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.

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. For example, wondering how someone will manage in a new environment, concerns about plans changing last minute, or worries about the attitudes and judgements of other people.

Here you will find real-life insights as well as ideas to consider for when you are going out and about in the community.

Environment checklist

My hospital passport

Out and about

Visiting family members

Visiting healthcare professionals

Top tips for shopping trips

My airport journey

Travelling by plane

Using public transport

Visiting the opticians

Visiting the hairdressers

Latest

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.
Hikers invite public to join Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge

Guides Ben Osborne and Gareth Phillips are taking on the 26-mile challenge to raise money for charity next month - and are inviting members of the public to join them.
AESC volunteers transform school grounds

A team of volunteers from the car battery manufacturer has smartened up Thornhill Park School grounds and created a decking area for its brand new café.

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.
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.
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.

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