research and conversations march on without us. The author describes herself a former social scientest because, I believe, based on my own observations, that it’s impossible for any of us to interact with others and not be personally affected / involved. Humans are not built that way, and pretending otherwise just seemed like a big ole exercise in but-we’re-really-a-science! hubris. Click–icon to read article.

Proud to be

This is my first April as an autistic person. I know I’m autistic and I know Charles is too, but I also know now that we are not lost. Click icon to see.

Understanding the spectrum

The title of this article is, Why I Want More People To Understand That Autism Is A Spectrum. The author writes, When I speak to others I often get, “Oh, you have autism? I would have never known.” That is something many of us have to face on the spectrum. Click the icon on the left to read the article

Trying to blend in

Passing is not good for your mental health. It teaches us to have shame in who we are. It gives a message that we are not good enough.

Passing takes up so much of an autistic person’s limited social energy that we go home and have sensory meltdowns the minute we can be alone. When I was a child – and even now with work – I could hold things together through the school day but would come home and fall apart.

Of battered aspect

Doing damns the darkness. Every now and then I am reminded, with a shock, that the world isn’t what it used to be for many people with intellectual disabilities.

Heightened senses

An adult on the spectrum wants others to see where she is coming from. Click picture to read her essay.

They may not always understand exactly what you’re saying or where you are coming from when you explain things to them, as they themselves are in a different reality completely, only connected to yours when the waves are crossed and you can look through their eyes with both understanding and patient communication, the thing many struggle with.

Dear autism parent …

This is a wide ranging letter from someone with autism to autism parents, with comments at the bottom of the page. I decided, aged 36, to request an assessment for autism because things have not been easy for me. You see, there’s lots about my autism that isn’t visible. And yet, my experience of the world shares some similarities with that of your child. The author calls herself Mamma Pineapple.

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Associated conditions

Mental health

The National Autistic Society has a page about mental health and autism. Click page icon to view. Also, Autistica has produced a help sheet about autism and mental health. Click PDF icon to view.

Handwriting

Options has produced a help sheet about developing early handwriting skills for children with autism. Click icon to view. (new) See also:

Letter dominoes is a game that is easy to make yourself.
Here is a video tutorial setting out several aids – including pencil grips. It offers insight into what does and does not work.
This video tutorial demonstrates the sock method of teaching proper pencil grip.
This video tutorial demonstrates writing 3 letters of the alphabet. There are more related videos in the margin, too.
Some mums provide a sloping board/surface to write on.

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Alexithymia

A condition involving lack of empathy. A difficulty in experiencing, expressing, and describing emotional responses. Some with autism have this lack of empathy but many do not. Click icon for an easy reading interview. Professor Geoff Bird says that alexithymia and autism are independent of each other.

For detailed and definitive information see: Alexithymia info

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that mainly affects the way people read and spell words. Click icon for an easy reading introduction. Scroll down for comments.

For more detail, see British Dyslexia Association (BDA). Includes FAQ. They also have resources for parents. And much more …
See Dislexia outreach for support in Lincolnshire. They support parents, teachers, and pupils.
See also under handwriting aids below.

Demand avoidance

Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) – part of the autism spectrum. Click page icon on the left for PDA society website and PDF icon for a PDA Society PowerPoint presentation.

Demand avoidance sounds similar to Oppositional defiance, so what is the difference? In the PDF file above, page 29, it says that PDA is an autism spectrum disorder rooted in anxiety, whereas ODD is not.

Echolalia

Here is an introduction to echolalia. Mimicry is an efficient way to experiment with different sounds and practice emerging social language skills.
This article offers a medical analysis. People with echolalia repeat noises and phrases that they hear. They may not be able to communicate effectively because they struggle to express their own thoughts. If they struggle to do anything other than repeat what has been said, they may have echolalia. Some children with autism are regularly tested for this during their speech lessons.
Here is a more detailed article about echolalia with autism – Even echolalia is a normal way to learn language. Most children use echolalia to learn language. The majority of children babble in a rhythmic way, which is actually mimicking the cadence of our language.
In adults – Echolalia should normally disappear around two and half years of age. It is often considered abnormal if it persists beyond age 3 years.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is having difficulty learning to: 1. recognise and write letters and words 2. link sounds, speech and writing.

