To mark World Autism Awareness Week 2020, we will be sharing stories and resources about autism throughout this week.
An Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a child, young person or adult communicates and relates to both people and the world around them.
The term ‘spectrum’ is used because although there are three main areas of difficulty that affect all people with autism – social communication, social interaction and social imagination - the condition varies significantly between individuals.
We support many people with autism at MacIntyre.
If you are interested in learning more about autism, we have compiled a list of reading materials that may be useful. Each of these materials have been shared at our Autism Special Interest Group where our staff share best practice.
Reading material about autism
- Sensory Issues in Autism: Guidance by East Sussex County Council: https://www.viva-access.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Sensory-Issues-in-Autism-East-Sussex.pdf
- Spectrum Women – Barbara Cook and Dr. Michelle Garnett - In this book, contributors with autism describe life from a female perspective covering topics such as mental health, communication, employment and pursuing a diagnoses
- Autism: Fixations, Obsessions and Special Interests by Travis Breeding - This book breaks down the similarities and differences between autism fixations, obsessions, and special interests.
- National Autistic Society: Community Forum - A discussion forum for people on the autism spectrum, their carers and relatives, and professionals working in the field of autism to meet online and share their thoughts and experiences. It’s free to join and a great way to share support.
- Flamingo Boy by Michael Morpurgo - In January 2018, author Michael Morpurgo published a novel set in WWII about a young boy with autism called Lorenzo. Morpurgo based Lorenzo on his own grandson with autism.
- Free training on autism, sexuality and relationships: https://www.kingwood.org.uk/free-training/