The Autism Resource Manual for FamiliesEdition 1

The Autism Resource Manual for Families is a treasure trove of practical, realistic and achievable strategies to support neurodivergent young people and their families with everyday life. Clearly laid out for easy use and access, it explains autism in context and provides ideas that are relevant not just for parents and carers, but for family support workers, social workers and family intervention teams.

The resource covers a wide range of situations and offers an array of supports, with key topics ranging from anxiety, behaviour, and communication, to socialising, family life, and moving towards independence. With the lived experiences of parents and autistic children and young people in mind, this empowering manual includes:

• A wealth of situations from daily life, clearly addressed with examples of how autistic individuals may experience these and practical strategies for effective support
• Encouragement for parents and mini mantras for autistic children and young people to use in different situations
• Strategies for supporting autistic children in daily family life, including working with siblings, family holidays and eating out
• Advice for helping autistic young people through school, including attendance, homework and after-school exhaustion
• Guidance on initiating and carrying out productive conversations, as well as downloadable resources for visual conversation support.

This book will be an essential tool for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people, as well as family or parent support workers and family intervention teams. It will also be valuable reading for pastoral teams, CAMHS, and social workers supporting these families.