For an easy reading introduction, see About Health. See links for more detailed information.
This dedicated Dysgraphia website has been written by a mother and university lecturer, and an undergraduate with dysgraphia.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a specific difficulty with arithmetic, or maths.

The Dyscalculia website looks pretty definitive. It offers a handy introduction
For more information see Dyscalculia Talks. It has articles to read as well as video clips to watch.
The Dyscalculia Conference website is aimed at professionals, but might be interesting to anyone teaching their own child at home.

Dyspraxia

A Developmental co-ordination disorder.

For an easy reading introduction, see NHS Choices. Scroll down for comments.
The Dyspraxia Foundation has a great deal to offer, including introduction, children, FAQ. See also: Home for helpline and Local groups – including Leicstershire and Peterborough
You may be surprised to learn that it can affect speech, see Speech and Language.

Specific Learning Difficulties

SpLD is an umbrella term used to cover a range of frequently co-occurring difficulties, more commonly:

Dyslexia
Dyspraxia / DCD
Dyscalculia
D.D / A.D.H.D

Specific Learning Difficulties (or SpLDs), affect the way information is learned and processed. They are neurological (rather than psychological), usually run in families and occur independently of intelligence. They can have significant impact on education and learning and on the acquisition of literacy skills.

In general, a student may be diagnosed with a SpLD where there is a lack of achievement at age and ability level, or a large discrepancy between achievement and intellectual ability.

Tourettes

Tourette’s syndrome is a condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics. See introduction

Tourettes Action website seems to be the go-to place for all things Tourettes. Click icon on the left to browse. They have a Find support menu.
The Lincolnshire support group meets in Lincoln and Grantham.
Discussions : Netmums Tourettes & Aspergers
Facebook videos might be worth a look.

Swallowing difficulties

Click icon to view help sheet for people with Autism about Dysphagia by a speech and language therapist.

Epilepsy

Autistica has produced a help sheet about autism and epilepsy. Click icon to view. See also Epilepsy Action: Website Information Help & support

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Please be aware that we, at GAIN, are not qualified to give advice. See disclaimer.

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Care & Support

Support in the community

Thera Trust provide support at home, at work and in the community for adults with a learning disability. They charge for their services, though they also explain how a Personal Budget from the local authority might make Thera an option. Their nearest office is in Swingbridge Road, Grantham. For more about Thera click icon on the left. See also Adult social care above.

Also, the National Autistic Society has a page about Brain in Hand offers access to personalised support from an app on your phone. It has features to help you remember activities, reduce anxiety and feel supported. For more about the app click icon on the right. (new)

Adult social care

Click icon on the left for the Adult care services pages on Lincolnshire County Council website. It includes a page on Adult care assessment, personal budgets and more. See also Money under Benefits & care.

Click icon on the right for a list of pages about Adult social care in Lincolnshire Family Services Directory. You may be able to narrow down the search using fields along top and down left hand margin.

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This page is about care and support for adults on the spectrum in the general Grantham area. For care & support for adults in the wider area see: Activities Specialist services. See also Money.

Love, sex & relationships

Brandon Trust supports people with learning disability in other parts of the country. They have developed new policy, guidance, and training around relationships, sex, and sexuality. Click icon to read about it. It might be worth a look for anyone interested in the issues.

Thera Trust provides services in the Grantham area – scroll up to Support in the community to find out about Thera. They have a page called Making friendships. They can act as facilitators for their service users.

NHS services

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust offers a range of services to support adults with learning disabilities in the community. These services are specifically geared up for adults whose learning disability prevents them from accessing mainstream services. Click icon for details. See links to specific services at the bottom of the page.

