Supporting Autistic Young People to Understand Their Identity & Experience

Overview:

Rejecting the ‘Pathology Paradigm’ & medical model & embracing the ‘Neurodiversity Paradigm’

What is does it mean to be ‘Autistic’?

The value of self-knowledge

How we may conceptualise these things for young people

Suitable for parents/carers & professionals but not intended for young people themselves.

WATCH THE RECORDING

ACCESS THE SLIDES

WHAT IS 'NEURO-AFFIRMING' - E-BOOKLET (AND OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES)

INFORMATION ABOUT GROVE'S SERVICES

Autistic Young People & Social Connection

Overview:

Autistic social interaction

Nurturing social connection

The value of Autistic spaces

Suitable for parents/carers & professionals but not intended for young people themselves.

WATCH THE RECORDING

SLIDES COMING SOON

Autistic Joy, Pride & Role Models

Overview:

Sharing Autistic joy

Nurturing pride in our Autistic identity

Messages from Autistic role models

Suitable for parents/carers & professionals.

At parent’s/carer’s discretion, this webinar may suitable for young people to attend.  Although it will be uplifting & joyful we likely reference some of the challenges associated with being Autistic. Parents/carers may therefore wish to watch first & share all/part the recording with their young person once checked. 

WATCH THE RECORDING (see the additional recording below for correction of the audio error)

MEET ALL OUR MENTORS: AUDIO & MUSIC

CHAT NOTES: LINKS & IDEAS SHARED

Welcome to our Know Yourself series

We know how important it is for you as an autistic young person to develop an understanding of your autistic experience. The Know Yourself series is a set of free resources which includes videos and downloadable guides aiming to support you and others like you to understand what being autistic means.

In the resources you'll hear from young autistic people talking about their experiences and what has helped them. The aim is to offer information and ideas that will empower you to begin to explore your own experiences and understand yourself more.  

The series will cover six topics in total over the course of three years. The first four topics, ‘understanding yourself’, ‘energy accounting’, ‘exploring your identity’ and ‘setting yourself up for success’ can be found below.

Understanding Yourself

Understanding Yourself guide

This is a downloadable guide, to help with understanding yourself. It’s written and led by autistic people.

See our guide to Understanding Yourself

Understanding Yourself worksheet

This is a downloadable worksheet to accompany the understanding yourself guide.

See our Worksheet: Understanding Yourself

Energy Accounting

Energy Accounting guide

This is a downloadable guide to help you to manage your energy levels, using a technique called energy accounting.

See our guide to energy accounting

Meet our presenter and autistic young people

Watch this short film where our presenter and young autistic people from the third and fourth films in the series introduce themselves;

Exploring your Identity

Exploring your identity Guide

This is a downloadable guide to help with exploring your autistic identity further. It’s written and led by autistic people.

See our guide to Exploring your identity Guide

Setting yourself up for Success

Setting yourself up for success Guide

This is a downloadable guide – all about making sure you have the tools and strategies to make sure you are able to support yourself. It’s written and led by autistic people.

See our guide to Setting yourself up for Success

Know Yourself other resources

Here are some additional resources we used or were made aware of while developing the Know Yourself series.

See our Know Yourself other resources

• All pre-teens and teenagers need to take extra care with personal hygiene in puberty.

• Autistic pre-teens and teenagers might need help to learn new hygiene skills, use new hygiene products and understand new hygiene routines.

• Visual schedules, social stories and video-modelling can help autistic pre-teens and teenagers learn personal hygiene skills.

• Changing personal hygiene needs for autistic pre-teens and teenagers

• Personal hygiene: practical strategies for autistic pre-teens and teenagers

• Visual supports and personal hygiene routines for autistic pre-teens and teenagers

• Social stories about personal hygiene for autistic pre-teens and teenagers

• Video-modelling personal hygiene skills for autistic pre-teens and teenagers

We do this by providing spaces where they feel safe and accepted, amongst others with similar shared lived experiences, and opportunities to explore who they are.

We want all autistic young people to have the strength and confidence to find their place in the world that works for them. In many cases this means influencing wider strategic changes to create an environment that is more understanding and equitable.

Services include:

• online service

• training

• advocacy

• face to face services

  
  

Email:

info@spectrumgaming.net

The website was created by Spectrum Gaming, a registered charity. Spectrum Gaming is a community for autistic young people which has three main intended outcomes:

• Building friendships: We wanted to create a community where autistic young people feel comfortable and can make strong friendships in a safe way. Our main provision is our online community, that anyone from across the UK can access. We also run meet ups for young people who live in the Greater Manchester area.

• Increasing Self-Acceptance: We want to make sure as many autistic people as possible are able to accept their differences and live the happiest lives they can.

• Advocacy: We aim to create a movement that will have a positive influence on society through advocacy, and enable strategic change to ensure the needs of autistic young people are met across the UK.

https://autismunderstood.co.uk/about-autism-understood/

Young ambassdor: Finty

Our Young Ambassador Finty describes her experience of being referred for an autism assessment and receiving her diagnosis at the age of 15.

Finty describes how the diagnosis helped her to understand herself and had a positive impact on her treatment for an eating disorder.

Read more

A supportive space to meet other local LGBT+ young people, explore a wide range of activities, and me proud of who you are.

A supportive space to meet other LGBT+ young people, explore a wide range of activities and be proud of who you are.

Sprinkles | 8-12 Year Old Young People and Their Families

Find out more

Brolly Squad | Trans and Non-binary Young People 13-19 years

Find out more

Learning Lounge - 13-19 years not currently attending or are at risk of falling out of education

Find Out More

Stockport's Constellations Young people aged 13-19

Stockport LGBT Youth Group Poster The Proud Trust.jpg (2480×3508)

This Guide, co-produced by our Autistic Young Experts (AYE) is intended to help educators shift from deficit-focused to strengths-based language, promoting understanding and inclusion for autistic students.

By adopting inclusive language, practitioners can reshape perceptions, foster acceptance, and help autistic students feel valued.

