The autism community is not just the best community, it’s also one of the biggest and most diverse. This can make catering for every individual a little tricky, but in no way does this mean anyone gets left behind. So, until I have a site full of info on every individual touched by the spectrum (which, mark my words, will happen), here is a list of autism resources and specialists who offer support in the areas I am yet to reach:
Autism Charities:
National Autistic Society – Website
You know them, I love them, but the UK’s leading autism charity is always worth a shout out when possible, so here they are again.
Autistica – Website
Autistica is a charity which funds and campaigns for research to understand the causes of autism, improve diagnosis, and develop evidence-based insight. They also have an awesome games division but that’s neither here nor there.
Ambitious About Autism – Website
Ambitious about Autism is a national charity for children and young people with autism.
A2ND Voice – Website
a small voluntary support group run by parents/carers living and caring for people on the autistic spectrum; outreaching to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities (BAME).
Mermaids – Website
Mermaids support gender-diverse children and young people until their 20th birthday, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care.
Papyrus – Website
Papyrus provide confidential support and advice to young people and anyone worried about a young person struggling with thoughts of suicide.
Support for Coexisting Conditions:
ADHD Foundation – Website
The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity is an integrated health and education service offering a unique lifespan – strength-based service, for the 1 in 5 people who live with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and Tourette’s syndrome.
The Dyspraxia Foundation – Website
The Dyspraxia Foundation is committed to making the teaching and medical professions more aware of dyspraxia and to spread understanding of how those who have the condition can be helped.
Epilepsy Society – Website
Epilepsy Society is the UK’s leading provider of epilepsy services. Through our cutting edge research, awareness campaigns, information resources and expert care, we work for everyone affected by epilepsy in the UK.
Cerebral Palsy Family Network – Website
A caring, compassionate community that provides resources and support to help care for loved ones with cerebral palsy.
Mind – Website
Mind, the mental health charity were founded to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone – and, if you ask me, they’re doing a bang-up job too.
Superb Autism Organisations:
The Autism Show – Website
the national event for autism. If you’re looking for information and direction pre or post-diagnosis, are facing daily challenges, or approaching significant transition points, then The Autism Show can help you.
The Art of Autism – Website
The Art of Autism is a nonprofit which empowers autistic people and their families through participation in the arts.
QI Mentoring – Website
Although there are lots of autism support options for the parents of children with learning differences, there is only one real choice when it comes to mentoring and supporting an autist as an individual: QL Mentoring.
Exceptional Minds – Website
Exceptional Minds is a professional training academy and studio for visual effects artists and animators with autism. They have worked franchises such as the Marvel and Star Wars movies.
Autcraft – Website
The first (and best) Minecraft server for people with autism and our families.
Businesses Who Care:
Jessica Kingsley Publishers – Website
Jessica Kingsley Publishers was founded in 1987 in London by Jessica Kingsley. Known for their long-established lists on the autism spectrum, social work, and arts therapies, JKP are publishing house that make a difference.
Chewigem – Website
With years of experience, designing, adapting and creating a range of chewing, fidget and sensory aids for children and adults, Chewigem are the go-to sensory toy retailer.
Aumi – Available on Smartphone
The new autistic-developed Aumi app enables people to track their moods, energy levels/burnout risk, tasks and schedule, and also sensory profiles.
Avaz Pro – Website
Avaz is a Picture and Text-based Communication App for children and adults with communication challenges.
Autismate – Available on Smartphone
Ideal for creating social stories on the go, AutisMate includes a content library of videos, stories, visual schedules, scenes, and over 10,000 symbols. Scenes can be linked to the user’s current location through GPS.
Speech Blubs – Website
Speech Blubs by Blub Blub provides a fun, interactive, digital addition to the support you can give your child’s communication at home. Their site also has a phenomenal blog full of rich resources providing information and comfort on a wealth of subject including an incredible all-in-one guide for parents of autistic children.
Know Your Rights:
The Autism Act – pdf
The Care Act – Website
The Equality Act – Website
V.I.P. (Very Important Posts):
I Think Someone is Autistic, What Now? – Read Now
Telling someone they might be autistic is a tough balancing act of preparation, timing and communication. Here’s how to get it right.
Autism Sleep Problems: How to get to Sleep and Stay Asleep – Read Now
Like pineapple on pizza, autism and sleep are two things that don’t go together. However, with these tips, this can change.
Autism, Food & Eating Disorders: Overcoming Restrictive Eating – Read Now
According to recent figures, 1 in 5 people with autism will develop an eating disorder. Here’s how you can help to change this.
7 Common Dental Problems in People with Autism – Read Now
Are you aware of gingival hyperplasia, bruxism or periodontitis? I know I wasn’t. That’s why, today, I enlisted the help of Dr Greg Grillo.
Autism & Homeschooling: What you NEED to Know – Read Now
Homeschooling is not a decision you want to take lightly, yet many families feel forced to do so without ever being told these crucial bits of information.
Autism & Covid-19: How to Support Autistic People During the Coronavirus Pandemic – Read Now
Where Covid-19 threatens to take away any trace of the norm, this comprehensive autism support guide has been created to take it back.
Carry on the Conversation:
Have you got a great resource you would like me to include? Then let me know in the comments below or by sending me an email at AutisticandUnapologetic@gmail.com
