Oxford ADHD & Autism Centre

Please take a look at our new animation! It's so important people see the positives of neurodivergence and that there is more than the stereotypes..

https://youtu.be/orGNRuKOOko?feature=shared



Autism Family Support Oxfordshire - AFSO Tony Attwood Autistic Girls Network NHS Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board

Upcoming access events at The Story Museum, Oxford

The Story Museum in Oxford have got some great Access Events coming up in their Woodshed Theatre this Autumn. These events have been adapted for audiences with access needs.

Also, they have recently introduced Sensory Backpacks for visitors to the Museum – these are available to loan for the duration of a visit and are designed to both calm and stimulate a child’s journey through the Galleries so that families can make the most of their visit!

Looking After Nature – Friday 29 September, 14:30-15:15 – sensory stories SEN session for ages 2-5
Learn how to nurture nature in this sensory story time that looks at the power of friendship, growth and change. Using sensory props, high quality children’s picture books and music, the audience will go on a journey of discovery into the world of nature.

To book, call the Box Office on 01865 807600 or visit the website: Tiny Ideas Festival: Looking After Nature | The Story Museum

Mr Chirrups Global Bug Safari – Monday 23 October, 14:30-15:10 – relaxed performance for ages 7+

A fun-filled journey through stories, facts and songs in this global bug safari! This gorgeous show transforms perceptions of insects and demonstrates the vital contribution the tiny friends make to our existence.

To book, call the Box Office on 01865 807600 or visit the website: Mr Chirrup’s Global Bug Safari | The Story Museum

The Greatest Show on Earth – Saturday 28 October, 14:30-15:30 – BSL interpreted event for ages 7+

Roll up! Roll up! For The Greatest Show on Earth! Join local author and illustrator, Mini Grey for a whistletop tour of the story of life on Earth. Learn to draw the characters and how to use them to create your own insect theatre show. Followed by a book signing.

To book, call the Box Office on 01865 807600 or visit the website: The Greatest Show on Earth! | The Story Museum

University of Oxford are currently recruiting for a trial of a new programme to support toddlers who are suspected to be autistic, or who have a family connection to autism or ADHD to develop strong attention, regulation and thinking skills. This is a neurodiversity-affirming programme, which has been developed in collaboration with the community. The programme is fully funded so is offered at no cost to families.
For more information, please visit www.startproject.info or see details in the attached poster.

Upcoming Theatre Show “Pericles” at the Old Fire Station - Saturday 17th June

The Old Fire Station theatre in Oxford has a theatre show coming up on Sat 17 June at 4pm for autistic individuals and their families to attend together. Please follow the link below for more details!

https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/pericles-autism/

We have all been in that situation where a meltdown occurs at the wrong time.

A meltdown is an intense response to overwhelming and over stimulating situations.

Our lovely Peer Support Practitioner Holly, has put together some helpful tips to help you through to to the other side.

If you wanted to discuss meltdown management in greater detail, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Email us at: [email protected]

www.autismoxford.com

University of Oxford Autistic Adolescent study - participants required!

A PhD student at the University of Oxford is conducting research into the overlap between anxiety disorders and autism. They are currently looking to recruit autistic adolescents for a paid, interview based study.

Please see further details below. If you are interested please email: [email protected]

The University Of Edinburgh, School of Health in Social Science are recruiting participants for an MSc project on self-harm and autistic women.

No studies to date have investigated self-harm from the unique perspective of autistic women and they hope this research will provide an important insight into these experiences.

The project has received ethical approval and specific measures have been put in place to minimise risk to participants given the sensitivity of the topic in question. Evidence of this can be provided by the study team on request.
The study recognises the importance of centring autistic people’s voices in research and the project team features an autistic researcher who they have co-created this project with.

Please see further details below. If you are interested, please email: [email protected]

Parents, carers and grandparents are invited to join us on Monday 22nd May at 10am to learn more about supporting dyslexic children to develop a love of reading and sharing stories at home. With our Read, Reflect, Connect Series we hope to find new and creative ways to help children and families to enjoy reading together. To find out more and details on how to register please visit the website www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/events-and-webinars/read-reflect-connect/ or email [email protected] for queries.

Oxford Brookes Creative Industries Festival: Neurodivergence in the Creative Industries: talk and workshop 11 May 2023, 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

Oxford Brookes University invites you to a free to attend workshop! Please see details and link below.

