Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Introduction

Acknowledgments
This document has been produced following feedback from people diagnosed with
autism and their families who requested written information about autism and
autism resources. We would like to acknowledge the Lothian Adult ADHD & ASD
Resource Team (previously referred to as LAAT) for allowing us access to the
document and allowing us to amend it to meet the needs of those within Forth
Valley.

Terms Used
For the purposes of this document we will use the term Autism Spectrum Disorder
to describe all diagnostic profiles, including Autism and Asperger Syndrome. We
will also refer to autistic people, as a recent NAS survey identified that more service
users preferred this term.

Who is this resource for?

We have written this booklet for the person recently diagnosed with Autism
Spectrum Disorder but you may find it helpful to share some of the information
with another person such as a partner, family member or employer.

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Introduction to Autism

What is Autism?

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how people

perceive the world and interact with others.

Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people share certain

difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways. Some autistic
people say the world feels overwhelming and this can cause them
considerable anxiety. In particular, understanding and relating to other
people, and taking part in everyday family, school, work and social life, can be
harder.

Autism is much more common than most people think. About one in a
hundred people are living with autism in the UK. People from all nationalities
and cultural, religious and social backgrounds can be autistic. Autism affects
both men and women.

The appearance of autism can vary from person to person. One person with
autism may be very verbal, bright and engaged, while another may be non-
verbal and introverted or any state in between. Autistic people usually have
some difficulties in the areas of:

Communication:

Autistic people may take longer than others to understand what somebody is
saying. They may become confused when lots of information is given to
them all at once and they may take things that people say very literally.

Flexibility and Imagination:

Autistic people may think in a rigid way. This means that they may find
it difficult to consider alternatives or to accept when things are not as they
expected. It can be difficult for them to think ahead and to guess what will
happen next, which means that they may become anxious or confused in
some situations. The patterns of thinking mean that autistic people often like
routine and are good at setting up and following routines. They may have
fixed interests and be adept at focusing on detail.

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Introduction to Autism

Social interaction

Autistic people may find it difficult to work out what other people are thinking
or feeling. It may be difficult for them to learn the ‘social rules’ about what to
do with other people. They may feel anxious or fearful in unfamiliar places
or with unfamiliar people because they find it difficult to make sense of
what they see and hear.

Sensory Processing

Autistic people may experience sensory information differently. One or

several senses may be affected, e.g. light, sound, touch, taste, movement,
temperature. A person may be extremely sensitive or not notice differences in
sensation at all. Sensory difficulties can vary from day to day and from place
to place.

Notes
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Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 What do I do next?

Do I need to tell anyone I have Autism?

It is up to you who you tell about your diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Some people find it helpful to discuss the diagnosis with their family or close
friends as it can help them understand the person more easily and support
them more effectively. Others prefer to keep the diagnosis to themselves. If you
are not sure whether to discuss the diagnosis with your family or friends, then it
may be helpful to find out a bit more about autism first of all, possibly through
contacting one of the support services listed below. It is generally not a good idea
to tell lots of people who you do not know well.

Some people report experiencing a range of emotions after they receive a

diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. This can include a sense of vulnerability
and a need to reflect on their core identity. Some people report that making
connections with other autistic people and becoming part of an autistic community
can offer a very positive support but this is generally a very individual experience.

If you are currently employed then you may find it helpful to tell your employer, but it
is not a legal requirement. Employers are not allowed to discriminate against
autistic people; indeed they are required by law to make ‘reasonable adjustments’
to help you in your work (see the chapter on Employment for more information). If
you are having difficulties in work it can be helpful to let your employer know so
they can work with you to adjust your working conditions to make them easier for
you to cope with.

If you are currently on benefits then it is a good idea to tell the benefits agency,
although you do not have to.

You do not have to tell the Driving Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) unless
your autism affects your ability to drive.

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Mental Health

Many people experience times of low mood, anxiety or stress at one time or
another and these are just part of typical human experience. However,
sometimes these feelings become severe and start to take over a person’s
thinking and behaviour, to the extent that they struggle to manage their day to
day life. This can be a sign that someone is suffering from a mental illness.
Mental illnesses are common and are known to affect around one in four people
in the population as a whole.

Although many autistic people are mentally well, people on the autism
spectrum are at greater risk of developing mental health problems than the
general population. It is important to remember that treatments do exist for
mental illnesses, so you should seek help from your GP if you think you need it.

Some mild mental health problems can be managed with changes to lifestyle
and stress management techniques. You may need help to organise these.

If you are … You could try this….

