Autism Education Services Scotland

No more puzzle pieces please. Let’s celebrate the beauty of diversity in all it’s forms.

I agree!

Autism therapy aimed at infants may reduce likelihood of later diagnosis Study suggests tailored therapy could help some children develop social skills before school age

This is truly for all students.

This is a really useful little film. Good to share with staff, friends and family.

Anxiety in autism explained. #AnxietyBreakthroughs Find out more about the campaign and the topics covered in this film at www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-autism/anxiety-and-autism-hub.Voic...

Why the sudden concern about children not in school? Many people are bemoaning the lost education of children not in school – but where were those voices before the coronavirus pandemic, asks Jarlath O'Brien.

It’s just so true! Ive posted this for all my students. It’s not your fault.

I was feeling sarcastic today. ;) -Chris

Hope you are staying safe out there.https://youtu.be/vGB-hxst7fo

For Kids: Why Do I Have To Wear a Face Mask? This animated video helps young children understand how face masks can keep them and loved ones safe against the spread of COVID-19 and the proper way to put...

Hope you are all staying safe out there.

For Kids: Why Do I Have To Wear a Face Mask? This animated video helps young children understand how face masks can keep them and loved ones safe against the spread of COVID-19 and the proper way to put...

Hope you are staying safe out there.

We Wear Masks - A Social Story about the coronavirus Download a FREE PDF version of this book here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/We-Wear-Masks-Coronavirus-Social-Story-about-Wearing-a-Mask-542598...

Please check out this link for latest information on the continuing service delivery from AESS.

http://aess.scot/level-4-restrictions-20-11-20-11-12-20

Level 4 Restrictions 20.11.20-11.12.20 - Autism Education Services Scotland - ‘Learning for Life’ An update from the Scottish Government website. Coronavirus (COVID-19): local protection levels Published: 17 Nov 2020 Support services, such as peer support groups, therapy groups, day centres, respite care, one to one therapy and counselling, can operate face to face, where they are essential for...

Delighted to be a guest with i for inclusion. Please join us at 1400 GMT on Friday 20th November 2020

Good information, as a starting point for thinking about creating routines to promote wellness.

Acknowledging the Difference is a great step forward. Celebrate neurodiversity. 🥰

We support Different minds. One Scotland.

Thanks to the Saranash Foundation for sharing this simple visual. Remember there are always as many variations as there are people

We often talk about the "sensory issues" of our children.
Do we actually know the difference between sensory seeking and sensory sensitive issues?

This picture gives us a clear idea about it.

(Courtesy The Sensory Spectrum)

Food for thought?

8 GREAT TED TALKS ABOUT AUTISM

"As we sail into an uncertain future, we need every form of human intelligence on the planet working together to tackle the challenges that we face as a society. We can't afford to waste a brain." ~ Steve Silberman

1️⃣ Steve SIlberman: The Forgotten History of Autism (March 2015) www.ted.com/talks/steve_silberman_the_forgotten_history_of_autism

2️⃣ Chris Varney: How My Unstoppable Mother Proved The Experts Wrong (June 2013) youtu.be/T1HQKB2txgY

3️⃣ Dr. Jac den Houting: Why Everything You Know About Autism Is Wrong (November 2019) youtu.be/A1AUdaH-EPM

4️⃣ Rosie King: How Autism Freed Me To Be Myself (November 2014) www.ted.com/talks/rosie_king_how_autism_freed_me_to_be_myself

5️⃣ Tim Chan: Turning Impediments Into Opportunities (January 2014) youtu.be/Woy-XzC-UVs

6️⃣ Yenn Purkis: Disability, Resilience and Achieving the Supposedly Impossible (September 2013) youtu.be/pqdGb4TraFk

7️⃣ Tashi Baiguerra: My Brain Isn't Broken (June 2019) youtu.be/D8j1fcQiyBU

8️⃣ Amy Laurent: Compliance Is Not The Goal: Letting Go of Control and Rethinking Support for Autistic Individuals (March 2019) youtu.be/fx3cfzlCG_Q

Something to remember when we feel off balance.

Autism Education Services Scotland updated their information in their About section.

Fascinating, informative and down to earth.

September Theme: Positive Mental Health

"The Guide to Good Mental Health on the Autism Spectrum" written by Jeanette Purkis, Dr Emma Goodall and Dr Jane Nugent is one of many books in our resource library at ANS.