In collaboration with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Network, this workshop is run by the producers of Square Hole, a podcast investigating neurodiversity, employment and the creative industries. Lorna Allan is a photographer, art director and founder of Hidden Women of Design. Jhinuk Sarkar is an illustrator and educator with a practice interested in sensory experiences. Throughout the podcast they explore and celebrate what it means to be individuals, to be neurodiverse and the importance of community and support when trying to fit into spaces that aren’t quite the right shape. They will discuss the influence of neurodiversity on creative practice and how the podcast originated.

https://www.brookes.ac.uk/about-brookes/events/2023/05/creative-industries-festival-neurodivergence-in-th

https://www.brookes.ac.uk/research/networks/creative-industries-research-and-innovation/festival-2023.

Creative Industries Festival 2023 - Oxford Brookes University Joyful Resistance in the Creative Industries

Coaching for Teenagers!

We are pleased to be able to offer both online and in person coaching/mentoring sessions for teenagers.

Francesca Melluzzi is a well-being, trauma & mental health practitioner, and a somatic coach specialising in mentoring both neurotypical & neurodivergent teenagers online and in person at our Oxford based clinic locations.
Her approach focuses on co-creating practical ‘tools’ that can be applied in daily life to empower young people so that they can thrive.

It can also be a stepping stone for teenagers who are unsure about seeking emotional support or are currently struggling with some emotional and behavioural difficulties but can’t access other forms of support.
Sessions are integrative and holistic, and together, focus on practical ways that will support, empower and enrich a young persons growth and development.

Francesca has experience working with a variety of issues including:
• Neurodivergent (ADHD, autism) teens
• Somatic symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, pain/mobility issues
• Anxiety
• Low Mood
• Lack of motivation
• Low confidence
• Low self-esteem
• Sleep issues
• Relationships and communication
• Organisational skills

For more information about Francesca’s service and to request an appointment, please send an email to [email protected] or phone 01865 744144.

We are pleased to announce that our children’s waiting list for ADHD and Autism diagnostic assessments is now open again!

In order to join our waiting list, please send an email to [email protected] with the following details:

• Name of child and parent/carer
• Child’s age
• Contact telephone number
• Assessment required (i.e. ADHD, Autism, both)

On receipt of your email, we will reply with some welcome information about our services and registration forms to complete and return in order to add your child to the waiting list. *Your child will not be added to the list until the registration forms have been returned.*

Please check both your inbox and spam folders for our reply. Please be aware that demand is likely to be high, so we would appreciate your patience during this time. Replies may take up to 48 hours.

Waiting times are currently around 3 months, but this is likely to increase as new enquiries come through, so we thank you for your understanding.

Retreat day for teenagers with Francesca Melluzzi!
www.francescamelluzzi.com

Do you have a neurodivergent teenager who would like to connect with new friends, learn new coping tools to manage stress, have fun and relax within a community of people who accept and ‘get’ each other?

A wellbeing retreat day is an opportunity for young people from 16-19 with ADHD & Autism to:

* Connect with new friends who ‘get you’ in a safe space

* Walk away with new ‘tools’ and strategies to empower you

* Learn how to better appreciate yourself through self-compassion and awareness

* Themed workshops on organisational skills, nutrition, sleep and mental health

* Creativity, journaling, movement and group coaching

* Gain new strategies and practical tools to build into your daily life

* Enjoy Somatic movement practices for self regulation

Workshops are limited to just 10 spaces with experienced and qualified mental health professionals.

To book please visit www.francescamelluzzi.com

Relaxed Performance at The Story Museum – Hey Little Bird

Tickets still available! Details below.

Hey Little Bird – Saturday 25 March, 14:30-15:30

A special show suitable for audiences with access needs. Join Emma Boor in her fancy hat shop as she tells the touching tale of a freshly hatched bird and his search to find his mum. A gentle tale for very young audiences featuring music, puppetry and a whole host of birds made out of hats! The story has been adapted with specially designed sensory activities, a slower pace, partial Makaton signing and a flexible approach to delivery that will be improvised on the day to suit the audience needs. For age 3+.

To book, please call the Box Office on 01865 807600 in advance.

Find out more: https://www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/hey-little-bird

An exciting opportunity for young people with autism who are interested in drama and may benefit from this workshop.
Contact http://www.turtlekeyarts.org.uk/

We still have a couple of places on our upcoming course! If you are interested, please email [email protected] for more details.

🎟 Upcoming Autism Parenting programme! 11th March and 1st April.

We are pleased to announce that we are running another parenting programme for parents of children with Autism.

The course runs over two Saturdays at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, Oxford (details in photo or at http://www.oxfordadhdcentre.co.uk/upcoming-asd-parenting-programme/)

Places are limited and attendance is by pre-booking a place only. Arrivals without a pre-booked place will not be admitted. Attendance is required for both dates in order to complete and the programme is for parents only to attend, not children.

Please email us at [email protected] for more information or to request a place on the programme.

