As part of our revamped COVID-19 Toolkit, we have put together a new, updated list of COVID-19 resources for autistic people. It includes guidance on things like wearing face coverings and travelling safely on public transport, local support and groups for autistic people and blog posts and information hubs from regional and national organisations.
Guidance, legislation and general resources
- UK – Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own (autistic people are exempt from wearing one if they feel uncomfortable wearing a mask): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
- National Autistic Society – Coronavirus (includes info on benefits, working from home, education and healthcare): https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/coronavirus
- Autistica – Coronavirus resources: https://www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-autism/coronavirus
- Autistic UK – COVID-19 Resources Centre: https://autisticuk.org/covid-19-resources-centre/
Health services
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Hospital Passport with front sheet for COVID-19: https://t.co/vrIVXnA4bN?amp=1
- National Autistic Society – My Health Passport: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/physical-health/my-health-passport
Face coverings and social distancing
- Leeds Autism AIM’s Face Covering Exemption card: PDF version
- Leeds Autism Services:
- Help with social distancing: https://www.las.uk.net/help-with-social-distancing
- Face coverings in shops: https://www.las.uk.net/face-coverings-in-shops
- UK – Social Distancing cards and badges (04/08/20): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/please-give-me-space-social-distancing-cards-or-badges
Mental health and counselling
- NHS England – guidance on mental health for autistic people and people with learning disabilities: https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/publication/letter-responding-to-covid-19-mental-health-learning-disabilities-and-autism/
- Autistica – Coping with Uncertainty: https://www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-autism/coping-with-uncertainty
- UK – Guidance on mental health and wellbeing during the Coronavirus pandemic – autism: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-aspects-of-coronavirus-covid-19#people-with-autism
- Atypical Counselling – https://atypicalcounselling.co.uk/
- Specialist Autism Services – autism-specific counselling: https://www.specialistautismservices.org/autism-specific-counselling/
- Ruth Williams: https://www.thehorsforthcentre.co.uk/36/Who-We-Are/Ruth-Williams.html
Online groups for autistic people
- Leeds Autism AIM’s Online Groups (for autistic adults in Leeds): https://leedsautismaim.org.uk/our-services/online-groups/
- Society 4 Neurodiversity’s Online Moots (for autistic adults): https://s4nd.org/home/information/services/
- People in Action’s weekly Connection in Action groups (for autistic adults and adults with learning disabilities in Leeds): https://twitter.com/PeopleInAction/status/1308320547516960768/photo/1
- Through the Maze – things to do while you are at home (includes activities for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults in the Leeds area): https://www.through-the-maze.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-things-to-do-while-you-are-at-home/things-to-do-while-you-are-at-home/
Other online groups of interest
- Live Well Leeds – regular groups for people with mental health difficulties: https://livewellleeds.org.uk/support-groups/list/
- Mentally Healthy Leeds: Virtual groups timetable
- Leeds Survivor-Led Crisis Service (LSLCS) – Combatting Isolation group: https://twitter.com/LSLCS/status/1295692075841855490
- Bikebuddha Yoga – Neuro-Yoga sessions for neurodivergent people held every Tuesday from 7pm-7:40pm: https://www.facebook.com/events/642763026642255/
- Leep1 – Leeds People First Facebook Page – mainly for people with learning disabilities, but autistic people are welcome: https://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/category/Charity-Organization/Leep1-Leeds-People-First-210849992392132/
Blogs by autistic people
- Working from home – a personal story by Sienna: https://www.autism.org.uk/about/adult-life/stories/home-working.aspx
- Working from home while autistic, dyslexic or dyspraxic: https://exceptionalindividuals.com/about-us/blog/working-from-home-with-autism-adhd-dyslexia-and-dyspraxia-covid19/
- Autistic and Unapologetic – How to Support Autistic People During the Coronavirus Pandemic: https://autisticandunapologetic.com/2020/03/20/autism-covid-19-how-to-support-autistic-people-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
- Autistic and Unapologetic – 10 indoor activities for autistic children, teenagers and adults: https://autisticandunapologetic.com/2020/03/29/10-indoor-activities-for-autistic-children-teenagers-and-adults/
- Autism and Coronavirus – 20 tips: https://petervermeulenblog.wordpress.com/2020/03/16/autism-and-the-corona-virus-20-tips/
- Autistically Allied – COVID-19 Survival Kit for Autistics: 19 Tips to Maintain Your Mental and Physical Health: https://spectrumofautism.com/covid-19-survival-kit-for-autistics-19-tips-to-maintain-your-mental-and-physical-health/
