If you'd prefer to watch recordings of the Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder Group's sessions you can watch them on YouTube.

Session one - introduction

This session introduces the group and explains what Autism Spectrum Disorder is and introduces the neurodevelopmental constellation which explains how some neurodevelopmental conditions have similar symptoms.

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Session two - anxiety

Session two focuses on anxiety and explains what it is and why most people on the spectrum struggle with anxiety. The session also explores some physical, psychological and behavioural signs associated with anxiety and offers some strategies on how to cope with and manage anxiety.

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Session three - the senses

Our third session focuses on sensory sensitivities and difference. It offers a better understanding of this by explaining the different types of sensory profiles and how this can have an impact on your behaviour. We also look at coping strategies on how to manage the sensory difficulties and differences.

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Session four - socialising

In this session we'll look at socialising. We will explore some of the difficulties with socialising that most people of the spectrum struggle with. This includes looking at stress and anxiety and how they can make socialising even more difficult. We will introduce you to the Social Battery Model to help you think about things that may make socialising difficult for you, thereby ‘draining your battery’ and what could ‘charge up’ your battery to make socialising a little easier.

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Session five - education and employment

Session five focuses on education and employment. We will look at how autism is seen as a disability by the Equality Act (2010) and reasonable adjustments in education and in the workplace. The session also offers information on services that work with and offer support to autistic people in education and the workplace.

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Session six - strengths

In the final session we focus on the strengths that many autistic people have and encourage you to recognise these strengths and how useful it can be. Some of these strengths include attention to detail, resilience and in some cases, having great memory.

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