We encourage all educators to read the Autistic Young Experts ‘Why Words Matter’ Terminology Guide and embed change in language that empowers our autistic students and creates classrooms where every learner feels valued.

Download the Terminology Guide: Why Words Matter

These are some resources which are available to you - or services within Stockport. 

The following links are to resources and activities that we are aware of - these are not linked to our service.

If you think there is anything unhelpful or you would like to see added on this Padlet, please email: ndpadlets@stockport.gov.uk to let us know. 

Welcome to the Spectrum magazine, one of the UK's largest collections of autistic art, poetry and prose.

Issue 120 (October 2024) is out now.

Download your copy today

• Articles by Holly, Courtney SB Cazzer, Tom, Deborah and Robert.

• Artwork by Michael, Victoria, Natalie, Marilyn, Clive, Sara and Ruby.

• Poetry by Fuzzy Logik and Angelica.

• 
  

Subscribe to the paper magazine

A subscription will pay for four issues of the magazine, delivered straight to your door. Visit our online shop to order your subscription today.

Subscribe

Submit your work

We welcome submissions for the magazine. Whether you have an article, a piece of artwork or a poem you would like to be considered for inclusion, please send it in and you could be in a future issue. Submit your work.

Spectrum collections and previous editions

Spectrum Collections

From animals to aliens, explore our themed collections of prose and poetry from previous editions of the Spectrum.

Previous editions

There are over 100 previous editions of the magazine stored on our website for you to explore and enjoy.

Additional resources

Spectrum Live

Tune in to Spectrum Live, our online video series, where we chat to autistic people and their families about life on the spectrum. You can watch all our episodes here.

Stories from the Spectrum

Autistic people and their friends and families share their experiences of life on the spectrum. There are funny stories, thought-provoking stories, moving and challenging stories.

The autistic perspective

Autistic people share their experiences of mental health and loneliness.

Read more

You are not alone

Join the community

Our online community is a place for autistic people and their families to meet like-minded people and share their experiences.

Join today

Sibs exists to support people who grow up with or have grown up with a disabled brother or sister. It is the only UK charity representing the needs of over half a million young siblings and over one and a half million adult siblings.

What we do

Sibs provides information, support and training for adult siblings, young siblings, parents and professionals.

Our guides for navigating family relationships, and advice for parents, siblings, and children on how to support their autistic family member.

• Overview

• Children of autistic parents

• Parents and carers

• Partners

• Siblings

Being autistic or having an autistic family member can be really positive, but may also be complicated at times. The world can be a confusing place for autistic people, who may communicate differently, find social interaction difficult or stressful, and experience sensory sensitivities. 

If you're autistic, you may find it difficult to express your feelings, needs, or desires to your family members or partner. You may feel that you are misunderstood. For some family members, it can be difficult to know how to support their autistic family member or partner.

In these guides, we offer some helpful advice, tips, and resources for autistic people, their parents/carers, siblings, or children. This page gives you an overview. For more information, select from the menu above or the links below.  

• Family relationships - a guide for parents and carers

• Family relationships - a guide for children of autistic parents

• Family relationships - a guide for siblings of autistic people

• Family relationships - a guide for partners of autistic people

Group will help NHS Commissioners make decisions about services for young people living with ADHD.

I am contacting you as the new Programme Coordinator of a new Youth Voice Group being held in central Manchester. We are looking for young people living in Greater Manchester, aged 13+ with lived experience of ADHD. 

This group will meet monthly from January 2025.

The aim of our Youth Voice group is to bring together young people’s voices to help bring about change to NHS services that affect them. Throughout the course of attending these sessions there will be an opportunity to meet NHS commissioners who are eager to hear young people’s feedback.

This is an exciting learning and development opportunity for young people alongside having the chance to make a difference in their community. The sessions will also be a fantastic way for attendees to build confidence, share ideas and meet others. We will be hosting a variety of activities and games and will make sure the sessions are inclusive and fun.

Introductory sessions before Christmas, and we really encourage young people to come along (but please contact me first): Chloe 0775906977

chloe.betterridge@gymn.co.uk

Wednesday 11th of December from 5pm-7pm

Held at GMYN’s offices: We will meeting monthly at GMYN offices, Greenfish Resource Centre, 46-50 Oldham Street, Manchester M4 1LE.

Here is a link to a survey sent out by Greater Manchester NHS, we encourage people to give their feedback here as well: https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/childrens-adhd-services/

Children's ADHD Services | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

NHS Greater Manchester wants to improve children’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) services and would like to hear from you.

gmintegratedcare.org.uk

Christmas can be overwhelming for children and young people with SEND, with bright lights, festive sounds, and changes in routine. Our Young People’s Hub offers tips for managing the season, along with favourite Christmas traditions shared by our young people.

Managing Christmas tips

Christmas traditions

Christmas Anxiety

Christmas anxiety can be an all too overwhelming feeling for those with SEND. Here are some tips to help you manage the festive season.

Christmas overwhelm

Christmas is often hailed as a time of joy, celebration and togetherness. 

But for lots of young people with SEND and other unique challenges, the festive period can bring lots of added stress.

So here are some practical tips that will hopefully support you to navigate this season.

Sensory Overload

Christmas decorations and lights can be overwhelming.

Create a quiet space with dim lights to retreat to when needed. 

One of our young people, Fletcher, suggests you could wear sunglasses, even at night, to protect your eyes and yourself from sensory overload.

Change in routine

Christmas often disrupts daily schedules.

Create a visual schedule for the holiday period, to maintain a routine. You can use drawings, photos or simply pin words up on a board to look at each day.

You could also use a calendar on your phone. One of our young people, Annalisa, puts everything on her phone calendar – theatre trips, family events, things to remember – to help her over the busy Christmas period.

Social Anxiety

Holiday gatherings may cause anxiety.

Have a signal or code with a trusted person for when you need a break.

Noise sensitivity

There may be loud music or noisy crowded places. Keep noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs nearby, and use whenever you need.