 Try and establish a regular routine for

everyday activities.

Stressed and anxious  Reduce unexpected changes to your

routine as much as possible
 Plan regular activities that you enjoy to
help you feel better
Low in mood
 Exercise regularly which has been
proven to benefit mood and anxiety
levels
 Have a plan for each morning with
Feeling worse in the morning
specific activities to get up for

 Try and follow a regular bedtime routine

 Don’t use Smartphones or tablets in bed

Frustrated that you are not sleeping well  Avoid exercising or eating a big meal
before bed time
 Cut down on tea, coffee and caffeinated
drinks, especially after 6pm

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Mental Health

If these things do not work, or you are not able to manage them, then you
may need specific treatment. Usually, the first step is to arrange an appointment
with your GP. GPs can often treat mental health problems, usually by
recommending some form of talking therapy or self-help and / or by
prescribing medication. Sometimes they will refer you to specialist mental health
services if they think that you need it.

Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems people
experience. Some specific information about anxiety and depression is given
below.

Anxiety disorders

What is an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety is a normal feeling and a common reaction to certain situations; indeed a

moderate amount of anxiety can be helpful such as making a sportsperson feel
more alert before a big event. In anxiety disorders this feeling becomes too severe
to be helpful and can occur in the wrong context.

How do I know if I am becoming anxious?

Sometimes autistic people can find it hard to recognise when they are becoming
anxious, instead just noticing that they ‘don’t feel quite right’. The symptoms of
anxiety can be both mental and physical. The early mental symptoms of anxiety
include feelings of tension, fear, negative thoughts or worry and feeling constantly
tired. People can sometimes develop a strange feeling that either they or the
world around them looks and feels ‘unreal’.

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Mental Health

Some physical signs of Anxiety You could try this

Dry mouth, churning stomach  Sit down and sip a glass of water
Eyesight becomes disturbed  Try to concentrate on your breathing and count
Feeling faint, feeling panicky each breath slowly in and out

Getting hot and sweaty, trembling  Try to remember that this feeling will fade away
shortly
Heart beat feels fast and strong
Breathing feels fast and shallow  Concentrate on a helpful word or phrase and
say it slowly to yourself e.g. ‘harmony’ or ‘wide
Feel like you need the toilet blue ocean’

Other strategies that may

You could try …
help
 http://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/asppodcast.asp.

 Breathing exercises
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/diaphragm
atic-breathing
Relaxation techniques
 Progressive muscle relaxation

 Practicing regularly and when you are not anxious can

help a lot when you need to use the technique

 Some medication may be helpful

See your GP if your anxiety is
severe or persistent
 You may be referred to a specialist

Depression

Everyone feels down or unhappy sometimes and this is a normal experience. The
illness depression is when a person feels unhappy almost all the time for more than
two weeks.

How do I know if I am depressed?

As well as persistent low mood or feeling unhappy for more than 2 weeks,
people with depression often feel that they have no energy and don’t enjoy things
that they used to find fun. Sometimes people feel very negative about the future
and think about hurting themselves or even ending their life. Physical symptoms of
depression can include trouble sleeping and a loss of appetite.

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Mental Health

You might be feeling… You could try …

 Try to have a regular structured daily routine

Not enjoying things anymore  Take regular exercise

Low energy levels  Get a good night’s sleep

 Make sure you are eating regularly and have a
healthy diet

Feel like hurting myself or ending  Visit your GP who may give you medication or
my life refer you to a specialist for talking therapy

You may require support from another person to put these things in place.

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 NHS Supports

CAMHS:
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) is provided by NHS Forth
Valley. We work with you to understand your/your child’s difficulties and where
appropriate offer therapeutic interventions to help you make the changes you want
to make.

The team is made up of a range of different professionals and we work together

using the skills and knowledge of all the different professionals and disciplines,
known as multi disciplinary working.

The strength of multidisciplinary CAMHS team-working is that distinct therapeutic

approaches can be offered by utilising the different skills of each profession.

North CAMHS: Out Patient Department 3 (OPD3), Stirling Health & Care Village,
Livilands, Stirling Tel : 01786 454546

South CAMHS: The Manor, Brown Street, Falkirk

Opening Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday

Psychiatry:
Adult Mental Health Services are currently hosted within the Forth Valley
Community Health Partnership.

The Organisation provides Adult Mental Health Services across the whole
spectrum from Acute Hospital care to Community Services, Acute Admission and
Assessment Services, Rehabilitation Services, Long-stay Facilities, Day Hospitals
and Community Services.

