Family Resources

Family Resources… free, for you

Made possible from a wealth of experience gathered over four decades serving the North-east we’ve created a Family Resources section of our 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.

These are by no means exhaustive in their approach, but instead offer ‘nuggets’ of wisdom or hints and tips that may just be enough to aid with the small victories we all aim for each day.

Whether you are autistic or recognise one of the many Neurodiverse differences in yourself, or you are a family member or friend of someone who would benefit from having additional support, we’ve tried to keep this as simple as possible to make it as accessible as possible.

To begin with there will be a few sections populated but our aim is to continually add to this providing what we hope will be a comprehensive free resource for anyone who will need it.

Please note that the content is specially designed for use by families, carers or those who would benefit from this support. If you intend to use this material for any other purpose than stated, please get in touch for permission in order to do so.

Meet the team

Kerrie Highcock   Becca Welch

  • About Autism

    Here you will find a starting guide to what autism is and is not. It will give family members the chance to understand a little about the history of autism. Read more

  • Education

    From starting school to transferring to further education, the education system can be difficult to navigate through for any parent. Read more

  • Self Care

    Self-care is any activity that we engage in to take care of our mental, emotional and physical health. Read more

  • Communication

    The way autistic people communicate may be considered different to non-autistic people, but this shouldn’t be seen as flawed, instead it should be recognised as a difference. Read more

  • Activity Ideas

    Anyone for a game of balloon tennis or lollipop trivia? Here you will find a wide range of activities to try out. Read more

  • Co-occurring Conditions

    Autistic people often have co-occurring conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. Read more

  • Diagnosis

    The diagnostic process can be complex and parents are often left with many questions prior to, during and after diagnosis. Read more

  • Executive Functioning

    Executive functioning differences are present in all people but research tells us that autistic people may have greater differences with executive functioning than non-autistic people. Read more

  • Emotional Wellbeing

    Being emotionally well is fundamental to every human being. Current research suggests that autistic people are more likely to experience poor mental health than non-autistic people. Read more

  • Puberty

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

  • 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. Read more

  • 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. Read more

  • 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. Read more

  • 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. Read more

  • Toileting

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

  • 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. Read more

  • 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. Read more

  • 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. Read more