Gift exchange

Receiving or giving gifts can cause anxiety. Set clear expectations with family & friends. Or consider an alternative that you’ll enjoy more.

Food sensitivities

You may worry about special dietary needs over Christmas.

Ask to bring your own food, or communicate your diet beforehand.

Shopping stress

Shopping malls and high streets are a lot busier.

Consider shopping online, or go during off-peak hours.

Self-care routine

Holiday chaos can lead to neglecting yourself.

Schedule short breaks for self-care activities, such as deep breathing, meditation, listening to your favourite music, or a good rest.

Unfamiliar surroundings

Being somewhere new might be worrying.

Create a comfort kit to take with you. Pack favourite items like a blanket, snack, stress-relief toys and any other favourites…

Support networks

Being somewhere new might be worrying. Christmas can make some of us feel isolated

Make time to stay connected with friends, family or support groups for emotional support.

Plan those BIG goals for 2025 and beyond, with our The Science of Goalsetting which brings together the combined knowledge of world-class academics who study the science of goal setting!
Date:
3rd January, 5PM - 7PM
Book Here

Please be aware that the National Autistic Society does not offer a crisis or emergency service. UK residents can access urgent help or support by contacting the services listed below.
 

Immediate risk or danger

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services, such as the police.  

• Telephone: 999

• Textphone users: 18000 or visit Relay UK

• You can find out more about contacting the police, their accessibility options and how to report historic crimes by visiting Police UK or calling their non-emergency line on 101.
   

Urgent medical attention

If you or someone you know needs urgent medical attention, or is suicidal: 

• Call 999 if there is an immediate risk of harm (this also includes risk of suicide) 

• Go to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of any hospital or make an emergency GP appointment

• If you live in England, Scotland, or Wales: call the NHS non-emergency line on 111 if medical advice is needed. You can also access advice online at  NHS 111 online  or via the NHS App.  

• If you live in Northern Ireland: contact your trust’s  GP out of hours service.

Help with mental health issues 

If you need help with a mental health issue, you can call 111 and then select Option 2 to speak with a mental health professional.  

You can also access this support using textphone services, British Sign Language video calls or a translator via the NHS 111 Accessibility Page.  

If you live in Northern Ireland, you can call the Lifeline crisis helpline on: 0808 808 8000 

You can find the telephone number for your local urgent mental health helpline using the following links:

• NHS England  

• NHS Wales 

• NHS Inform Scotland   

• Northern Ireland Direct 

Safeguarding concerns  

Our charity does not have authority under UK legislation to investigate, assess or intervene in cases of abuse or neglect.  

If you or someone you know may be at risk of abuse or neglect, contact your local children or adult safeguarding services to report your concerns.   

You can find their contact details by typing into a search engine: “[your Local Authority/Trust name] [ adult/child] safeguarding team”  

To ensure you are using a trusted webpage, you can check that the web address ends in ‘.gov.uk’ (for local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales) or ‘.hscni.net’ (for trusts in Northern Ireland)  

If you are worried that a child may be at risk of harm, the NSPCC can offer support and advice.  
  

Other helplines and listening services 

Please note: the services listed below are delivered by other charities/organisations. Information about each service, including their privacy policies, can be found on each of their websites.  

You can also find a list of other organisations and services that are specifically for, or have adapted their services to meet the needs of, autistic people and/or their families in our Autism Services Directory.
 

Samaritans 

If you are having a difficult time, you can contact Samaritans any time, day or night.  

• Telephone: 116 123 

• Samaritans website (includes details of different methods of contact) 

Shout 85258 

A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. 

• Shout Website 

• Text the word ‘shout’ to 85258  

Mind Helplines 

Mind is a mental health charity providing information, signposting and support services. 

• Mind Helplines Webpage (includes details on accessibility, call charges and an online chat option) 

• Infoline Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday)

• Support Line Telephone  0300 102 1234 (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) 

Saneline 

For anyone experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else (4pm to 10pm, every day of the year). 

• SANEline website 

• Telephone: 0300 304 7000  

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) 

Suicide prevention helpline for anyone who needs to talk (helpline, online chat and Whatsapp contact available 5pm to midnight, every day) 

• Call on 0800 58 58 58 

• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) website  

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK 

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. 

• Call on 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight, every day) 

• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK website 

C.A.L.L (Wales) 

If you live in Wales, the Community Advice & Listening Line is available anytime.  

• Call on 0800 132 737 (available all day, every day)  

• C.A.L.L Website 

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline 

If you, or someone you care about, is experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact The National Domestic Abuse Helpline to discuss your options.  

• Call 0808 2000 247 (available all day, every day)  

• ​​​​​​​The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (website includes chatbot option) 

Helplines Partnership 

Helplines Partnership is the membership body for organisations that provide information, support or advice via phone, email, text or online. You can find details of helplines providing support for many different issues via their websites. 

• Helplines Partnership website 

• Monday 6th January, 19:00, Nosferatu

  • Cert: 15

  • Duration: 2 hours 12 mins (book pick ups for 9:15pm)

  • We’re starting 2025 with Robert Eggers remake of this gothic classic

  • The advanced word on this movie is incredible – a really effective horror thriller

  • The Director, Robert Eggers, has previously made The Witch, The Lighthouse and The Northman

  • This version stars Bill Skarsgard, Willem Dafoe, Emma Corrin, Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult

  • Watch the trailer here: NOSFERATU - Official Trailer [HD] - Only In Theaters December 25 (youtube.com)

• Monday 3rd February, 19:00, *** TO BE CONFIRMED ***

  • Cert: TBC

  • Duration: TBC

  • We had scheduled Mickey 17, the new film from the Director of Parasite and starring Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette

  • However, this film has been delayed, so we need to pick another movie to be our February film

  • Please let me know what you would like to see

  • Films being released in mid to late January include:

    • A Complete Unknown

      • Directed By: James Mangold

      • Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Boyd Holbrook, Elle Fanning

      • Bob Dylan bio-pic

    • Here

      • Directed By: Robert Zemeckis

      • Starring: Tom Hanks, Robin Wirght, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Jonathan Aris

      • Generational drama set at different points in time

    • In The Grey

      • Directed By: Guy Ritchie

      • Starring: Henry Cavill, Emmett J Scanlan, Fisher Stevens, Jason Wong

      • Drama/Thriller from the Director of Snatch & Lock, Stock…

    • Wolf Man

      • Directed By: Leigh Whannell

      • Starring: Julia Garner, Christopher Abbott, Sam Jaeger

      • Werewolf horror from the makers of Saw & Insidious

• Monday 3rd March, 19:00, Captain America: Brave New World

  • Cert: TBC

  • Duration: TBC

  • Is that a RED HULK? Is that a RED HULK?