Adult Mental Health Psychological Therapy Service:

The service is based at the Falkirk Community Hospital with sub-bases at Stirling
Community Hospital and Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre and
Number 2 The Bungalows, Larbert. Clinics are also provided at a number of health
centres and other locations throughout Forth Valley.

The Adult Mental Health Psychological Therapies Service offers assessment for
adults experiencing psychological difficulties that are having a significant negative
psychological impact on their mental health. We provide, where appropriate, expert
psychological therapy. Therapy involves the person engaging in structured, time-
limited; evidence based psychological interventions and can involve working
through emotional distress.

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 NHS Supports

Speech and Language Therapy:

Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) work with people with a range of speech,
language, communication, and /or eating and drinking difficulties.
The NHS Forth Valley SLT team aim to:

 Provide an equitable, person-centred approach to people with speech,

language and communication needs and to those with eating and drinking
difficulties.
 Support people and their families to self-manage these needs.
 Develop the skills of other individuals involved with the person to use
appropriate support strategies.
 Provide training and advice to other services when required.

The NHS Forth Valley SLT team support adults from across the whole Forth Valley
area; working in a range of settings, including hospitals, care homes, clinics and in
people’s homes where appropriate.

Having a diagnosis of autism does not mean automatic access to these services.
Should you wish to discuss a request for assistance for these services please
contact your GP or NHS service directly.

NB For NHS services, if you wish to be included on this page please contact Alison
Hall Autism Project Lead.

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Where to get support

Carers Centres:

Falkirk Carers Centre - The Carers Centre provides information and support
to carers of all ages living in Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire.

The Centre is managed by a Board elected from the membership of Central

Carers Association, a voluntary organisation comprising carers and those with
an interest in carers' issues.

Falkirk - Tel: 01324 611510

Clackmannanshire: 01259 226839

Email: centre@centralcarers.co.uk

Stirling Carers Centre –

If your life has become restricted by taking responsibility for the care of
another who, due to illness, disability or age, cannot manage on their own,
then you are a carer.

We aim to give you all the help you need to enable you to make informed
decisions about your situation, and to support you in in your caring role. Tel:
01786 447003
We provide:

 Advice & information

 Carer Support Plans
 Benefit checks
 Help with forms
 1:1 Support
 Basic advocacy
 Respite events
 Hospital Support
 Peer support groups
 …and more.

All our services are free, confidential and impartial.

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Websites and Online Links

General Links:

The National Autistic Society (NAS) has a comprehensive website with good
information on matters relating to autism. The website also has links to other
services, information and resources.
www.autism.org.uk

Scottish Autism website

This provides general autism information as well as details of autism-specific
training and education. Their online learning resource is called RightClick.
www.scottishautism.org..

Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) website

This provides information about evidence based clinical practice guidelines for
the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland. There is a downloadable
booklet for adults, partners, friends, family members and carers of autistic
people.
http://www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/fulltext/145/index.html

Jessica Kingsley Publishers

This publishing group has a wide range of books on autism.
www.jkp.com

Principles of Good Transitions 3 and Autism supplement

A guide which has been developed as a result of Scotland-wide consultation
in relation to transitions for young people into adulthood
www.arcuk.org.uk/scotland

Autism Forth Valley Web Page

http://www.autismforthvalley.co.uk/

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Website and Online Links

Autism Community

Asperger United
A free quarterly magazine written by and for people on the autism
spectrum. http://www.autism.org.uk/about/adult-life/resources/asperger-
united.aspx

Your Autism Magazine: our members' magazine

Keeps you up to date with the latest research, approaches and
developments in autism.
http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/membership/magazine.aspx

Sam Radio
Internet community based radio station - not for profit organisation for
Autistic adults.
http://samradio.org/schedule/

Peer-led resources can be a useful source of support and

information for some people the hashtag #ActuallyAutistic was
developed for the autistic community as an online community
discussion space
#actuallyautistic resources

Michael McCreary – stand up comedian

https://www.aspiecomic.com

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Autistic Women

Scottish Women’s Autism Network (SWAN)

SWAN was established in August 2012 in partnership with Autism Network
Scotland.

