I often get asked for recourses that I would recommend when it comes to autism. So I decided that writing a post would be a good way to collate these recommendations and to be able to share it. There are so many amazing recourses out there when it comes to Autism so this is very much not an exhaustive list. Please do add in the comments to this post or on Twitter (@anautsticnurse) any other recourses you are aware of that are worth sharing!
I think the easiest way to break this down is to categories of who the recourses are aimed at:
- General information about Autism
- Children and Young People
- Professionals involved with Autistic individuals (Education, health etc)
While I have broken them down some do over lap so please do have a look at any that interest or feel relevant to you!
So first up, General Information About Autism:
I feel that these resources are very generic but very helpful. If you are a parent of an autistic individual, a friend of an autistic individual or simply curious these are really worth having a look at.
My first go to would always be to the National Autistic Society Website. They aim to provide support, guidance and advice to autistic individuals and wider society. They also campaign for improved rights, services and opportunities to create a more equal and accepting society for autistic people. They have an amazing website full of helpful guidance and are also active on social media.
If you are more of a visual learner the NAS YouTube page is also a great source of information
Like most things the NHS website is also a good source of information. There website also incudes information about the diagnostic process and signposts users to post diagnosis support. While the information on this site is helpful I would say it is quite basic and brief but a good starting place if Autism is a new world to you!
A third site that I would really recommend it the Autistica site. Autistica have a simple mission to ensure that autistic individuals have happy, healthy and long lives. Their website is full of great information around what autism is, I also really like the page on their site about myths and causes. I think if you are just beginning to learn about autism this is a really helpful page, checking wat is fact and what is fiction! Alongside providing a wealth of information the Autitsica site also hosts loads of information about their current research. At present their research priorities include: Mental Health and Suicide, Physical Health, Language & Communication, and Epilepsy & Autism. Well worth checking out!
For those that enjoy a video then I would really recommend giving this video a watch. A BBC3 clip that explores some common things that autistic people people are told that aren't very helpful! AKA what not to say to an autistic person! *Warning - does contain some strong language*
The final resource that I think is really helpful when it comes to understanding autism at a basic level is an interactive resource made by Scottish Autism. It has been beautifully illustrated by David an Autistic young person.
Autistic Children and Young People:
There are so many amazing resources out there for autistic individuals but these are a few that I think are particularly helpful.
BBC Newsround did a great video clip a few years ago that I know really helped me when I was diagnosed in my teenage years. The video explores what autism means for a number of children and young people who are on the autistic spectrum.
Perfect for slightly younger children is a new CBeebies show Pablo. Pablo is an autistic boy who draws animals who each represent a different aspects of autism: Mouse doesn't like noise, Wren likes to flap her wings, Noa is a nervous dinosaur, Tang the Orang-u-tang is full of playful energy etc.
For children somewhere in between CBBC also have a really helpful episode of Arthur where George explores his diagnosis of Asperger's. It helpfully shows some of the challenges that he faces day to day but also positively portrays the amazing things that autism means.
Young Minds UK also have a really good page on their website for young people who are autistic. There is a good variety of information as well as real stories from autistic young people
Professionals involved with Autistic individuals (Education, health etc)
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Autism Awareness - e-Learning for
Healthcare (e-lfh.org.uk) Autism Awareness programme (This
resource aims to train people about autism and provide information about the
challenges that autistic people can experience. It has been authored by
autistic people and includes real life video diaries that provide insight and
guidance on what health and care workers can do to make their services more
accessible to people with autistic spectrum conditions.) – Approx 3 hours
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Developing Understanding and
Implementing Practical Approaches (autismhampshire.org.uk) Autism: Developing
Understanding and Implementing Practical Approaches (This module is aimed
at everyone coming into regular contact with people on the spectrum and their
families, consisting of information slides and videos of experts by experience
sharing their real life experiences.) – Approx 1 hour
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MindEd Hub Autism and Related Problems (This
session is aimed at a universal audience and covers recognising the signs and
symptoms associated with autism, Asperger’s and related problems.)
- What I wish all teachers could know
- What is autism
- Autism Friendly healthcare
- Working with Autistic Colleagues
- Dear parent of an autistic child
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