  • Watch the trailer here: Captain America: Brave New World | Official Teaser | In Theaters February 14, 2025 (youtube.com)

You’ll be able to book tickets, in due course, on the light cinema website. Tickets will be made available, for the other films, over the coming months and ahead of their release.

These Monday evening autism friendly/relaxed screenings are geared more towards older cinema goers. 12A, 15 and 18 certificate films are generally arranged at these times.

Family orientated autism screenings are generally arranged on weekends and in school holidays.

More autism friendly/relaxed screenings are scheduled on other days of the week. Full details are in the light cinema website.

To book tickets for these films, please click the link below and follow the instructions on the light cinema website:

• Relaxed Screenings - Stockport - The Light

• Autism friendly screenings have been rebranded on the light cinema website to Relaxed Screenings

• It’s the same provision

• They’re just calling it something different

• You will need your bank details to make payment online and CEA card details if you are to be accompanied

Relaxed/Autism Friendly Screenings have the following features:

• The auditorium lights are lowered but not turned off

• The sound is at a lower level than other screenings

• There’s no adverts or trailers – so the films start promptly at the time shown

• All customers are free to move around the auditorium

• Customers can bring their own food – though the usual cinema snacks are also available

CEA Card Holders Get One Free Accompanying Ticket For Every Standard Ticket:

• Please see below the link to the CEA Card website.

  • Home - CEA Card

• It’s a buy one, get one free and unlimited for a year.

• You will need:

  • Proof of eligibility

    • Upload the awarding letter from DWP or a statement confirming receipt of the allowance for the following benefits

    • Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Attendance Allowance (AA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult / Child Disability Payment (ADP / CDP in Scotland), Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) Or hold: Severely Sight Impaired Registration (formerly Registered Blind) OR Sight Impaired Registration (formerly Partially Sighted

  • An uploadable passport style photo

  • Pay £6.00

  • Then two people can enjoy a year of cinema for the price of one

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

• These autism friendly/relaxed movie screenings are a facility for people with sensory issues and special needs to access and enjoy cinema

• You don’t have to have autism to attend

• They are not support sessions and I am not a support worker

• They are open to the public and are not solely for people supported by Disability Stockport

• Anyone who needs accompanying, should be accompanied – please see the CEA Card website  - it’ll help with the cost

• Despite receiving lots of e-mails asking for Saw XI, we’re not going to schedule it unless we get a guarantee of attendees

• Yes, I attend most of the Monday Night Movies – but will miss at least two in 2025 due to other commitments

• Yes, you have a say in what movies are scheduled. E-mail me with your preferences and we will try to schedule the most popular choices*

  • *Apart from any Saw, Terrifier or Peppa Pig movies, depending on committed attendees

• Finally, we try to schedule a range of films but some will have difficult subject matter or be a tough watch, like the recent Joker movie

  • We don’t want to cause upset or prompt walk outs (yes, some folks left Toy Story 4 part way through!?!?)

  • We have no control over the quality of the films being shown or how they will be received

  • We just try to schedule films that people want to see and hope that it’ll be an entertaining, or worthwhile, experience

Many thanks to The Light Cinema in Stockport for their ongoing support of relaxed/autism friendly film screenings.

Please send me an e-mail, or give me a call, if you have any queries.

Finally, let me know if there are any films you would like to see in 2025. We try to arrange the most popular choices. Future releases include: Thunderbolts*, Mission: Impossible 8, Ballerina, 28 Years Later, M3GAN 2.0, F1, The Fantastic Four, The Conjuring 4, Insidious 6, The Black Phone 2, Wicked: Part Two, Avatar: Fire & Ash and TRON: Ares.

FREE for Parents, Carers, Family Members and Professionals who have or work with children and young people aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities.

Registration and market place 9am, lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Your contact details will not be shared with any other organisation. The purpose of this event is to take bookings, your personal data along with this event will be deleted 2 weeks after it has taken place.

Packed with sensory-friendly toys and resources, specially designed to bring comfort to autistic children, up to 18 years-old, supporting their individual needs!

What's included...

Dark Den Tent

Bubble Lamp with Fish

Shake and Shine Glitter Lamp

Tambourine

Set of 4 Spikey Rugby Balls

Fidget Gel/Glitter Shapes

UV Puffer Balls

Fidget Pad with Multi-coloured Keys

Green Ooze Tube

UV Kit (including Mini UV Torch)

Ocean Wave

Processing everyday sensory information can be extremely challenging for autistic children, as any of their senses may become over or under stimulated by their surroundings. That’s why Caudwell Children’s Autism Sensory Packs are specifically designed to support these children with affordable, fun, educational, and durable tools that help manage sensory experiences. Many items are compact and suitable for travel or use in school environments.

For eligible families, Caudwell Children will cover 80% of the pack’s cost, requiring only a £22 contribution from the family. These packs provide great value and support for children on the autism spectrum, offering both enjoyment and sensory relief.

Apply for Sensory Pack

Apply now or contact the Applications team for more information, call 0345 300 1348  or email applications@caudwellchildren.com

Neurodiversity for Children - Part 1 - Different Brains

Neurodiversity for Children - Part 2 - What is Neurodiversity?

These two simple animations for children, which look at different ways brains work and explain how we may all differ in our behaviours and understanding of the world.

