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.

Education

From starting school to transferring to further education, the education system can be difficult to navigate through for any parent. Here we will provide you some key information, which will help your journey a little easier.

Early years support

EHCP

Role of SENCO

SEND Code of Practice

Choosing a school

SENCO meeting checklist

Visiting schools checklist

After school tips

My IEP Example

My IEP Template

Reasonable classroom adjustments

Alternative Seating Options for Classes

Latest

Silver award recognises Locomotion’s support for autistic visitors

One of the North East’s most popular attractions has been recognised for its positive steps towards enhancing the experience for autistic visitors, staff and volunteers.
“For 18 years I was working as an autistic person but didn’t realise it"

Addressing the barriers autistic people face in the workplace in a series of videos for NEAS, Phil shares his own experiences of work, and covers how employers can make their recruitment and working environments more inclusive.
Tesco partnership gives our pupils work experience

A partnership between Thornhill Park School and Tesco creates work experience opportunities for autistic young people.
Youth Employment

A YOUTH employment service delivered by our Employment Futures provision has hosted a special celebration event.

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

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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