Invoices will be sent when booking requests are received and bookings will only be confirmed once payment has been received. Invoices must be paid on receipt in order to secure your place on the programme.

Light refreshments will be provided, however please bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, there are facilities near to the hotel.

🎟 Upcoming Autism Parenting programme! 11th March and 1st April.

We are pleased to announce that we are running another parenting programme for parents of children with Autism.

The course runs over two Saturdays at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, Oxford (details in photo or at http://www.oxfordadhdcentre.co.uk/upcoming-asd-parenting-programme/)

Places are limited and attendance is by pre-booking a place only. Arrivals without a pre-booked place will not be admitted. Attendance is required for both dates in order to complete and the programme is for parents only to attend, not children.

Please email us at [email protected] for more information or to request a place on the programme.

Invoices will be sent when booking requests are received and bookings will only be confirmed once payment has been received. Invoices must be paid on receipt in order to secure your place on the programme.

Light refreshments will be provided, however please bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, there are facilities near to the hotel.

Thame Music Therapy is a community-focused therapy practice aiming to enhance the existing network of inclusive support for children, young people and adults in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Music therapy is a creative, engaging and flexible form of therapy. Through a combination of talking and accessible music-making (improvisation, song writing, musical games) to form a positive working rapport, music therapy aims to support mental health, well-being and personal development.

The benefits of music therapy can include:

- enhanced communication and self-expression

- emotional containment and reduced anxiety

- developed awareness of self and others

- improved listening skills and capacity to share

- increased focus and concentration span

- more flexible and creative play

Thame Music Therapy is run by Hugh Anderson, an HCPC-certified music therapist with 15 years experience within mainstream, SEN and SEMH education settings. Hugh is also Head of Therapies for the organisation Resources for Autism. He has worked with a wide range of autistic individuals and people living with ADHD.

Contact Hugh directly on [email protected]

Find out more @ https://thamemusictherapy.co.uk/

Upcoming Relaxed Performance at the Story Museum in Oxford!

Sensory Suitcase Stories: Goldilocks – Saturday 11 February, 14:30-15:30

A special relaxed sensory edition of Suitcase Stories with Emma Boor for audiences with access needs. The story has been adapted with specially designed sensory activities , a slower pace, partial Makaton signing and a flexible approach to delivery that will be improvised on the day to suit audience needs. For age 2+.

To book, please call the Box Office on 01865 807600 in advance.

Find out more: https://www.storymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/sensory-suitcase-stories-goldilocks

It’s World Mental Health Day 🌎. An opportunity to talk about mental health. To share tips & advice. And to let people know that it’s okay to ask for help if you’re struggling 💚: https://bit.ly/3yFZxdJ.

As part of ADHD awareness month, this short video is really useful to help explain ADHD and what it can look like 🧠

https://lnkd.in/ev5-D4gB

How to (Explain) ADHD What IS ADHD, anyway? And how do you EXPLAIN it to people? We teamed up with the ADHD tribe to bring you simple explanations of the most common ADHD challeng...

October is ADHD Awareness Month!

Out of respect, the clinic offices will be closed on Monday 19th September.
All patients with booked appointments on this date will be contacted today and tomorrow to make appropriate arrangements. A couple of clinicians will still be available and so some remote video call appointments will still be possible if patients wish to keep their existing bookings.
The office will reopen at 9am on Tueaday 20th September.
We thank you for your understanding.

This may be of interest to some of our clients and followers:

There are some last minute spaces available for a free parent and toddler group for families with a connection to autism or ADHD, starting 12 September in Oxford.

For more information email [email protected] or visit

START project Supporting Toddlers with a family connection to autism or ADHD to develop strong Attention, Regulation and Thinking skills

Update on our waiting list status:

Adult assessments

Our adult waiting list for ADHD and Autism assessments is now open! Please use the contact form on the website (http://www.oxfordadhdcentre.co.uk/contact/) to send us your initial enquiry, providing your name and which assessment you would like. We will then send you the relevant registration forms to complete in order to add you to the list. We anticipate enquiries to be quite busy, so please bear with us if takes a couple of days to respond to your message.

Children’s assessments

Please be aware that at this stage only our adult assessment service is reopening i.e. for clients aged 18 and over. Our children’s assessment waiting list remains temporarily closed at this time and we will provide another update when it can reopen. The waiting list backlog for our children’s assessments is still significant but with a new clinic premises now open, and additional staff joining our clinical team, we hope that this will quickly reduce the list of those waiting. At this point in time we are not clear on when the children’s waiting list will reopen but it will not be in the next couple of months.

Mentoring service

We have sadly had to close our mentoring service as our mentor has moved on to pastures new. We will be contacting those already waiting for mentoring to offer alternative colleagues within the service.