The videos are very short and simple, and could be used as part of a wider discussion about neurodiversity - for example for Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

Using this resource

This resource is designed for:

• use with children aged 7 to 11

• use with whole classes or year groups

Roblox Club

👨‍👧‍👦 4-12 people I Ages 8-14

📅 Thursdays I 6pm I 60mins I Year-round

💰 £10 Taster I £15 Drop-in I £50 monthly subscription

Play collaborative battle royale, tower, mystery and energetic roleplay Roblox hits, led by experienced neurodivergent gamers. Between meetups, enjoy club challenges and get to know club members in our community, where you can game safely on private servers and chat in our text and voice channels. 

Learn More & Book

Minecraft Club

👨‍👧‍👦 4-12 people I Ages 8-14

📅 Mondays & Wednesdays I 5pm I 60mins I Year-round

💰 £10 Taster I £15 Drop-in I £50 monthly subscription

Join fun weekly meet-ups, led by experienced neurodivergent gamers. Between meetups enjoy building or adventuring in our private servers, enjoy club challenges and get to know club members in our online community space, where your child build friendships and game safely.

*All platforms supported including tablets, latops, Switch. However we do sometimes have joining issues with Playstations. For PS owners we would suggest having a backup device available in case you experience technical issues

Learn More & Book

Roblox Zen

👨‍👧‍👦 4-12 people I Ages 10-16

📅 Mondays I 6pm I 60mins I Year-round

💰 £10 Taster I £15 Drop-in I £50 monthly subscription

Join relaxed weekly low-demand meet-ups, led by experienced neurodivergent gamers. Between meetups, enjoy club challenges and get to know club members in our community, where you can game safely on private servers and chat in our text and voice channels. 

Learn More & Book

Gaming Club

👨‍👧‍👦 4-12 people I Ages 10-16

📅 Tuesdays I 5pm I 45mins I Year-round

💰 £10 Taster I £15 Drop-in I £40 monthly subscription

In gaming club we explore interesting new indie games, talk about the latest releases, share and play games we’ve created ourselves and learn a bit about what it takes to make great games! Run by games designers and streamers Ollie and Mivi, the club is designed for gamers curious to explore the world beyond Roblox, and for budding games designers, artists, world-builders, community managers and streamers. 

Learn More & Book

Social Club

👨‍👧‍👦 4-6 people I Ages 11-14

📅 Tue & Thu I 5pm I 45mins I Year-round

💰 £10 Taster I £40 monthly subscription

Our social clubs make it easy to form friendships, connect over common interests and experiences, and have fun while gradually building confidence to support each other. We offer groups focused on shared experiences and interests, including general, teen girl, and Year 7 groups. Between meet-ups, continue to build friendship in our safe, supportive online community. 

Learn More & Book

DnD Club

👨‍👧‍👦 4-6 people I Ages 11-16

📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays 6pm I 90mins I Year-round

💰 £25 Taster I £90 monthly subscription

Join us for friendly and inclusive Dungeons and Dragons-style tabletop role-play sessions! Hosted by experienced neurodivergent Game Masters, these 90 minute online sessions are specially designed for Uncommon minds and are open to any level of experience. Start the magical adventure today!

Learn More & Book

Creative Writing Club

👨‍👧‍👦 4-12 people I Ages 11-16

📅 Wednesdays I 5pm I 45mins I Term-time

💰 £10 Taster I £15 Drop-in I £150 termly subscription (Payable in 3 x £50 installments)

As neurodivergent people we often have amazing imaginations, creating fantastic worlds, characters and stories in our minds. In Creative Writing Club meet others with amazing imaginations. Get to know each other through fun quizzes, share your writing and learn story-telling and writing tips from Mekkin, our in-house transmedia story-teller and writer! 

Learn More & Book

Character Drawing Lab

👨‍👧‍👦 4-12 people I Ages 10-14

📅 Wednesdays I 6pm I 45mins I Year-round

💰 £10 Taster I £15 Drop-in I £50 monthly subscription

Searching for a space where your child can freely unleash their creativity? Look no further than our Character Drawing Club! Our experienced neurodivergent leaders provide a relaxed and supportive environment for artistic expression. Let’s share ideas, draw and celebrate creativity together!

Learn More & Book

Anime Club

👨‍👧‍👦 4-12 people I Ages 11-16

📅 Mondays I 6pm I 50mins I Term-time

💰 £10 Taster I £15 Drop-in I £50 monthly subscription

Passionate about anime? Join our Anime Club and connect with fellow enthusiasts! Each week, we explore different aspects of anime culture from favourite characters to genre tropes. Get ready to dive into the world of anime!

Learn More & Book Sign Up

*Autistic, ADHD, Dyslexic, Dyspraxic, SPD, PDA, Tourettes and all 'spicy' neurotypes welcome. No diagnosis required. Currently supporting 8-16 year olds

Creative Writing I Drawing I Minecraft I Roblox I Roblox Zen I Gaming Club I DnD I Anime I Eco Club I Social Club

How it works

Have fun in weekly clubs, build friendships in our online community.

Weekly meetups

Fun weekly online club meetups led by neurodivergent facilitators

Make friends

In a no-pressure space whilst doing things you love

Community

Chat with friends, and join events and challenges in our online community

Affordable

Affordable monthly subscription with FREE community access

Learn about our Community

What's On - Spring

Monday

👾 5:00 Minecraft

🙏🏼 6:00 Roblox Zen

⛩️ 6:00 Anime Club 

🧠 6:00 Understanding My Brain 

Tuesday​

💬 5:00 Girls Social Club

🎮 5:00 Gaming Club​

🐉 6:00 DnD Club

😍 6:00 Role Models (FREE)

Wednesday​​ 

👾 5:00 Minecraft Club

✍🏼 6:00 Drawing Club

​

Thursday​

💬 5:00 Girls Social Club

📝 5:00 Creative Writing 

🎮 6:00 Roblox Club

🐉 6:00 DnD Club* 

🧠 6:00 Understanding My Brain ​

This group is an exciting learning and development opportunity for young people alongside having the chance to make a difference in their community. The sessions will also be a fantastic way for attendees to build confidence, share ideas and meet others. GMYN will be hosting a variety of activities and games and will make sure the sessions are inclusive and fun.

