Information about autism Expand Click on the pink text to open the links. Leeds Autism Services You can head over to our 'what is autism?' information page to find out more about autism, or download our autism information booklet. You can also watch a recording of our free webinar for carers, recorded during Autism Acceptance Week 2021. If you want to find out more about Leeds Autism Services, you can download our brochure. What is autism? info booklet Watch webinar brochure The Curly Hair Project The Curly Hair Project (CHP) is an award-winning social enterprise founded by autistic author and entrepreneur Alis Rowe. CHP resources are used by individuals, families and professionals worldwide. Specialist Autism Services Specialist autism services are a a non-profit organisation that has worked exclusively for and with adults (18+) on the autistic spectrum and their families since 1999. Their website has information for autistic individuals as well as information for parents / carers. The National Autistic Society (The NAS) The National Autistic Society website has lots of information about autism: Their website has a dedicated section for professionals working in education, health, social care, recruitment and criminal justice. The NAS has developed tips for mental health professionals to help autistic people transition between services The NAS has webpages and links to external resources dedicated to GPs, Dentists, Eye Care and a course about eating challenges The charity also has a large number of training courses, including online modules ‘Ask Autism’, a series of online modules developed by autistic people My Hospital Passport, a resource for autistic people who might need hospital treatment Autistica Autistica are the UK’s national autism research charity. We focus on giving autistic people the opportunity to live long, happy, healthy lives. We do this by funding research, shaping policy and working with autistic people to understand their needs. Click here to visit the Autistica website. NHS England - autism information NHS England have a guide that can help if you or someone you care about is autistic or might be autistic. Royal College of Psychiatrists The Royal College of Psychiatrists have information for parents, carers and anyone who works with autistic young people.
Autism Diagnosis Expand Click on the pink text to open the links. NHS Advice The NHS website has lots of clear information about how to go about getting an autism diagnosis. Leeds Autism Diagnostic Service (LADS) The Leeds Autism Diagnostic Service (LADS) provides assessment and diagnosis of people of all intellectual ability, who may have autism and live in Leeds. The assessment is provided by a team of mental health and learning disability professionals with specialist knowledge of autism. CAMHS CAMHS stands for child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. It's a service for children and young people under 18 and their families and it is part of the NHS. About diagnosis
Advice, Signposting and Family Support (Adults) Expand Click on the pink text to open the links. Leeds Autism Services Leeds Autism Services are a charity dedicated to helping to create a more autism friendly society. We have been helping people with autism reach their true potential for over 30 years. We campaign for the rights and recognition of autistic people, and believe that education and understanding of autism is the key to creating a more autism friendly society. We work with families, communities and businesses to encourage a better understanding of autism and are able to provide information, advice, bespoke training and consultancy. Get in touch Leeds Autism AIM Leeds Autism AIM is a free service for autistic adults in the Leeds area who receive little or no funded support. They are part of The Advonet Group, an independent advocacy charity in Leeds. Connect In The North Connect in the North is a Centre for Inclusive Living led by people with learning difficulties. They want people with learning difficulties to have control of their own lives, and equal power in the world. Through The Maze Through the Maze is an information and signposting service in Leeds for adults with learning disabilities, family carers and professionals. Tenfold/Forum Central Forum Central facilitates a network and forum of third sector learning disability organisations in Leeds. Forum Central supports the work of its learning disability membership organisation to improve services and opportunities for people with learning disabilities in Leeds. Carers Leeds Carers Leeds operates the single point of access for all carers in Leeds and offers information, advice and support. Call their advice line for information or advice about your caring situation or someone to talk to. Carers advice line – 0113 380 4300: Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm You can also e-mail the advice line – [email protected]
Advice, Signposting and Family Support (Children) Expand Click on the pink text to open the links. Leeds ABC Leeds and District ABC Support Group is a regional resource for parents of children with an autistic spectrum condition. They aim to provide help, support and advice about services, facilities, education, care and welfare for parents and families of children displaying Autistic Spectrum Conditions, including Asperger’s Syndrome, in the local community of residents in Leeds and surrounding areas. STARS Team STARS Team's aim is to empower professionals to raise standards in the education of children and young people with autism. ZigZag Long standing support group, run by parents, for parents/carers of children on the Autistic Spectrum , with or without a diagnosis. The group is run and managed by autistic adults, who are also carers for their autistic children. Between them, they have a wealth of knowledge to share, and if they can't help, they will find someone who can. LS29Group S29 Group provides a social network for sharing experiences and knowledge with other parents and activities for children and their siblings. They aim to provide opportunities in a safe, inclusive environment, which may not be otherwise available. You don't have to live in LS29 postcode; Addingham, Ilkley, Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston - but most of their events are around this area so would involve travelling there. Carers Leeds Carers Leeds operates the single point of access for all carers in Leeds and offers information, advice and support. Call their advice line for information or advice about your caring situation or someone to talk to. Carers advice line – 0113 380 4300: Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm You can also e-mail the advice line – [email protected] CAMHS CAMHS stands for child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. It's a service for children and young people under 18 and their families and it is part of the NHS.