“We meet for peer support and networking. We help each other by sharing our
experiences and knowledge, having open discussions, women having the
opportunity to meet like-minded women. SWAN is a network of women each
with a unique perspective, shaped by individual experiences and
circumstances; we represent a range of views on all sorts of issues from
diagnosis to gender, from ASC as a difference rather than a disorder, to life in
general.”

http://www.autismnetworkscotland.org.uk/swan/

Scottish Autism Right Click Women and Girls Online Support

“Our women and girls programme is for autistic females of all ages, as well as
parents, carers and professionals.”
“The programme provides valuable information addressing key health and
wellbeing challenges, as well as providing practical advice on a range of
issues”

“The topics covered include: diagnosis, education, employment, positive living

and parenting”

https://www.scottishautism.org/services-support/support-families/women-and-
girls-online-support

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Autistic Women

The Girl with the Curly Hair Project

Training and advice for women and girls by young woman with ASD
Website: www.thegirlwiththecurlyhair.co.uk

Walking to the Beat of Autism

Well-known writers provide advice, support and empowerment to
fellow autistic women

Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Book by Sarah Hendrickx about understanding life experiences from
early childhood to old age

An Independent Woman’s Handbook for Super Safe Living on

the Autistic Spectrum
Book by Robyn Steward about recognizing potential risks to personal
safety Topics include sex, relationships, drugs, money and mobile
devices

From Here to Maternity – Pregnancy and Motherhood on

the Autism Spectrum
Book by Lana Grant

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Higher Education – University and College

Applying to university or college

The National Autism Society (NAS) has information on their website for autistic
people who are considering applying to a university or further education college.
UCAS is the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education
courses that are offered at universities and colleges in the UK.

Disability Rights UK has further information on applying to higher education.

Sharing information about a diagnosis of ASD

Many people worry that disclosing their disability when applying to university may
lead to discrimination against them. Universities and colleges have a legal
requirement to make 'reasonable adjustments' so that students with disabilities
are not put at a substantial disadvantage. An example of a 'reasonable
adjustment' could be to provide copies of the lecture notes for a student who finds
note-taking during lectures difficult.

What supports are available?

You will need to contact the disability support staff at the

university or college to find out about support services
they offer and for a chance to talk about the support that you
feel you may need whilst studying. It is useful to make
contact with the support services before starting university
or college so that the support is in place from the beginning
of the course.

Disabled Students' Allowance

You may be eligible for a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), awarded

through SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland). These grants are available
to help with costs that students may incur as a direct result of their disability.
Unlike a loan, these do not have to be paid back.

SAAS gives information about what you can claim under DSA, how to apply and
contact details.

Student Awards Agency Scotland

Scottish Government agency giving financial support to eligible students
www.saas.gov.uk

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Higher Education – University and College

The National Autistic Society

Information and support for students
www.autism.org.uk/services/scotland/further-education.aspx

Disability Rights UK Student helpline

Tues and Thurs 11am-1pm

Phone: 0800 328505
Email: students@disabilityrightsuk.org;

“We recommend that disabled students who are studying in or wish to study in
Scotland contact Lead Scotland (0800 999 2568) for more specialised information
and advice about education and training in Scotland. The Lead helpline is open
2pm-4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10am-12pm on Tuesdays
and Fridays.”

UCAS
This organization is responsible for managing applications to higher
education.
Phone: 0871 4680468
www.ucas.com

Disabled Student Allowance Quality Assurance Group

www.dsa-qag.org.uk
http://www.dsa-qag.org.uk/students/find-your-disability-officer

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Higher Education – University and College

Individual universities and colleges provide further information on their websites

about the support they can offer students with disabilities and support needs
including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Some local institutions are referenced below.

 Stirling University Support Services

https://www.stir.ac.uk/student-life/support-wellbeing/student-support-
services/accessibility-and-inclusion/

 Forth Valley College

https://www.forthvalley.ac.uk/student-info/support-advice/learning-support/

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Assistive Software

For some people processing (listening to and understanding) verbal or written

language can be difficult. There are a variety of resources available to support
your processing and retention of information. Some of these resources are
free and some incur a fee. There may be funding available for these supports
if you are in College or University.

Note taking
Audio Notetaker (Windows and Mac)
This program enables you to record teaching sessions directly into your
computer. The audio appears visually on the screen so you can colour code
important information as it is being recorded, enabling you to identify relevant
points and tasks later; without having to listen to the whole lecture / meeting
again. PowerPoint slides and PDF documents can also be imported into an
Audio Notetaker project before the session.

Mind mapping
This type of software enables you to create mind maps, timelines, plans and
Gantt charts; organizing thoughts and ideas in a structured way. You can also
add references and include useful information from web pages for use in your
mind map.

ClaroRead Plus (Windows and Mac)

This program can read documents and web pages aloud in a human-sounding
voice. It contains a comprehensive dictionary, spellchecker, and converts text
to audio for listening on an MP3 player. This software is ideal for checking
your work for sense and structure.