Please let me know if I can give you a call to discuss if you know any young people/organisations that might want to get involved. Please feel free to share the flyer around too.

The NHS in Greater Manchester is trying to improve services for young people with ADHD. This is because, at the moment, it can be really hard to get support. People often have to wait a long time to get a diagnosis before they are able to get help with things.

Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) is a charity collecting the opinions of young people to help the NHS understand how to improve this. This survey is a part of this project, and by answering these questions, you will be helping change things for the better- so thank you!

If you need any help with completing this, or have any questions, feel free to get in touch with Chloe by messaging her on:

07759 069 777
or by emailing:
chloe.bettridge@gmyn.co.uk.

• Let's Learn about Autism for 4-7 year olds

• WAAM25 Early Primary 4-7 Lesson Plan

• WAAM25 Teacher's Guide Primary

Primary: Lesson plans 8-11 years old

• Let's Learn about Autism for 8-11 year olds

• Teacher's Guide Primary

• WAAM25 Idea Pad Worksheet for 8-11-year olds

• WAAM25 Lesson Plan for 8-11-year-olds

  
  

Secondary: Lesson plans

• Bite Sized Autism Re-explained

• Full Length Autism Re-explained

• Secondary Lesson Plans

• Secondary Quiz and Myth Buster Worksheet

• Secondary Teachers Guide

• AET Developing Your Own Panel Toolkit

  
  

AET Self advocacy toolkit

• AET Self Advocacy Toolkit for Autistic Young People

  
  

Inclusive pledges for education

• The eight inclusion promises

• The eight inclusion promises blank version

Autism is a spectrum condition and affects people in different ways. Like all people, autistic people have their own strengths and weaknesses. Below is a list of difficulties autistic people may share, including the two key difficulties required for a diagnosis.

Social communication and social interaction challenges

Repetitive and restrictive behaviour

Over- or under-sensitivity to light, sound, taste or touch

Highly focused interests or hobbies

Extreme anxiety

Meltdowns and shutdowns

Ever-changing definition 

How many people are autistic

Varying support needs

Autistic people have varying and complex needs from 24-hour care to simply needing clearer communication and a little longer to do things.

Find out more

Autistic women and girls

More women and girls than ever before are discovering that they are autistic. Many had been missed or misdiagnosed due to outdated stereotypes about autism. But that is slowly changing.

Find out more

Autism and BAME people

Our 2014 report, Diverse Perspectives, suggests it can be even harder for people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups to get a diagnosis and support.

Find out more

Autism and gender identity

We look at the connection between autism and gender identity, and hear stories from non-binary and transgender autistic people.

Find out more

The causes of autism

There is strong evidence to suggest that autism can be caused by a variety of physical factors that affect brain development and genetic factors.

Find out more

The history of autism

It is more than 40 years since Lorna Wing and Judith Gould coined the term autism spectrum and introduced the idea of the triad of impairments.

Find out more

Related training

Understanding Autism

Read more

E-learning

Find out more

Understanding and supporting autistic people

Read more

What were you thinking/ feeling?

Who has been affected?

What needs to happen to put it right?

How do you feel now?

Next time I could ....

I need ...

What were you thinking/ feeling?

Who has been affected?

What needs to happen to put it right?

How do you feel now?

Next time I could ....

I need ...

We offer a Ride Access Pass to guests who may find it difficult or cannot stand for long periods of time either due to a physical disability or a learning/emotional impairment.

You can apply with our partner, Nimbus Disability, here, or read below for more information.

Please note, that you must apply for a Ride Access Pass (RAP) online, at least 7 days in advance of your visit. You must also pre-book RAP before you visit. 

What is Ride Access Pass?

• Free of charge

• Access to a ‘Virtual Queuing System’; you will wait the queue time outside of the actual queue line

• Does not guarantee instant access to the rides, but will significantly decrease queuing time

• You do not need to have a Merlin Annual Pass to apply

• You only need to apply once to get a Ride Access Pass for 3 years

• Available at our Resort Theme Parks; click here to apply, or below for more information

  • Alton Towers Resort

  • Chessington World of Adventures Resort

  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

  • THORPE PARK Resort

For further information on Ride Access Pass and how to prebook, please visit the Merlin Entertainments Accessibility website. 

Carers/Helpers

• Each Ride Access Pass gives access to the Ride Access Pass Holder and up to 3 additional members of the party

• During the application, you will be asked a couple of questions to assess if a carer will need to ride with you on rides with complex evacuations

  • You will get a red wristband at attractions if you will need a carer over the age of 14 to ride with you

  • You will get a yellow wristband at attractions if you do not require a carer

  • At Chessington World of Adventures, you will get a pink wristband if you are unable to ascend/descend 25 steps unaided

Applying

• You will need to apply with our new partner, Nimbus Disability, here. 

• They will individually assess your needs and determine if you are eligible for a Ride Access Pass

• You must do this online, in advance of your visit

• Once approved, you can prebook your Ride Access Pass at all of the Resort Theme Parks

• You’ll need to attach supporting documentation to your application.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Stockport Children’s Book Awards and we want more children than ever to be involved!

The 2025 shortlist is now available and anyone can vote. To access this year's range of events and resources, schools must be signed up to the award programme.