Coaching service

Our coaching service is also temporarily closing, as our coach works through a backlog of patients already waiting. We hope that this will be a short term closure and will also update our website and page when it reopens.

We thank everybody for their patience and understanding during this incredibly busy time.

Temporary closure of waiting lists for diagnostic assessments

As a result of an unprecedented demand on our assessment service, the Oxford ADHD & Autism Centre is temporarily closing to new enquiries for both children’s and adult’s diagnostic assessments of ADHD and/or autism. Demand for our high-quality services has been extraordinary and our waiting times have grown to lengths far beyond where we are comfortable as a small independent clinic.

We have made this difficult decision in the interests of safety and wellbeing of our existing patients and staff. We have just opened a 2nd clinic location on the outskirts of Oxford and are expanding our team to manage the demand we are experiencing and to reduce our waiting times.

At this stage we are unsure how long this temporary closure will be, so please check our website and our page, as we will update them both when we reopen. If you “like” our page then you should receive a notification as and when we update the page.

If you have already been added to our waiting list for an assessment, then please be assured that you remain on this list and we will be in touch in due course to offer you an assessment, once your assessment forms have been received and you come to the top of the list.

Please note that we are still open to all existing patients and we will continue to accept new patients for our post diagnostic support services including coaching, mentoring and educational support services. This closure applies only to new diagnostic assessments for ADHD, Autism or combined.

We thank you for your understanding and support and look forward to being able to update you again.

Oxford ADHD & Autism Centre updated their business hours.

⭐️Children’s Waiting list reopening 24th January 2022⭐️

Thank you to all the families who have been so patiently waiting for our children’s assessment waiting list to reopen. It has been a very frustrating and challenging time all round and we apologise for not being able to reopen the list any sooner.

We are pleased to say that as of Monday 24th January 2022, the waiting list for children’s assessments will reopen.

If you would like your child to be added to the waiting list, rather than calling the clinic, please could you email us at [email protected] on or after 24th January. This will enable us to obtain your email address and reply with the relevant information and registration forms you will require, far quicker than by calling us. In your email, please advise:

- The name and age of your child
- Which assessment type you believe your child requires (i.e. ADHD, Autism or both)
- If you are not sure which assessment is most appropriate, just let us know.

Please note that although we are reopening the waiting list, we do still have a significant number of patients to book as a result of the unprecedented demand we saw over the last year. Therefore, we would like to make it clear that although the waiting list size has reduced, there is still at least a 5 month waiting list and so it is therefore unlikely that your child will be assessed before the start of July 2022.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding during this time and we look forward to being able to help and support you and your family soon.

Christmas Closure update

Oxford ADHD & Autism Centre will close at 5pm on Thursday 23rd December 2021 and will reopen on Tuesday 4th January 2022 at 9am.

Prescriptions
If you require a prescription over the Christmas period, please ensure that this is requested no later than 2pm on Tuesday 21st December. Please note that Royal Mail are experiencing delays with their postage, so although we send out prescriptions by 1st class signed for delivery, we cannot guarantee how quickly they will be received at present.

Medical advice
If you are a current patient and require any medication advice, please send an email to our Meds email address, which will be monitored on 29th and 30th December only. For any urgent matters during our closure, please contact your GP or NHS 111.

Thank you for your understanding, we would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and New year! 🎄⭐

Continued closure of waiting list for Children’s assessments – update October 2021

We recently posted an update to advise that we temporarily closed to all new enquiries for children’s assessments. We agreed to review the situation in October 2021.

Unfortunately, due to reasons outside of our control, we have not made as much progress with clearing the waiting list backlog that had accrued, as we had hoped.

We therefore now plan to review the situation again in mid December 2021.

As a result of unprecedented demand on our Children’s assessment service, the Oxford ADHD & Autism Centre temporarily closed to new enquiries for children’s assessments only in August 2021. Demand for our high-quality services has been extraordinary in the last 2 years and our waiting times have grown to lengths beyond where we are comfortable.
This was an exceedingly difficult decision to make, but it is in the best interests of all our current patients, staff, and those already waiting to be seen.

If you have already been contacted with a confirmation email to advise that your child has been added to our waiting list, then please be assured that you remain on this list and we will be in touch in due course to offer you an assessment, once your forms have been received and you come to the top of the list.

Please note that we are still open to all existing patients; and can continue to accept new patients for ADHD medication reviews, coaching/mentoring, and all Adult assessments. This closure applies only to new children’s assessments for ADHD, Autism or combined.

We thank you for your understanding and support and look forward to being able to update you again towards the end of this year.

Useful opening conversation starters with your children.