Claro Software – there are demo presentations on YouTube channel.

This list is for illustrative purposes only and not exhaustive. There are
other software programmes available.

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 LGBTQI Community

LGBT Health and Wellbeing

This is a community led group that provides a safe social space,
campaigns on relevant issues and raises awareness within mainstream
Autistic organisations and LGBT organisations. Reduce social isolation,
increase confidence, self-esteem and to empower individuals to
become more active within their communities. This is for people aged
16+.

Helpline : Open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 12- 9pm

0300 123 2523

https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/

https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/groups-and-support/
Open every Tuesday and Wednesday between 12 - 9pm

National Autistic Society – Gender and Autism:

http://www.autism.org.uk/gender

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Autism and the Justice System

 http://www.autism.org.uk/about/adult-life/the-law.aspx

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Employment

A 2006 survey estimated that there were over 46,000 autistic people in Scotland,
which has a total population of around 5.2 million. Many adults can and want
to work; yet recent research by The National Autistic Society found that only
15% of autistic adults were in full- time employment.

Autistic people can experience a range of difficulties that make it difficult for
them to find and keep a job. With the right support and training for both them
and their employer and colleagues, Autistic people have much to offer in the work
place. A combination of the right support and appropriate opportunities can make
a real difference to many autistic people.

Why employ an autistic person?

Autistic people can make effective and highly valued

employees. As is the case with all employees, it is
important to match a person’s particular skills to the
requirements of the post. Autistic people can be very
focused and have considerable skills in specific areas,
which can include attention to detail, a methodical
approach, strong research skills, good long term
memory and excellent record-keeping.

What can your employers do to support you?

Your employer can make a number of reasonable adjustments to working

practices to support you if you have a diagnosis of autism.

Some examples of supports and adjustments your employer can make

include:

 Appointing a colleague to act as a mentor for you, to help with any issues that
arise and if need be represent your views;
 Arranging general and specific autism awareness training for staff who
work with the employee(s) with autism
 Bringing in help from external support organisations that offer job mentoring,
coaching and general or specific job assistance to autistic people
 Using a job coach to help both employer and employee to establish a
successful working partnership.

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Employment

The National Autistic Society has further information on reasonable adjustments

in the workplace for both employers and for autistic employees, including fact
sheets for employers:

http://www.autism.org.uk/professionals/employers/information-for-
employers.aspx

The main goal is to help promote the values and skills autistic individuals can
bring to a business or organisation, which may not have been initially
obvious.

Access to employment

http://autismforthvalley.co.uk/adult-austim/employment-support/how-get-help-
access-employment/

Employability (Forth Valley)

We support people with long-term health conditions and disabilities to access paid
employment. Clients work with Case Managers to assess their health, skills,
experience, training and employment goals. The team provides access to a range
of health supports and intervention through specialist in-house provision in
partnership with NHS Forth Valley. This can include health checks, stress
management, counselling, functional and cognitive assessments and advice about
managing long-term health conditions.

https://my.stirling.gov.uk/services/community-life-and-leisure/adult-education-and-
community-learning/employability

Working Health Services Scotland (WHSS) provides free

and confidential advice and health support to the self-employed and individuals
employed by companies with less than 250 employees.

If you have a health condition which you feel is impacting on your work, you could
benefit from Working Health Services Scotland. The service aims to help you
manage your condition, preventing you from having an episode of sickness
absence or assist you in returning to work after a period of sickness absence.

http://www.salus.co.uk/return-to-work-services/case-management/Working-Health-
Services/Pages/default.aspx

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

 Daily and Social Activities

Quiet Hours
Some shopping centres and supermarkets have introduced Quiet Hours
where they will often dim lights, turn music off, avoid using the tannoy and
turn check-out beeps down.

Autism Friendly Cinema Showings

Including Odeon, The Vue, Cineworld, please see the cinema website to
check details.

LGBT Health and Wellbeing Social Groups

https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/event/lgbt-autism-group-2/2018-06-09/

SWAN Social Groups

SWAN hold regular meet ups for autistic women
https://www.facebook.com/pg/swans.scotland/events/?ref=page_internal

National Museum of Scotland

https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/plan-your-visit/events-
and-resources-for-autistic-people/

Autism Network Scotland have an events calendar that holds information

about events being held near you.

http://www.autismnetworkscotland.org.uk/

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack

The pack is a working document and will be updated and altered as required. All
information is correct at time of print and may be subject to change without notice.

Forth Valley Autism Post Diagnostic Pack