Explaining to a child
You may want to explain autism or related issues:
- Children with special needs: How to explain disability to a child – Huffington Post. See article
- Question: We recently got a diagnosis. How should I explain high functioning autism to my affected son and his ‘typical’ siblings? See: Answer. Also, this book is highly recommended by parents. See Amazon UK
- 15 children’s books. See article Amazon UK
More generally, the National Autistic Society offers tips for communicating with an autistic child. new
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See also Preparing for change about leaving primary and secondary school.
Social skills
- Options Group has produced a help sheet about developing emotional and social skills. For more about Options Group see Specialist services
- Prep focial success is a book aimed at parents of children on the autistic spectrum. Amazon offers an eBook version. The Amazon page says that it offers a four step programme: PLAN, REHEARSE, ENCOURAGE, PRAISE and,
the PREP program can be applied to a number of settings including school and group activities such as sports or clubs. There are good reviews on Amazon but the NAS, Ambitious about Autism and NetMums did not seem to mention the book as of Aug 2015. Click icon to see the authors’ Facebook site.
Medical appointments
Click icon for an autism help sheet on preparing for appointments with medical or clinical professionals, produced by a speech therapist with Options. See also: more help sheets.
Sleep & Dreams
Click page icon for the National Autistic Society article about sleep or PDF icon for helpsheet on sleep and autism. See also: Nightmares Social stories below might be adapted.
Thula the therapy cat
Iris was a 6 year old on the autism spectrum. Her mother was surprised to see the way her daughter bonded with a cat that the family was looking after. She bought a cat of a recommend bread. Click play button for a brief video of the story. See also: illustrated article. See also more pictures.
Here is another case of a father who took is son cat shopping at an animal shelter.
Bullying
Why might autistic pupils be at risk of being bullied? What can parents do about it? Click icon for National Autistic Society guide.
- A book by Luke Jackson with the title Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome has a well written chapter on bullying. See Library books for more about this book.
- Childline is a free, private and confidential service where you can be yourself. Get in touch about anything: online, on the phone at any time. See: website bullying
Mothers’ Experiences
Click icon to read about parents whose school-age children have either autism or Aspergers.
Early Support
Lincolnshire County Council provide an Early Support, Care and Co-ordination service, or ESCO for short. The eligibility criteria have been extended from children with complex health needs or disabilities under five to include young people up to eighteen years of age. Click icon for more information.
Toileting
- ERIC is a children’s bowel & bladder charity serving the UK. Their website has a page about children with additional needs. Have a look under Help & support along the top of their screen – e.g. Fact sheets Guides They have a helpline. You can fill in an enquiry form requesting a call back or an email.
- Bladder & bowel is a UK Disability Living support group for promoting continence and product awareness. Have a look at their resources for children and young people. Their helpline is a Manchester number. They also have an online contact form.
