support and resources
Support for Autistic People in the Current Pandemic.
We know this is an uncertain and unsettling time for autistic people and their families. If you are struggling, you might find these links to information and support useful:
Autistica have gathered a range of resources here, including supporting your mental health, coping with uncertainty, running online events, and "ask an expert webinars". Our team recently participated in the first of these webinars, about staying connected in the current pandemic, available here.
The National Autistic Society have a COVID-19 resource guide including tips for autistic people and families.
Our team are leading a community project, to help us stay socially connected in these uncertain times. This is good for our mental health. We are inviting everyone, anywhere, any age, to submit creative pieces saying what social belonging and connections mean to you. Further information about our community project funded by Coventry City of Culture is here. You can see our webinar which gives more information about this project here.
Support for autistic people experiencing self-harm, suicidal thoughts or behaviours
We worked with the leading autism research charity Autistica, to produce a resource for professionals supporting autistic children at risk of suicide. This resource was developed with autistic people, those who support them, and researchers. You can download the resource here.
We co-developed an autism adapted safety plan with autistic adults and those who support them. This resource can be used to create a plan to help keep yourself or the person you support safe in the event of experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide. The plan consists of a number of practical steps, tailored to the person's specific needs. You can download a copy of the safety plan here. We have been awarded funding from the National Institute of Health Research, to further refine and test how useful our autism adapted safety plans are, with and for autistic adults. You can find out more information about this project and how to get involved here.
If you feel that you need to connect with someone then please do take time to talk with friends and family. If you prefer you can talk to one of these professional organisations:
National Autistic Society is a Charity Organisation that supports people with autism and their families: call 0808 800 4104
MIND is a Charity Organisation that supports people experiencing mental health difficulties: call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463 or email info@mind.org.uk
Samaritans is a charity that support people experiencing suicidal thoughts: call 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org