Everybody needs help from time to time and this is never more true than when you’re trying to get the best possible outcomes for Autistic and socially anxious children, young people and their families. We’ve pulled together the details of some of the organisations, other than ASCape, who may be able to help.
Please note that the websites listed in this section are for information purposes only and do not necessarily constitute recommendations by ASCape nor can ASCape be held responsible for any content on external websites which can be accessed via the links on this website. Details regarding these organisations were correct at the time of publication.
Please click on a section below to learn more:
Right to Choose
Right to Choose for Neurodevelopmental Assessments (ADHD & Autism) In 2018 the government launched an initiative to help reduce waiting times for mental health services including ADHD and autism assessments. This initiative is known as ‘Right to Choose’ and it gives patients the right to choose which provider carries out their assessment. This legal right applies to adults and children that are registered with …
Keeping Children Safe Online
Listed below are some very helpful links and guidance around online safety. Additional places to look for help are tutorials through Google and YouTube which can be useful in assisting parents and young people to set up their apps and devices to keep themselves or their children safe; for example with parental controls, blocks and time limits. Resources provided by the Dorset Safer Schools …
Dorset Council Help & Support
If you live in West Dorset then Dorset Council’s Local Offer provides information, advice and support for children and young people aged from 0 to 25 years with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. The offer includes education and learning, health, transport, activities, preparing for adulthood, money matters, early years and childcare and a news and information network, The Xchange. This …
Education
Your Autistic child or young person or those with social anxiety may be entitled to more support to enable them to access education. If you feel your child is struggling in school and would benefit from further special educational provision, then you can apply for an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) by writing a request to the head of children’s services. Template letter to …
Social Care
The local authority has a duty to assess your child’s social care needs because children with a disability automatically meet the definition of a “child in need” under the Children Act 1989). In the case of your child, this assessment will involve identifying the services and support to meet their needs this could include direct payments, respite, family or social worker support. The guide …
Autism & Mental Health
Autistic children and young people are statistically more likely to encounter problems with their mental health and early intervention is key. The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) – https://camhsdorset.org/ Referral can be made through your child’s GP or through school. CAMHS Connection Helpline 0800 652 0190 https://camhsdorset.org/about-camhs/what-can-we-help-with/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd Young Minds – https://www.youngminds.org.uk Connection – Dorset 24/7 mental health phone line for all ages. …
General Physical and Mental Health
Autism is not an illness but it can bring some extra physical and mental health challenges. It’s really important for Autistic people to look after their physical and health like everyone else. Jurassic Coast Social Prescribing Hugely friendly and helpful Bridport team. A social prescribing link worker will help you toidentify what support you need for your health and well being, make a plan and …
Activities
Getting out and meeting people is crucial to avoid the isolation that many Autistic children, young people and their families can face.
Benefits
Raising a child or supporting a young person with autism or social anxiety can cost more than raising a typically developing child so you may be entitled to benefits to help with these costs. Some of these benefits are not means tested so please don’t assume that you will not be eligible. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – If your child (<16 years) has a …
Diagnosis
As across the rest of the UK, it can take many months to be assessed for autism by the NHS in Dorset. Even if you are unsure about pursuing a diagnosis for your child, young person or yourself, it’s worth thinking about starting the process sooner rather than later. You can always change your mind about an assessment further down the line. The process …
Parent Carers
It can be highly challenging to raise an Autistic or socially anxious child in a society that is not designed to help them thrive. Make sure that you get every bit of help to which you are entitled and take the time for your own health and wellbeing. Your child or young person needs you as well as you can be. Childcare If your …
Siblings
It can be challenging for children to have an Autistic sister or brother or a sibling with social anxiety for a number of reasons, including their sibling requiring significantly more support or being on the receiving end of challenging behaviour; The charity Sibs offer support to siblings of children with a disability, including autism. https://www.sibs.org.uk/ Young Carers – You could register your child as …
Other Services
Here are some other organisations that may be helpful for support with challenges faced by Autistic children, young people and their families. We hope to continue to add to this section. Afasic supports and provides information for families with children and young adults who have Speech Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) https://www.afasic.org.uk/ Caring for Communities and People – Team based in Dorchester. Prevention and …
Supplementary Information
PDA
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a profile of autism. People with the PDA profile share one main characteristic; their avoidance of the everyday demands made by other people, due to their high anxiety levels when they feel that they are not in control. Often children with PDA are more social and make eye contact so it can be harder to spot and they can …
Autism in Girls
For every four boys diagnosed as being Autistic, only one girl is diagnosed and they are often diagnosed later, which in part may be due to a differing presentation where girls are able to mask effectively in different environments. We’ve found the following resources useful for our daughters: https://thegirlwiththecurlyhair.co.uk/ https://www.kirkleeslocaloffer.org.uk/media/yysods0t/girls_and_autism_-_flying_under_the_radar_0.pdf https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Every-Autistic-Wishes-Parents/dp/0997504528 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Women-Girls-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder/dp/1849055475
Violent and Challenging Behaviour (VCB)
When a child has a neurodevelopmental condition, violent and challenging behaviour is very common. Around one in four of all children with a diagnosis of autism or a learning disability, will develop behaviour which is both violent and challenging, also called VCB. Here are some helpful resources; https://yvonnenewbold.com/resources-on-send-vcb/violent-challenging-behaviour-the-basics/ If you are a parent of a child who has SEND VCB, Yvonne also runs a …
Sleep
Many Autistic children and those with anxiety and other neurodevelopmental conditions struggle with sleep, either falling to sleep or staying asleep. Below are some resources that may help if your child is struggling; The charity Cerebra has a sleep advice guide here and they also offer a sleep advice service, which is fantastic. A trained advisor works with you and gives advice on sleep …
