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      Autism and Mental Health Conference 2021

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  3. Tips for autistic people and families
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Tips for autistic people and families

This unprecedented period of change and disruption is very difficult for many autistic people and families. We have created some tips that we hope will help you.


Remember it’s not forever and there are lots of things you can do that may make things easier. We have created some handy tips to help you during this time of uncertainty.

Top tips for autistic adults

1

Give yourself time to absorb and process each piece of news; try only check the news at a few set points a day to stop yourself becoming overwhelmed

2

Create a new schedule for yourself – include time for eating, resting and fun

3

Let people know how you would like to stay in contact during the lock down and your preferred method of communication

Download the full list

Top tips for families

1

Support your autistic family member to understand the changes

2

Put in structure, support and new routines to manage anxiety

3

Focus on activities and learning to keep things positive

Download the full list here

Top tips for wearing a face covering

1

Adjust to wearing a mask by starting off with fun things – science experiments, cooking or just as a game. Look at some fictional or computer game characters who wear masks.

2

Try wearing a few different types of masks or face coverings before you have to wear one for real, and practise wearing one and "building up" your tolerance. There are different shapes and types of material and you might find some more comfortable than others. Cloth masks may be better than paper ones and have "edging" that is softer and may be more tolerable.

3

Put your mask in your pocket/bag/purse at the start of the day, or place it somewhere obvious so you don't forget to take it with you. Make it a familiar and comfortable item rather than something awkward and different.

Read the full list of top tips here

Managing anxiety in children and young people on the autism spectrum

1

Acknowledging your child’s anxiety

2

Understanding your child’s anxiety

3

Recognising your child’s anxiety

Download managing anxiety guide here

Other useful resources

Autistica - Coping with Uncertainty

Social story to help Autistic children/adults

Purple Ella video about how to deal with coronavirus

Children friendly coronavirus social animation

Coronavirus and anxiety advice

More coronavirus and anxiety advice

Mental health and coronavirus

Coronavirus tips

Advice for families re. how to support children who have learning disabilities and/or autism while isolating

Social story to help autistic children

 

Social stories - Carol Gray has created one about coronavirus.

We have also created one about keeping healthy.
More about social stories can be found here.

Guidance with visual supports

Social distancing

Guide to staying at home

On this page you can find movement and mindfulness videos to keep you children active.

Visit this NHS page to pick from 24 instructor-led videos across aerobics exercise, strength and resistance, pilates and yoga categories.

Ideas for what to do with autistic children who are stuck at home 

Ideas to keep children busy 

Indoors activities from The Scouts 

Swansea Branch's Pinterest Account - lots of great resources on topics ranging from gardening to science to Pokemon 

You can download this book free of cost and make staying indoors fun and use the time to help yourself and others.

FAQs on the how the COVID-19 measures will affect children and young people with special educational needs

Emergency info for Carers

SEND School Closure Home Learning Resource Pack 

We know it is important to many autistic people to have a daily routine and we have created a template you can use to schedule your daily activities here.

Sensory Stuck at Home is a Facebook page where parents of autistic children share ideas of activities to do in the house.

This website allows you to visit museums from the comfort of your home.

More Virtual activities.

Help and support

Autism Helpline

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The Autism Helpline enquiry service provides impartial, confidential information along with advice and support for autistic people and their families.

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Autism Services Directory

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The most comprehensive directory of autism services, support and training from providers across the UK.

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Download resources

I am autistic card

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My child is autistic card

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This person is autistic card

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Face masks information sheet

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We are registered as a charity in England and Wales (269425) and in Scotland (SC039427). The National Autistic Society is also a company limited by guarantee, registered at Companies House (01205298). VAT registration number: 653370050. © The National Autistic Society 2021

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