Family Development

Made possible from a wealth of experience gathered over four decades serving the North-east we’ve created a Family Resources website just for you.

Brought together by our Family Development team, members of our Neurodiversity think tank and from families sending us their tips and advice we’ve put together a bank of free resources to help you, as part of our valued community, to navigate the day-to-day challenges of life.

Activity Ideas

Anyone for a game of balloon tennis or lollipop trivia? Here you will find a wide range of activities to try out. All the activities have been planned with fun in mind while still providing an opportunity for learning and development.

Language development activities

Weighted sock bunnies

Colour the shape

Dancing milk science experiment

Gold slime

Make your own micro parachute

Skittles science experiment

Making grass heads

Scavenger hunt

Homemade sensory bags

Homemade sensory balls

The missing letter

Non toxic Paper-Mache recipe

Kindness potion recipe

Our big book of nursery rhymes

Autism Acronym

Autism and me

Christmas Activities

Latest

Great North Run 2025

Join Team NEAS for the World's Greatest Half Marathon!
Setting Adam up for the future

Adam has received benefits advice and support to make friends since he joined the Empower Works programme.
Our vision, mission and values

This is what drives us and inspires us as a charity working with autistic and neurodivergent children, young people and adults.
Who we are

We are a charity and the leading provider of care and education for neurodivergent children, young people and adults in the region.

Seasonal Resources

Seasonal periods can be challenging for many autistic people, with changes to the environment and the hustle and bustle these periods can bring.
Diet and Nutrition

Diet and nutrition are a key element of everyone's lives, but we know that for autistic people this can create challenges.
Staying Safe

Staying safe is paramount for all of us and as family members one of your main priorities will be to keep your family member safe and well.
Transitions

Transitions are a part of everyday life, some examples include bigger transitions like moving house or starting a new school to smaller transitions such as moving from one task to another in the classroom.
Toileting

Toileting challenges are often common in autistic people and an area that many families often feel they need more support with.
Sleep

Sleep is an essential process for every human being; not getting enough if it can have detrimental effects on the whole family’s wellbeing.
Sensory

Our senses are the window into the world and they are vital to help us understand and make sense of what is happening in the world around us.
Puberty

Puberty can be a challenge for anybody but for autistic people neurological differences may make this chapter in life harder to navigate.
Out and About

For many parents/carers taking their family member out and about in the community can be a big worry. These worries could arise from a multitude of different factors.
Navigating the System

Here you can find key information that will help you day-to-day. From grants to access, to free equipment, this is the one-stop resource to explore all that is potentially available to you.

Make a donation

Help us to continue making a positive difference to the lives of autistic individuals, and their families, across the region. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Everyday Equality Campaign

We are highlighting the lived experiences of autistic and neurodivergent people in five areas of everyday life: education, health, travel, employment and finance. That’s why we’re calling the campaign Everyday Equality. Read more