West Yorkshire Autism Consultancy Services

27/03/2022

Today is the start of this years World Autism Acceptance Week! We will be celebrating autistic children and adults this week, and those autistic individuals who work tirelessly to share stories and raise awareness towards acceptance for all

19/02/2022

Professionals should always use autistic voices to reflect on, and improve practice. This book is amazing for reflective practitioners!

25/08/2021

The amazing Gina Davies Autism Centre and advice around preparing for the start of the new term:

First day of term - wake up it's time for school!

In the holidays the start of the day can be a relaxed tv/iPad/breakfast pyjama combination even if your child is an early riser.

The first day of term can be a bit of a shock to the system for everyone! Time pressures and agitation at the start of term can tip children into stress and anxiety.

Practicing getting up early for 3 or 4 days before the start of term and following the anticipated breakfast and dressing routine can really help.

Lots of children on the spectrum do not take well to being rushed and it's not much fun for parents either! It may not sound clever but a few days easing into the routine will make DAY 1 easier!

21/07/2021

The government have announced a new autism strategy that aims to improve services for autistic children and adults. Read more information on the link below:

The government’s national strategy for improving the lives of autistic people and their families and carers in England, and implementation plan for 2021 to 2022.

11/07/2021

For those of you watching the football - enjoy! Come on England!
Photo credit- Twinkl

05/06/2021

Behaviour that challenges can be an involuntary reaction to how a child perceives a situation - what can you do to make the environment calm, safe and inviting to support children’s regulation?

16/04/2021

Summer term can often be a ‘transition’ term - with many pupils moving to primary school, secondary school or in some cases, a new setting.
With COVID restrictions preventing a lot of transition visits being able to go ahead, it is important to continue to provide supports for children to support their understanding of the upcoming change, provide answers to their questions and ease anxiety and stress.

Starsteam.org.uk have a really useful document with some ideas to support transition - please use the link below to access the resource:

http://www.starsteam.org.uk/media/Transition%20Guidence%20for%20website.pdf

08/04/2021

Wonderful recognition of some of the difficulties associated with school clothing here - whilst schools should make reasonable adjustments for children who struggle with wearing uniform, this is a step in the right direction!

Parents of children with specific needs say they get 'distressed' when trying to dress them.

03/04/2021

Happy Easter Weekend from WYACS!

14/02/2021

It’s half term week!
If children have been continuing to attend school, a change of routine can be difficult.
Using a visual timetable at home helps children know the routine of the day, and helps reduce anxiety.
(Picture Credit - Twinkl.co.uk for free home timetable visuals)

25/01/2021

We are seeing higher anxiety in autistic children as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic which is prolonging an absence of any kind of normality.

This NAS site gives some tips on how adults, children and families can support individuals to understand what is happening and why things are changing.

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/resources/tips-for-autistic-people-and-families

07/01/2021

Amazing offer from Widgit Online during this lockdown period for children who have part time places or are staying at home!