Filled with strategies and advice, this empowering guide presents practical ways to improve the mental well being of people on the Autism Spectrum.

This helpful guide focuses on the specific difficulties that can arise for people on the autism spectrum who may also experience a mental illness. The book includes information on common mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, as well as strategies for improving sleep patterns and mindfulness. Providing guidance on the benefits and drawbacks of therapy pets, medication, and psychotherapy, the authors offer balanced perspectives on treatment options and introduce self-help strategies tailored to meet your needs and improve your mental well being.

A number of short personal narratives from people on the autism spectrum and mental health issues illustrate the text.

The book also includes a list of resources, books and organisations that can provide further support and inspiration.

Anxiety is not just a part of being autistic, it is a mental health condition in its’ own right. People who have imbalances in GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid - a brain neurotransmitter) tend towards anxiety and panic. There are different types of anxiety; 3% of non-autistic children are affected by anxiety while 42% of autistic children are affected by anxiety.

Anxiety feelings
• anxiety or panic, with no obvious reason
• dread
• being overwhelmed, with no obvious reason
• worrying about things that you have never worried about before or that are unlikely to happen.
Anxiety body sensations
• racing heart
• being sweaty
• fast and shallow breathing
• being tense
• excitability
• nausea.
Anxiety can look like
• avoiding places, things or people
• running away / hiding
• angry outbursts, tantrums
• disorganised attention
• getting stuck in a thought process – possibly leading to meltdown
• injury to self or others
• engaging in familiar routines
• stimming (flapping, rocking etc)
(The last two behaviours can be attempts to reduce the anxiety by creating an element of control.).
Anxiety can be caused by
• sudden unplanned changes
• all different types of social situations
• the expectation of others, exam or performance pressure – sometimes these are created by the person themselves, the desire to do well, succeed, be the winner.
• person specific places or things, e.g. the beach, cottonwool or birds
• anticipation about going to specific places or being in certain situations, e.g. work, hospital, school
• sensory ‘triggers’ – specific lighting, noises, smells, textures … .

How to Help Reduce Anxiety

• keep a diary or journal – it can help to work out when, where and why anxieties are at their best and worst
• breathwork and visualisation
• mindful practice
• heavy activities and / or weighted blankets or clothing
• CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) – talking therapy
• medication
• animal therapy
• support groups
• Apps.

Over the next week or so I will explore these different ways of trying to reduce anxiety. Look out for the new posts on Facebook or the AESS website.

After posting a comment on the discussion on bullying with Emily Lovegrove and Charlene Tait of Scottish Autism some people have been asking for more information on the grounding and breathwork that I did with my young people in school. This is part of a holistic multicultural wellness education programme. I trained with Pat Cane of Capacitar International. I ran 30 minute groups with autistic young people in secondary school. We used breath work and grounding to support emotional self-regulation. It helped combat anxiety and enabled the young people to are-focus. Also, we did hands on bodywork. This was excellent for young people to learn about permission and giving consent for other people to touch them and also that they have the right to say no to anything that they do not like. This body work comprised shoulder and head holds, so it was never invasive or inappropriate. Any young person who did not wish to take part was allowed to say, no thank you. Finally, we did relaxation and visualisation techniques. The link for Capacitar International is on my website www.aess.scot. I would be happy to run a taster group for anyone who is intereste.

Autism Education Services Scotland - ‘Learning for Life’ - Autism Education Services Scotland - ‘Learning for Life’ Tutoring for Children and Young People Welcome to the Homepage of Autism Education Services Scotland, located in Glasgow. It is probable that you have found this page because you are a parent, carer or young autistic or Aspergers person and you would like help with school work or you may be looking....

http://www.thebullyingdoctor.com/?fbclid=IwAR2bqq2wERUvan5HL_51GfsA_dlq4S6H9w0xcdSkUEoCFIiGePcrqz-ITT0 Just been in a webinar with Emily Lovegrove and Charlene Tait discussing bullying and strategies that are helpful. Really great discussion check it out! AESS can help with similar breathing and grounding strategies as mentioned by Emily.

The Bullying Doctor Useful info when tackling bullying issues!

Planning Calendars - Autism Education Services Scotland - ‘Learning for Life’ Now that the Scottish term is well underway and timetables are becoming more familiar, how about using a calendar or phone to create simple reminders. The idea is to make activities more predictable and to enable advance preparation. There are lots of free calendar blanks online and almost all phone...

Autism Education Services Scotland updated their phone number.