The shortlisted titles nominated for the 2025 Stockport Children’s Book Award are:

Best Picture Book

Snail in Space, written by Rachel Bright, illustrated by Nadia Shireen

The Library Mouse, written by Frances Tosdevin, illustrated by Sophia O’Connor

Witch Cat, written by Lucy Rowland, illustrated by Laura Hughes

Best Read for Juniors

Nora and the Map of Mayhem, written by Joseph Elliott, illustrated by Nici Gregory

We Are Family: Six Kids and a Super-Dad, written by Oliver Sykes, illustrated by Ian Morris

Aya and the Star Chaser, written by Radiya Hafiza, illustrated by Kaley McKean

Best Read for Upper Juniors

The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts, written by Alex Bell

The Clockwork Conspiracy, written by Sam Sedgman

The Island at the Edge of Night, written by Lucy Strange

Voting for your favourite opens in April 2025. Read them now:

• on  BorrowBox

• at any of our libraries

As an autistic student, I find it an incredibly daunting time for many reasons - the workload, fear of failure and finding ways to revise. That's why I'm going to share with you some tips that will make your life a bit easier.

Self care

Your mental health should always be your top priority. Period. Although it may not seem like it now, school is actually such a small part of our lives. Yes, it's important to try your best in school to get the grades you need and deserve. However, in order to fully function and do that, we need to prioritise ourselves. Especially for people with autism, we need a sensory break from the senses around us. Have a nap. Do some skincare. Watch a TV series. Whatever it is, you deserve a break!

Revising little and often

There often is a misconception that you need to revise for hours and hours on end to get those desired grades. Actually, it has been proven that your brain can absorb information more efficiently if you revise in small consistent increments. Try out the pomodoro method - a video is linked below that explains it in more detail.

View the Pomordoro Method video

Find revision methods that work for YOU

We are always told that specific revision methods are supposed to be the holy grail for exam success- but do they work for everyone? Some people prefer to revise in a more hands on way and others prefer to make flashcards. Find methods that engage you and get the information to sink in. Some good revision strategies are using Quizlet or Anki flashcards and blurting. A video for blurting is here:

View the blurting method video

Both of these methods consist of active recall where you retrieve information from your brain. You can adapt these methods to be quizzes which you can test yourself with which can motivate you more to revise!

These exams don't define you as a person!!

This time can be so pressuring for so many of us and we can sometimes think that these grades will determine our whole lives ahead of us and that we won't make it into our chosen paths. The number or letter that we get on a piece of paper doesn't determine our worth as a person, it's actually far from it. It doesn't show how kind or thoughtful we are. Whether you don't get the grades you hope for or get better than you expect, you're still an extraordinary human being. Remember that.

Know that whatever you're feeling is valid

I'm here to let you know that however you may be feeling is completely valid. It's completely okay to be feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed. In fact, it shows that you're willing to do well and succeed. Use those feelings and channel them as power and motivation to get yourself to where you want to be. Your hard work will pay off and your future self will seriously thank you for it when you open that exam paper in the summer.

Mental health and faith: Kooth's support for young Muslims (ages 11+)

Explore what faith and mental health means to young people. In this 30-minute session, we will cover:

• •

  ‘What Islam means to me’ voice of a Muslim young person

• •

  'How my faith supports my mental health'

• •

  FAQ’s from Muslim young people

• •

  What can make it challenging to reach out for support

• •

  Kooth content on faith and mental health

Kooth’s support for young Muslims. Book now

Kooth’s support for young Christians. Book now

We offer free online social groups, tips for everyday life skills, creative activities to enjoy, and friendship & fun for all.

Everyday Tips

Latest Film

Visit the Young People’s Hub

Our Young People’s Hub is a space specifically created for young people with SEND aged 13-25, and is full of helpful information about autism.

There are many resources available to support and empower autistic young people, helping them navigate the world in a way that works for them.

KoothKlass is our series of in-classroom webinars. Covering a wide range of common topics, we engage with tens of thousands of young people every year.

Read on for details of the latest KoothKlass webinars, which you can sign up to for free. Simply select your preferred date and complete the registration form to book your place.

If you have any questions, or would like to book a webinar for your school, please get in touch using the form at the bottom of this page.

Tips for managing exam stress and how Kooth can support you

Apr 23, 2025 10:00:00 AM

Tips for managing exam stress and how Kooth can support you

Apr 24, 2025 10:00:00 AM

Tips for managing exam stress and how Kooth can support you

Apr 25, 2025 10:00:00 AM

Tips for managing exam stress and how Kooth can support you

Apr 29, 2025

10:00:00 AM

Tips for managing exam stress and how Kooth can support you

Apr 30, 2025 10:00:00 AM

Tips for managing exam stress and how Kooth can support you

May 1, 2025 10:00:00 AM

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

Join us on this 30 minute webinar for primary school pupils sitting SATs this year on how to cope with anxiety

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

Apr 28, 2025 3:30:00 PM

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

Apr 29, 2025 3:30:00 PM

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

Apr 30, 2025 3:30:00 PM

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

May 7, 2025 3:30:00 PM

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

May 8, 2025 3:30:00 PM

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

May 9, 2025 3:30:00 PM

We’re improving access to the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme for young people with SEND. It provides funded holiday clubs for children on income-based free school meals.

We regularly carry out quality assurance visits, but we believe young people are best suited to advise us on improvements. We’re launching 'Young Inspectors', who will visit HAF clubs, and provide feedback on what works and what needs improvement.

The Young Inspectors course runs for six evening sessions starting April 29th (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm) at Stockport Safeguarding Unit, with an online option. Participants will gain skills, a certificate and £50 on completion. Please share with young people aged 13-25. They can register via the Young Inspectors registration form.

KoothKlass is our series of in-classroom webinars. Covering a wide range of common topics, we engage with tens of thousands of young people every year.

Read on for details of the latest KoothKlass webinars, which you can sign up to for free. Simply select your preferred date and complete the registration form to book your place.

If you have any questions, or would like to book a webinar for your school, please get in touch using the form at the bottom of this page.