Lincolnshire NHS website also has some handy links: Learning disabilities servieces Access – for mental health & learning disability services. Advice & liason

Life-long care

Here is a guide to securing life-long accommodations for adult children with special needs from a blogger in the USA. If offers general guidance.

Residential care

A new specialist residential care home for adults in Dorrington, near Sleaford, was built by a family firm set up in response to their own experiences. It is called The Reeds opened in September 2016. See: news Home From Home.
Autism Care provides residential settings for adults. They offer two types of service, supported living and outreach. Their nearest setting to Grantham is Heath Farm in the village of Scopwick, between Lincoln and Sleaford. It has several small units, which enables them to cater for a range of needs on the spectrum. See the Heath Farm brochure.
The Shires runs two small residential settings for adults with autism and learning difficulties, called Milfield House in Colsterworth and Stowe Court in Stretton, further south along the A1 – see the Shires brochure.

Community based support

Adults Supporting Adults (ASA) offer paid-for support, open to autistic clients. Click icon to browse their website.

Day Time Provision – 1 to 1 support in the community with focus on maintaining and developing independence and social skills.
Look for Sit2Gether and Shop2Gether on website coloured side bar.
Extended Stay – the client is carefully matched to live with a family and share their home and community life.
Respite Resource – a short break with a carefully matched family.

Circles of support

The service will help you plan for the future. They can help you and your family to look at who is there to support you to achieve your plan. They can help you to plan how you would attend an activity for example or how you could have more opportunities to see your friends. A Lincolnshire service. Click page icon for more information or image preview.

Autism sign language

An autism mum has created a Facebook blog about her stories and method, supporting her non-verbal son. Click icon to browse. See also: How it began Speech and language

Professional obligation

The NHS has produced a helpsheet for making decisions about healthcare treatment. Click icon to view.

Special clothing

Adults with autism often have sensory issues. They may be fussy about the clothes they wear, for example. Hear is a list of some of the suppliers of specialist clothing .

Some people with autism may engage in fecal smearing. Click on this forum to see whether mothers’ experience with children helps. Hear is a list of some of the supplier sites of specialist body suits.

Toileting

Bladder and Bowel is a UK Disability Living support group for promoting continence and product awareness. Their helpline is 0161 607 8219, a Manchester number. Click also for email address.

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Please be aware that we, at GAIN, are not qualified to give advice. See disclaimer.

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Lincoln activities

Lincoln Castle

Lincoln Castle’s early morning explorers sessions are an exclusive hour for children with autism and their families. Enjoy selected mainstream events every other month in calmer circumstances. Click icon for more information.

See Related calendar for specific exclusive session dates. Look for Castle.

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Farm park

Rand Farm Park offers family days out on a working farm. It is located near Rand, LN8 5NJ, a small village between Lincoln and Horncastle. They say that they are autism-friendly and often host private events for PAACT and the Lincolnshire Downs Syndrome Support Group over the summer. See map farm layout

Trampoline park

Jump Inc trampoline & inflatable park is on Dixon Close off Tritton Road, Lincoln, LN6 7UB. Click icon for more information.

Activity days

KIDS Lincoln activity days during school holidays for young people aged 8-19. Click icon for more information.

Making Noise

Lincoln Making Noise is at St Francis School, Lincoln, LN1 3TJ. 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month: 11.00 – 12:00 and 12:00 – 13:00. Click icon for an introduction. See also Website

Tiptoe Theatre Company

Tiptoe Theatre Company: for ages 8 – 14. Monday 5:30 – 7pm, term time at Drill Hall, Free School Lane, Lincoln, LN2 1EY. This is an inclusive drama group which aims to use the benefits of drama and theatre to enrich the lives of those with disabilities. Run by Leanne Twidale. See map.

Fun Farm

North Hykeham play centre, Fun Farm, an indoor Lincoln play park, installed a £35k ‘underwater’ fun station. See: 2016 upgrade map

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Please be aware that we, at GAIN, are not qualified to give advice. See disclaimer.

