This is a brief guide to searching the Autism Services Directory (formerly known as PARIS).
You can access a PowerPoint presentation with step by step demonstrations of how to search the Autism Services Directory and Signpost service effectively at the bottom of this page.
It is recommended that you experiment with and practise searching on the Autism Services Directory. The type of search you employ will depend on the nature of your enquiry and how you prefer to use the directory.
Search options
There are two types of searching available:
- browsing
- using the Advanced search.
Browse
This facility provides you with the option of browsing by resource type or area so that you can begin your search more generally and refine results as specifically as you wish.
Use the Browse by category or Browse by area sections of the home page to browse by resource type or area of the country.
Example Browse by category: education > schools - day schools > England > east of England > Essex
Example Browse by area: Scotland > Glasgow City > Support groups and networks > Local support > Parent and local groups
Using the Advanced search
Select Advanced at the top right of the screen.
You can gradually build up your search to be as specific as you wish by completing the search forms within the tabs Key details, Who it caters for, Training & events, and Additional criteria. Select the plus or minus boxes to expand or reduce the options displayed.
Example: Subject category Education > Select plus icon and Schools - day schools > Type Essex into the Enter a location box > Select Who it caters for tab and choose 9 year old male with Asperger syndrome > Select Additional criteria tab and choose education type special needs > Click on the green Search box.
Refining results
Using the 'Refine these results' facility on the left of the screen provides you with the option of refining your results as appropriate by category or location after each search.
Further options
Printing or emailing information
Search results will display basic information. For more detailed information select the resource name. To print the information displayed select print from the toolbar in the normal way. There is no need to highlight information as the print out helpfully omits background display. To email search results highlight, copy and paste the desired information into the body of your email using the toolbar options as normal.
Returning to the home page
To return to the home page select Home towards the top left of the screen next to the phrase You are here or the Home link at the top left of the screen
My Searches
This facility provides access to your saved searches and bookmarks.
A-Z
This facility provides you with a full alphabetical listing of all resources. It is also possible to select by letter. You may however find it quicker to search by resource type and sort alphabetically using the Sort by drop down menu towards the top right of the results screen.
Help
Basic help information is available by selecting Help at the top of the screen. Further Help options (look for the question mark symbol) are available throughout the system. The What's this? facility also available throughout the system, provides definitions, descriptions and links to further information for the terms used, eg various interventions, approaches and programmes.
About
This facility provides background information on the Autism Services Directory and those involved in its design and development.
Calendar
This facility provides access to a calendar providing information on training and events in the field of autism. You can view by day, week, month, or event list. You can also use the drop down menus to the left of the screen to search by event type, keyword, venue, or audience.
Contact us
This facility provides you with a number of contact options including contacting the Autism Helpline for advice, providing website feedback and comments, telling us about any incorrect information or about services that aren't listed, and reporting technical problems.
Documents to download