Community Resources
In response to the coronavirus outbreak, we are creating a number of support services for the Autism Community. This is to protect and support the good mental health of us all. These turbulent and unpredictable days have made our lives, as autistic people and families of autistics, even more difficult. To this end, we are going to be coming forward with a range of support measures, the first of which is this list of useful resources.
London Autism Group Charity Livestreams
To support the Autism community's mental health during this coronavirus epidemic, the London Autism Group Charity have arranged for Facebook Livestreams with special guests including NHS professionals, SEND Experts and Autistic Advocates. It is an opportunity for people to watch the stream and for those who are worried or having problems to put questions to our guests, and receive their advice.
The videos will also be available soon after broadcast at our public Facebook page and on our charity's YouTube channel, with some also available as podcasts on The Autism Podcast.
Guests will join charity lead Dr Chris Papadopoulos and Trustee James Gordon for a public livestream every Friday at 8.30pm - 9.30pm GMT (and other days when possible) on the public London Autism Group Charity Facebook page.
Please feel free to join us.
Mencap Covid-19 Resources
Free Learning Disability Helpline
Monday to Friday: call 0808 808 1111
Also Helpful and concise advice on:
Online therapy service to offer free sessions across UK.
Help Hub aims to help vulnerable older people and others who are self-isolating or struggling
Source:The Guardian
Making A Difference
BBC Radio London are sharing help and information from organisations and individuals in your local area.
Source:BBC
SEN Jungle Article:
Legal SEND advice concerning SEND appeals etc during the current period.
Source:SEN Jungle
Useful links for home education
The resources at the top are inclusive resources, the ones in the second section are specific to the virus and the ones at the bottom of the page are aimed at mainstream and mixed audience.
Source:Jo Grace
Coping with uncertainty
Resources, thoughts and tools on how to cope with uncertainty and the anxiety it generates.
Source:Autistica
Coping advice from Purple Ella
The wonderful Purple Ella gives advice on coping with the lifestyle changes caused by lockdown. Great tips on creating a new structured routine.
Source:Purple Ella
Story About Pandemics & Coronavirus
Social Story by a well known consultant for Autistic people.
Source:Carol Gray
Neurodiversity - Covid19 Support
Facebook Support Group for Neurodivergents, their parents, families and friends.
Source:Soumaya Bhyer
The Best Medicine - 21 Days of Self-Care
Access the full 21 Days of Self-Care that are available at The Best Medicine website.
Packed with mindful techniques to reduce stress, panic and anxiety. Using breathing, meditation, and laughter as the body's natural stress relievers.
Source:Katie White
Coming out on Top: Autism, Covid, and Post-traumatic Growth
Some essential tips on coronavirus, getting help, how to survive and thrive, avoiding burnout and maintaining goals.
By:Russell James
Source:
Autistic Youtubers
The following are links to video responses of various Autistic Youtubers to their experiences of the coronavirus.
Source:Sumita
Source:Purple Ella
Source:Sez Francis
Source:Connor Ward
Source:Life with Autism Ben
Source:Indie Andy
Autism COVID-19 Individual Health Action Plan.
A clear and concise plan complete with visuals.
Source: Jessica Doyle
Autism COVID-19 Visual and Story resource
Free COVID-19 stories to help autistic children. Check them out.
Source: Autism Little Learners
Suggested resources to help you support your primary-aged children with pandemic/change related anxieties