Technical

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Visitor numbers to this site were increasing during 2016
Many of them were from outside the UK, particularly the USA
A sizable number use the RSS feed
As a matter of interest, while Windows is the most popular operating system Linux is quite popular amongst our visitors too. Please be aware that trying out a version of Linux is technically ambitious, though. This how to guide might give a rough idea of what is involved, however.
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Interest News – Bourne events …

Money for nothing – Dire Straits trubute band in Bourne, 12th Apr 2019. Bourne CiCLE feltival men’s road race, 1st Sep.
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Queen on scheduled train: This year, 2018, the queen caught a regular rail service to Norfolk for her Christmas break at Sandringham. See pictures In 2017 she recreated the first rail journey by a British monarch – Queen Victoria.
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Tour de France: 2018: This year Le Tour takes place Saturday July 7^th to Sunday July 29^th, ITV4 coverage as last year. See: Official guide ITV guide Update: Did you know that one of the teams are using disc brakes on their bikes?
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Tour de France: 2017: This year Le Tour takes place Saturday July 1^st to Sunday July 23^rd, ITV4 week days: 11am – Highlights followed by live coverage. 7pm – Highlights. Weekend live coverage times vary.
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General election, Thursday 8th June 2017 – Easy read manifestos
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Tour de France: 2016 coverage: Stage 7 win. In the end Chris Froome notched up his third tour win for Britain and the Sky team. See: Pictures Official guide 2015 video Froome on 2016
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New Eurostar trains Eurostar are replacing their original French built train sets with new German Siemens trains. There are plans to extend services to destinations in the Netherlands and Germany. “In September 2013, Eurostar announced that its new service between London and Amsterdam, intended to begin operation in December 2016, would be operated by the trains. The first Class 374 set entered service in November 2015, ahead of the full launch of the new type; the receipt of the safety authorization from the Intergovernmental Commission was received earlier than expected, allowing Eurostar to begin utilizing the type on a small number of services for in-service testing.”. See Wikipedia for more information.
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“Einstein’s gravitational waves ‘seen’ from black holes.” “Scientists are claiming a stunning discovery in their quest to fully understand gravity.” See article complete with video clip and pictures. In 1916 Albert Einstein predicted that gravity might be found to work like a kind of wave. See: PHD Comics Wikipedia.
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Chris Froome wins the 2015 Tour de France cycle race. See: The finish The day before. The young Columbian runner up might be one to watch next year.
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A NASA space probe sped past Pluto in July 2015. See: article – with pictures from the probe and illustrations.
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Steve Morse joined Deep Purple in 1994, and this recording of Smoke on the Water has a particularly good version of the guitar solo. In the 1970’s most teenage boys knew the solo, and pretty much most of them with a guitar had a go at playing it.

Employment News

DVLA U-turn

The DVLA has reversed its decision on disclosure for people with autism. Drivers with autism will only need to disclose diagnosis if their driving is affected. Click icon for article, dated 5 Mar 2019.

Experts by experience

Have you used NHS services? Four openings for paid employment for people with learning disabilities in Lincolnshire by the NHS were publicised in 2017. Click icon to find out about it or have a look at this summary. Update (2018) (new)

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Most, but not all, employment news seems to be coming from the USA which may be of some interest in the UK.

28 years of service

An autistic man was told that he wouldn’t last a month in his job, but now he is to retire after 28 years of service. Shaun Condon, 54, worked for almost three decades as a cleaner at Newport Bus in Wales.

Trail-blazing companies

Read about what these four major companies are doing for autism employment. See article.

Fixing appliances

A teenager with Asperger’s in Portland, Oregon has found a friendly supplier of old appliances to get working and sell on. See article.

Building careers

One tech start-up’s quest to build careers for people with autism in California. See article

Ford is hiring

Ford has announced that it will be launching a pilot programme to hire people on the autistic spectrum. This is in partnership with Autism Alliance of Michigan. See article.

