Some helpful places, people and organisations that either I have used or that have been recommended to me. Your feedback is very welcome in order to keep the list up-to-date, relevant and accurate.
I regularly share helpful articles and ideas on my Facebook page.
Autistic voices
Ask Me, I’m Autistic – a closed Facebook group (moderated) – you can ask to join
Autistic Not Weird – by Chris Bonnello, a former teacher who is also autistic. Balanced and humorous
Someone’s Mum – a warm and honest account of parenting a young autistic boy
The Artism Spectrum – powerful writing about life on the autism spectrum
Agony Autie – hugely engaging YouTube videos. Agony Autie also runs a closed group on Facebook for autistic people and allies. You can ask to join – it’s a positive and supportive place to learn and ask questions. To find it, go to “Agony Autie’s AUTISTIC SAFER SPACE”
On Twitter:
Neurodivergent Rebel @NeuroRebel (also Youtube)
Rhi @OutFoxgloved
Amythest Schaber @neurowonderful (also Youtube)
Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism @thinkingautism
#ActuallyAutistic – by and for autistic people. Non-autistics are politely requested not to use this hashtag but you will learn much from reading tweets and responses
#AskingAutistics – for non-autistics to ask questions. Be very respectful.
#autisticparents – for autistic adults who are also parents (either with a diagnosis or self-diagnosed)
Playschemes and clubs
Challengers – Tel: 01483 230939
Yippee Club – club for children aged 5-11
YIP 4 Youth – Tel: 01737 222859 – youth club and playscheme for 12-18 year olds
Support for families
Autismlinks – quick links to information about autism support
Carers’ Support Merton – Tel: 020 8646 7515 – service and advice to unpaid carers living in Merton
Contact-a-Family – advice on your rights and local support services
Family Voice Surrey – speaking up for families of children and young people with additional needs
Fidgetbum – to help with sleep for children who kick covers off or who need light pressure to sleep well
InterAKtive – Surrey-based support group. Also runs playschemes
Merton Mencap – support, talks and workshops for Merton parents; ‘Talk Autism’ and ‘Kids First’ – Tel: 020 8687 4644
Me too and Co – a parent-led charity offering support to children with additional needs and their families in the Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames and surrounding areas
National Autistic Society – Surrey branch
Nordorff Robbins Music Therapy, Croydon
Pickles support group – based in Stoneleigh
SOS!SEN – expert independent helpline for Special Educational Needs
Surrey Young Carers – support for siblings
Financial Support
Cinema card – allows carer to go free to participating cinemas
Disability Living Allowance for children
Free nappies for children over 3 years old
M-card – every child or young person on Merton’s Disability database can be provided with an M-card. This can help with fast-tracking long queues on days out and often the carer will go free
Autism-friendly organisations – UK
Assistance dogs for autistic people
Clarks shoe shops – autism-friendly fitting service
National Trust – provide carer’s card (free) on request
Odeon – autism-friendly relaxed screenings
Tesco and Asda supermarkets – quiet hours for autistic people. Contact your local store for details
Toys-R-Us – hold autism-friendly days, when the store is closed to the general public and the lights are dimmed. Contact your local store for details.
Virgin Holidays – developing autism-friendly holiday packages
Autism-friendly places to visit in Surrey and beyond
Abinger Hammer, nr Dorking – natural playground and woodland, very quiet
Autism in Museums – an up-to-date summary of autism-friendly museums around the UK
Battersea Park – walks, adventure playground, ducks, ice cream, boat rides, water fountains and crazy golf
Bocketts Farm – free entry for carers; sandtimers provided if needed; tractor rides
Brooklands Museum – free entry for carers; chance to board an aeroplane and a bus, and see all the different modes of transport; café; bus rides
Bushy Park – companion cycling
Diggerland – autism-friendly theme parks in Kent, Devon, Durham and Yorkshire
Garson’s Farm, Esher – pick-your-own fruit, vegetables and flowers; cafe
Historic Royal Palaces – access guides online
Horniman Museum – parkland with mini-zoo, mini aquarium, exhibitions, interactive display, natural history, storytelling
Jungle Golf, Hersham – a crazy golf course with jungle animals set in a wonderful jungle-themed course. The elephant squirts water and the volcano makes sounds – fun for all the family. Discount for people with disabilities and their carers.
Mayfield Lavender – late June to mid-September – calming smells; nature; beautiful colours; cafe
Polka Theatre, Wimbledon – autism-friendly relaxed performances
Unicorn Theatre – autism-friendly relaxed performances
Technology
Autism apps – comprehensive list of apps created for people with autism and special needs
ASD-specific app reviews – University of Edinburgh
E-safety for young autistic people in Key Stages 3 and 4
Grid Player app – a free Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) app for those who do not speak or who have unclear speech
