This self-advocacy booklet was developed by a group of adults on the autism spectrum and is designed to help you communicate your wishes and needs to the people you meet.
Alexis, who has Asperger syndrome and is one of the authors of the booklet, said:
I hope that the advocacy booklet will give the public a better understanding and awareness of autism, which would make formal appointments a lot easier to cope with.
How does it work?
When you have a formal appointment, you simply fill in the relevant section(s) of the booklet and take it with you to the meeting. For example, if you have a meeting with someone to discuss your welfare or disability benefits you would complete the section on welfare and disability benefits found on page 22 and then give this to the person or people that you have the meeting with.
There is also a general section about you to complete to make the person that you are meeting aware of your requirements. For example you may want the person to know that you require a 'distraction-free' room to meet in. Or you may need information written down for you in plain English rather than being given lots of information orally.
The booklet includes appendices on sensory issues as well as information for criminal justice professionals.
Download the booklet here (PDF)
To request a Word version of the booklet, please email maureen.walters@nas.org.uk
Tell us what you think
We would really like to know what you think about the self-advocacy booklet and how we can improve it. Please download and complete our feedback form here (PDF).