A teenager named Sam

It can be difficult finding employment when you are on the spectrum, but here is an example of a young man who was able to work behind the bar at Starbucks!

Supported work

The fuss over Lord Freud’s comment, in October 2014, that some disabled people are “not worth” the minimum wage may seem worrying for some. All the main political parties were at pains to state that all disabled people should continue to be paid at least the minimum wage, though, which gives some reassurance.

There is already a wage subsidy scheme for the benefit of a particular group of disabled employees. This forms part a a broader package of support for people with disabilities. You may qualify for this support if you are awarded Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Here is a page that tells you How to claim ESA.

Mind campaign

Mind, the mental health charity, believe that mainstream Back to Work schemes are inappropriate for people with mental health issues. If you agree it might be worth giving their Report summary a look.

But does this apply to people on the autistic spectrum? See Mental health & autism

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Diversity press

Autistic not weird

This is a website by a special needs tutor with Asperger Syndrome. Click icon on the right to browse. For example: Being different (new)

Be with that

Danny Raede has discovered for himself ways of understanding and coping with the difficulties he experiences as someone on the spectrum. Be with that may be a handy idea and technique to help to cope when feeling overwhelmed. Ciick icon to view and watch video. See also home page.

Amythest Schaber

Amythest Schaber is an artist, writer, public speaker and advocate. In her blog called Neuro Wonderful she offers insight into autistic life, put across in her unique style. Click page icon to see her range of videos. For example: What is stimming? What is autistic burnout? (new)

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This page is dedicated to publications from the viewpoint of people who do not fit in with today’s prevailing norms, notably Asperger’s Syndrome – and those close to them.

Adults’ experiences

What is it really like to be an autistic adult? Professor Ian Walker shares his story. He is a retired university lecturer who was only diagnosed with autism at the age of 71. Click icon to see article and video clip. Find more interviews from the series at the bottom of the ITV page.

Why advertising falls flat

This article considers the possibility that people with autism might be savvier consumers. Click icon to see article.

Autistic Allies

This is a discussion group for members. They stress that it is NOT a support group. Their goal is to eradicate stereotypical images of autism, and to promote an autism-positive stance. Click icon for Facebook group. You have to join the group to see content. See also Austism-positive.

NeuroDivergents

Monique Craine is a blogger, activist and campaigner for NeuroDivergent (ND) rights, AKA Human Rights. She says, This video was inspired by a Powerpoint presentation which I delivered in the past – which people claimed ‘opened their eyes’ to autism. It has been receiving praise from the autistic community, autism professionals and parents. Click play button to watch.

Non-speaking / low-functioning?

I am autistic, non-speaking. I am also labeled “low-functioning”. This label is a pre-judgment based on what I cannot do. It makes people look at me with pity instead of trying to get to know me, listen to my ideas.

Difference or dissorder?

This article considers issues linked to the social and medical models of autism.

Dr Dan Edmunds

I know that autism is not a disease and not something to be altered, it is a culture and a mode of being, and through my 17 years of journeying with fellow persons in the spectrum I am increasingly convinced that being autistic is a necessary adaptation to a complex world and that there are unique strengths that are a part of autistic culture. I see many programs to alter autistic persons as discriminatory, for it seeks to exterminate a culture. If we treated other cultures the way autistic persons are often treated, there would be outrage. But there are powerful forces convincing people that autistic persons are defective. Maybe one day this will change, I strive for it. Dan L. Edmunds Click Facebook icon to browse his blog.

Steve Silberman

Steve Silberman is an award-winning science writer and has a lot to say about autism. For example, Two further developments, thinks Silberman, make life much brighter for people with autism today. One is social media: “In face-to-face, real-time interactions, people on the spectrum are often overloaded. Conversation, eye contact, body language, all the little social signals – that can get too much. Whereas, on the computer, at their own pace, it’s often much more natural to them.” See article, The man who wants us to embrace autism, It explores his views and insights.

