Here to provide meaningful information on all things autism.
Scottish Autism recognises that access to reliable and useful information is critical for individuals on the autism spectrum, their families and involved professionals.
We are continuously developing information resources on a range of day to day topics and issues. Our information development is based on our knowledge and understanding of the common challenges that arise for people. This is informed by the nature of the many enquiries made to our Autism Advice Line.
In addition to web based information, our autism advisors are happy to discuss individual situations and where possible will provide bespoke information and advice. To speak to an advisor directly, please contact our advice line.
Many parents of children and adults on the autism spectrum report difficulties with eating.
There may be a number of reasons for this but first and foremost it is vital to look at the person’s health and get a medical check in order to eliminate any serious illness.
Sleeping difficulties are very common in people on the autism spectrum. Disruption to sleep can arise for many reasons. Some examples are: anxiety, the need for a more predictable routine, confusion regarding time concepts, a poor understanding of the concept of sleep and confusion resulting from busy or cluttered sleeping environment.
Supporting a child on the autism spectrum to be independent in their toileting can be a daunting prospect for parents. There are many reasons why this may prove more challenging for a child on the spectrum than with a more typically developing child. Communication is a key issue.
Play is such a fundamental part of child rearing, and one that comes so naturally to most babies, children and parents that we often don’t stop to think about the importance of play on so many parts of a child’s development.
The advice below is drawn from the accumulated experience of supporting many individuals and families to access this basic but often problematic activity. The advice given does not apply to everyone and is intended to help with short term approaches whilst longer term learning and understanding can build.
Many of us cringe at the very thought of visiting the dentist.
The smells, the noise of the drill, the fact that you find it hard to swallow with a finger poking into your mouth - whatever the reason it is hard for most of us to endure, but for people on the autism spectrum this can be an especially challenging experience. This may be as a result of the type of fear and anxiety that many people experience.
Going on holiday with a child or adult on the autism spectrum can be a challenging prospect. There are a number of reasons why this might be the case. There may be issues with adapting to change, to a new environment or in supporting the individual to manage various forms of transport, new routines and new activities.
The experience of attending university is full of possibilities and experiences that will, for most young people, be new and exciting.
Accessing higher education is a very real possibility for many young people on the autism spectrum, particularly those with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Christmas is a special time of year, but for an autistic person it can also be daunting. Changes in daily structure and routine, combined with the unpredictability of events can be challenging, with new toys, seasonal foods, flashing Christmas decorations and louder music.
Click here for short list of useful tips that we hope may prove helpful in making this festive period as special and as stress free as possible.