I’ve been a part of two very productive support groups this week as part of my role with the Derby and District Branch of The National Autistic Society. We met on Thursday along with two lovely representatives from Relate. They delivered a discussion on Anger and Conflict within Families so we were able to all discuss how Autism has had an impact on our family lives involving the disagreements and conflicts that may have arisen and how we dealt with them or in some cases maybe we didn’t.

It’s not always possible to get things right in any family even without autism, there are always disagreements when you have people with different views and personalities living together. When Autism is added into the mix though this can shake things up in a big way. We can’t always predict when meltdowns are going to happen and sometimes there may be conflicts between family members about how we cope with certain aspects of Autism. 

The thing is there are strategies and advice that do work and it’s amazing how these little precious nuggets of advice come out when people get sat around with a cuppa and the odd biscuit. I can’t stress how these little meetings have such a massive impact on families. We even had some feedback at the end of the meeting to confirm that. Someone commented that they were glad these meetings were available as it has made such a difference to them from where they were in their lives to where they are now, a positive transition just by talking.

Our other meeting was yesterday and we were treated to a talk about Social Stories by a local organisation called STePs (Specialist Teaching and Psychology Service). I was surprised how many people didn’t know too much about Social Stories. They can come over as a little complicated to produce but they really are very easy as we proved in a group activity. If you would like more information regarding Social Stories or want to know what they are go to the NAS website here at:
www.autism.org.uk/about/strategies/social-stories-comic-strips.aspx

So I will never ever tire of expressing how I feel about support groups. I love being there and helping provide them. Its simple, sometimes we don’t always have a speaker and that’s ok as it gives people the chance to come in, let all their anxieties out and know they are not alone. This could be parents, carers, professionals and those with Autism too. We all need to let off steam and this is still a great way to do it.

To find you local groups and provisions in your local area you can go to the NAS website and search for your preferred support on the Autism Services Directory here.....
www.autism.org.uk/services/autism-services-directory.aspx
and if you are in the Derby area and would like to know more about STePs you can find information here:
sip.derby.gov.uk/steps/

Thank you for reading today, pop back tomorrow for my tv feature ‘Pass the Remote’, until then take care.

I’ve been thinking of attending The Autism Show this year. I’ve never been and have always wondered what it’s like and while doing all that wondering I received this leaflet through the post from The National Autistic Society.

Now I take that as a sign to say ‘come on Sue from the Brew, get your butt in gear and get yourself there’. Or it could be the NAS just doing a good job with their marketing 

The Autism Show takes place at:
London ExCel 15th & 16th June
Birmingham NEC 22nd & 23rd June
Manchester Eventcity 29th & 30th June

Here you can find a mountain of help, support and information all under one roof. You can listen to talks from professionals and the experiences of autistic adults. Learn practical strategies and approaches, discover products and services, seek EHCP help, visit the Arts Therapy Workshops and there is even a sensory room.
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I’m exhausted just reading through the leaflet as there seems so much to see and do. If you have attended our NAS Derby & District meetings where Connor Ward has provided his talks well he will be appearing at the Birmingham show on Saturday 23rd June. from 3.30pm - 4pm He will be talking about Keeping Your Autistic Self Safe Online so don't miss that. It really isn't expensive to go either. here are the prices: 

(prices from The Autism Show leaflet)

​For members of the NAS you can get a further 20% off by quoting the code NAS8 at the checkout when booking in advance.

If you would like more information about the shows go to the website here at: www.autismshow.co.uk

I may see you there!!

​Take care and thanks for reading.....join me tomorrow for pass the Remote Sunday. 

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Yesterday I went to the launch of a new scheme which the counselling service Relate are offering. It is called Living Well With Autism and this service will be open to those 18 years and over who have received a diagnosis  and for their families and carers too. It will also be offered to those who have characteristics of Autism and have been referred to Relate by a health professional. 

For the first year this is offered free to anyone in the Derbyshire area but you will need to contact Relate with regard to charges if living in Derby City. Help comes in the form of a one day education course, coaching sessions, counselling sessions, telephone helpline services and live chat sessions. 

Bear in mind this only started as of yesterday - Friday 13th April and is a pilot scheme so although a really positive move from Derbyshire County Council and Relate there may be some teething problems. I hope not and I hope all goes well and it continues as I think it's so good to be working towards more support for those on the spectrum. If you do have any issues or problems please make it known as they do need to to be aware. They will adapt to meet needs but in the same way they would welcome your positive feedback too.

If you would like more information there is a dedicated website:
www.livingwellwithautism.org.uk
You can email info@livingwellwithautism.org.uk
or call on 01332301350

Thank you for reading today and hope this becomes of some use. Take care and please join me again tomorrow for Pass the Remote.
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The National Autistic Society have issued a few videos now under the 'Too Much Information' campaign. You may remember the young boy in the shopping centre and the young lady taking the bus well this is the latest video.

All of these short videos give the public a sense of what it is like to have Autism and give and insight into what the individual on the spectrum may be feeling in different situations. Featuring Saskia Lupin this latest offering highlights how a train journey can affect someone with massive sensory issues. The sounds, smells, noise and invasion of personal space can have that much of an effect that it can stop someone with Autism venturing out. It really can be too much to deal with. 

I find this quite emotional to watch but so effective and I hope this gets over to everyone. I hope this will make people think about how someone else may be feeling and allow us all to think - how we can help someone in this situation cope? We don't want anyone to feel a prisoner in their own home, but that's how it can be, the pressure can be just overpowering and it can just feel easier to stay inside. 

If you would like to watch the video you can on the NAS website here:

www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/tmi/film.aspx

It is literally just over one minute long and please take a look, if you ever wonder what it can feel like to have Autism this gives one persons perspective. There is also information here of how you could help someone. Make a pledge and show what action you would take.......lets make a change not support or judge but recognise and help.

Thank you for reading today......please join me tomorrow for Pass the Remote but for now take care.