See writings and media for more of his work. He is the author of NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity – see Amazon. See also Profile

Autonomous Press

Owned by disabled workers, Autonomous Press seeks to revolutionize academic access. This can refer to a lot of things, e.g. access to higher education, inclusive class environments … See About for more information.

Neuro-cosmopolitan

This website could be a treasure trove for the gifted academic or teacher.

Here is one of the author’s more accessible articles: Advice to Young Autistics I did learn to navigate the neurotypical social world. But I didn’t approach that task with the intention of trying to change myself in order to “fit in.” I approached it as an adventure in learning my way around an exotic foreign culture.
This could be a good starting point for further reading: Neuro-what?

Outlook

These links are all from the Ollibean website. If you are always questioning things, maybe a bit of a non-conformist, this site could be a useful starting point.

Attitudes – We need to start to change how non-disabled people see disabled people, and then we can begin demanding a change in attitude. We have enough true allies to join and support us, and we can demand what we decide we need to live a fulfilling human life.
Be awesome – Ableism – discrimination against disabled people, often unconscious/implicit. Ableism brought forth by pity is frustrating. It gets in the way of possibilities.
Universal design – When more people participate, everyone wins because human beings learn from each other – e.g. Captioned videos, films and TV help with literacy, including literacy of non-disabled people.
False choices – e.g. Is autism a disability or a difference?

Asperger United

This is a magazine aimed at adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. It is published by the National Autistic Society. Click link below for more information.

Original and tribal minds

What started out as an explanation for autistic behaviour has with twelve years of obsessive thought become the basis for a profound shift in thinking about psychology. See introduction.

Key words

Ableism: quick          detail
Autism-positive:       article
Aspie:        description
Diversity press: just the title of this page
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Independent living

Total Voice

Total Voice Lincolnshire provides a free, independent and confidential advocacy service for adults with disabilities. It aims to to help you to understand and be fully involved in important decisions about your life. Click icon for an introduction or visit their website

Advocacy is helping people to say what they want and to get what they need, or at least what they are entitled to.

The National Autistic Society has a page about Advocacy and autism
Mind, the mental health support people, offer an introduction to Advocacy in mental health. Autism is a developmental condition, not a mental health condition, but this article might add something of help to people with autism.

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Transitions

Just what you want to know. Nice and easy. The Transitions website explains your choices and rights between the ages 14 and 25 so it can help support you in becoming an adult.

Everyday Aspergers

This is a community group with a Website and a Facebook page with a lot of insights presented in an Asperger-friendly way.

Safety

A couple of easy reading guides:

A guide to on-line safety including some handy tips.
A guide to resources on safety generally.

Mate crime

Mate crimes happen when people with learning disabilities are befriended by someone who uses the relationship to exploit or abuse them. Click icon for article and play button for video – Making plans for Nigel.

Safe phone use

1. A genuine caller will usually tell you who they are and why they are phoning you. If the very first thing they do is to ask you to confirm your name it is not a good sign. They might ask, “Hello. Is that John Doe?”, for example. If the voice does not sound at all familiar think about disconnecting the call pretty quickly.

2. When you are looking for a contact number for a company or organisation look for a land line. That is 01…/02…/03… numbers. They are more likely to reputable companies. They should also have a postal address. A mobile number (that is 07…) might be OK for someone who does not charge much, though, like a gardener.

Unsure of yourself?

Perhaps you could talk it over with someone you know well, and trust a lot. See if they are confident that you know what you are doing.

Guide to safe living

Parties, Dorms and Social Norms: A Crash Course in Safe Living for Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum. “The late teens and twenties are exciting times, but filled with potential pitfalls as young people navigate the transition into independent adult life.” This book was written by Dr. Lisa Meeks, an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of Medical Student Disability Services at The University of California. See Amazon.

Musical memory aid

Here is a hand idea for you to help yourself to remember something important. Watch this video.

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Please be aware that this page is only gives you a few pointers really.