Tips for managing exam stress and how Kooth can support you

Apr 23, 2025 10:00:00 AM

Tips for managing exam stress and how Kooth can support you

Apr 24, 2025 10:00:00 AM

Tips for managing exam stress and how Kooth can support you

Apr 25, 2025 10:00:00 AM

Tips for managing exam stress and how Kooth can support you

Apr 29, 2025

10:00:00 AM

Tips for managing exam stress and how Kooth can support you

Apr 30, 2025 10:00:00 AM

Tips for managing exam stress and how Kooth can support you

May 1, 2025 10:00:00 AM

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

Join us on this 30 minute webinar for primary school pupils sitting SATs this year on how to cope with anxiety

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

Apr 28, 2025 3:30:00 PM

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

Apr 29, 2025 3:30:00 PM

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

Apr 30, 2025 3:30:00 PM

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

May 7, 2025 3:30:00 PM

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

May 8, 2025 3:30:00 PM

Coping with anxiety for pupils sitting SATs

May 9, 2025 3:30:00 PM

Our podcast, Movement for Mental Health, explores how physical activity can positively impact young people’s wellbeing—something they can incorporate into their daily lives to help manage stress, anxiety, and low mood. Encouraging physical activity not only supports mental health but can also reduce the number of young people needing specialist support, helping to ease pressures on waiting lists.

Share this podcast with your young patients to inspire them to move for their minds.

Listen now

We’re improving access to the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme for young people with SEND. It provides funded holiday clubs for children on income-based free school meals.

We regularly carry out quality assurance visits, but we believe young people are best suited to advise us on improvements. We’re launching 'Young Inspectors', who will visit HAF clubs, and provide feedback on what works and what needs improvement.

The Young Inspectors course runs for six evening sessions starting April 29th (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm) at Stockport Safeguarding Unit, with an online option. Participants will gain skills, a certificate and £50 on completion. Please share with young people aged 13-25. They can register via the Young Inspectors registration form.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGONAdp8KQ/O1mZH2XFfXd0N37cArMIIw/view?utm_content=DAGONAdp8KQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=viewer

In this section you will find information on education for autistic children. Our guides provide advice for parents/carers and teaching professionals.

School education

How to get extra help and support in school

Further and higher education

How to get extra help and support in further or higher education

Transitions

Moving between different stages of life, such as school, college and work, is especially hard if you find change difficult, as many autistic people do. This section provides advice about strategies and support that can help.

Bullying

In this section we look at why autistic students are more likely to be bullied, how you can help, and at cyberbullying.

Related professional practice

Supporting autistic pre-school children

Approaches to develop communication, social and play skills

Pre-school to primary transitions

Advice on the transition to primary school

Raising autism awareness in school

A project involving children leading on autism awareness

Top 5 tips: teaching secondary school

Top tips on teaching autistic students in secondary school

Transition planning for autistic pupils

Supporting young people transition into adulthood

Teaching autistic girls

Supporting autistic girls in education

Navigating an eating disorder in the family is always challenging but young people who are supporting a sibling or a parent with an eating disorder can now access new resources on our website.

These resources offer practical guidance and tips for young people on how to cope, ways to start conversations, and how to look after their own wellbeing, helping them feel seen, supported, and empowered.  

Supporting a parent information

When a parent has an eating disorder, it can be a really difficult and confusing time for their children. Kids often look to their parents for guidance and emotional security, so it’s normal for them to feel anxious and unsure when their parent isn’t well – even if their parent is trying their very best to protect them.

Supporting a sibling information

Eating disorders can have a huge effect on all family members, particularly siblings. Coming to terms with the fact a loved one is unwell is incredibly challenging, and it’s common to feel anxious, sad or frightened for them.

When a sibling becomes unwell with an eating disorder, it can result in sudden changes to life at home and family relationships. As a result, siblings might experience a range of difficult thoughts and feelings which may include grief, hopelessness, stress, anger and isolation.

• Related resources

• Supporting your students with exam stress

• Supporting a child with anxiety

• Managing your mental health during exams

Residents can access these courses for free by entering the Stockport Access Code: redrock at inourplace.co.uk.

Understanding your brain (for teenagers only!)

Online Learning

Course Modules

1. Welcome and introduction

2. Your brain development

3. Reading faces

4. Risk taking

5. Risk taking and friends

6. Sensitive to rejection

7. You and sleep

8. Review

9. Congratulations!

Understanding your feelings (for teenagers only!)
Preteen to teenager

Course Modules

1. Welcome!

2. Our feelings

3.What to do with feelings?

4. Processing feelings

5. Feelings and thoughts

6. You and COVID

7. Review

8. Last bit of the course

Residents can access these courses for free by entering the Stockport Access Code: redrock at inourplace.co.uk.

Understanding your brain (for teenagers only!)

Online Learning

Course Modules

1. Welcome and introduction

2. Your brain development

3. Reading faces

4. Risk taking

5. Risk taking and friends

6. Sensitive to rejection

7. You and sleep

8. Review

9. Congratulations!

Understanding your feelings (for teenagers only!)
Preteen to teenager

Course Modules

1. Welcome!

2. Our feelings

3.What to do with feelings?

4. Processing feelings

5. Feelings and thoughts

6. You and COVID

7. Review

8. Last bit of the course

Are you ready to think about the areas you might like to develop further? Spin the Wheel of Strengths and reflect on not only your skills, but also your interests and personality traits, and how to develop them further to support your future.

Below, you’ll find just a few of the interactive tools, films, and activities available for you to use from age 14+, right now on your own, with family, or with other support.

Wheel of Strengths

Discover which jobs could suit you by picking your current skills, interests and personality traits.

Create your wheel

Dealing with pressure

Discover some popular tips to deal with pressure, by mastering techniques that will help you to keep your mental health in a good place.

Read more

Blogs

Visit our blog, packed full of tips and inspiration to help you on your journey through education and work.

Blog

Transferable skills

Learn about transferable skills, what they are and how they can help in life and at work.

Discover

CV builder

CV builder The CV builder tool helps your students build their CVs from scratch. The tool will ask for the information it needs to create a strong CV and then generates a personalised Word document for your students to start job-hunting immediately.
Go to CV builder →

Virtual interview practice Along with a strong CV, building good interview skills can help students to succeed in finding work this summer and beyond. Show your students the Virtual interview practice tool, which aims to recreate the experience of attending an interview across a range of industries.

Go to Virtual interview practice →