Mental Health Expand Click on the pink text to open the links. Leeds Mind Leeds Mind promotes positive mental health and wellbeing, and provides help and support to those who need it. Mindwell Leeds MindWell is the mental health website for adults in Leeds. It’s funded by NHS Leeds CCG to bring together information from the NHS, Leeds City Council and the third sector into one ‘go to’ place. Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service provide support and psychological therapies for common mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, which one in four of us will experience in our lives. They offer a range of evidenced based psychological interventions, including group based and 1:1 therapies, classes, one-off sessions and online support options. Every Mind Matters Every Mind Matters is an NHS campaign which aims to help people take simple steps to look after their mental health, improve their mental wellbeing and support others. The website includes all sorts of resources, including information about how to get help in a crisis, wellbeing tips, and creating your own 'mind plan' to help stay mentally healthy. Useful Numbers Samaritans - 08457 90 90 90 Confidential and non-judgmental emotional support whenever you need someone to talk to, 24/7 helpline. Saneline - 0845 767 8000 An out-of-hours telephone helpline offering practical information, crisis care and emotional support to anybody affected by mental health issues. Connect Helpline - 0808 800 1212 For anyone who is in a crisis, feeling anxious, lonely, angry or depressed, or just needs someone to talk to. Callers are offered non-judgmental and empathic support and information about other services. 6-10pm every night of the year. Dial House (Leeds) - 01132 609 328 Dial House is a safe place in times of crisis. If you are feeling desperate or need someone to talk to then Dial House is a safe place to visit when you feel you cannot cope - a sanctuary at a time of mental distress. Visitors can use the house as time out from a difficult situation or a home environment where they may feel unsafe or that may exacerbate their difficulties, Learning Disability Helpline - 0808 808 1111 This helpline provides information and advice on learning disability issues to callers including people with learning disabilities, their families and carers, and professionals working in the field. NHS - 111 Individuals can now call 111 when medical help is needed urgently, but its not a 999 emergency. You will be assessed, given advice and directed straightaway to the local service that can help you best. Available 24/7. Wellbeing Resources We've got loads of accessible information and advice about things you can do to take to help take care of your own wellbeing. Visit our Wellbeing Channel
Support for Carers Expand Click on the pink text to open the links. Carers Leeds Carers Leeds operates the single point of access for all carers in Leeds and offers information, advice and support. Call their advice line for information or advice about your caring situation or someone to talk to. Carers advice line – 0113 380 4300: Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm You can also e-mail the advice line – [email protected]
Public Events Expand Click on the pink text to open the links. Leeds Autism Show Leeds Autism Show (#BiggerAndBetterInLeeds) is an annual event in Leeds, celebrating World Autism Awareness Day. Set up in 2015, our aim is to become one of the biggest events celebrating all things autism in the UK. At each event, we have stalls for many local autism groups for adults, children, professionals and carers/parents. We also have guest speakers on who enjoy a high profile in the autism community, be they autistic themselves or someone who has helped to further the cause of autism awareness.
Employment Expand Click on the pink text to open the links. Paperworks Paperworks is a social enterprise providing personalised support for individuals with autism, learning disabilities, and complex needs. Their aim is to enable their clients to play a greater part in their communities. They offer autistic people, and people with learning disabilities a chance to develop in a real work environment with tailored one-to-one training plans, as well as opportunities to meet new people and gain skills in other placements. They also provide services to businesses, which gives their customers the chance to give something back in a positive way that makes a real difference. Autism at Work Programme The Bloomfield Trust and the National Autistic Society’s Autism at Work programme aims to bridge the gap between skills shortages in industry and autistic jobseekers. Through this programme, they support employers to promote accessible job opportunities for autistic jobseekers. They then support applicants through the recruitment process and support successful candidates to prepare for and succeed in their employment. Workplace Leeds Run by Leeds Mind, Community Links and Touchstone, Workplace Leeds is a service for people with mental health issues looking to get back into work. They provide support that can help you every step of the way, at your own pace. Here are their contact details: Phone: 0113 230 2631 Email: [email protected]
Benefits, Welfare and Finance Expand Click the pink text to open the links. Disability benefits can be paid if your disability means that you have care needs or mobility difficulties regardless of whether you are in work or in education and regardless of how much money you have or who you live with. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help you with some of the extra costs if you have long term ill-health or disability. For example, this money could be used to pay a financial contribution towards the support or services you receive to enable you to have a better quality of life. Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) is a benefit for people who are able to work and can prove that they are actively looking for work. Employment and Support Allowance is the benefit for people who cannot work or who have a limited ability to work due to having a disability or health condition. Click here to find out about other types of benefits which you may be entitled to. Leeds Citizens Advice Bureau Leeds CAB offers more services for people throughout Leeds. They have an office in the City Centre that’s open Monday to Friday and can be contacted via phone or email. Address: Westminster Buildings 31 New York Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7DT Phone: 0113 223 4400 Welfare rights Leeds City Council’s Welfare Rights Unit can give you free, confidential advice. They can help you to complete claim forms and offer guidance and support when making appeals. Phone: 0113 376 0452 (Monday to Thursday 9am to 4.30pm, Wednesdays 10:15am to 4:30pm and Friday 9am to 4pm) Email:[email protected] Money Information Centre (MIC) The Money Information Centre is run by Leeds City Council and contains links to money advice services throughout the city. National Autistic Society – online resources The NAS have an information hub on their website with information on finances, including benefits and planning for the future. DIAL (Leeds) DIAL have been going in Leeds since 1979, offering peer support, information and signposting to disabled people. They are user-led and focus on rights, awareness, inclusion, independent living and empowerment. They can be reached over the phone or by email. Here are their contact details: Phone: 0113 467 6981 Email: https://www.dial-leeds.org.uk/contact-us/ Address: DIAL (LEEDS), Photon House, Percy Street, Leeds LS12 1EG Better Leeds Communities Better Leeds Communities can offer advice on issues around benefits and welfare. Housing and debt are other areas of expertise. They can be contacted through their website, over the phone and via email. Here are their details: Email: [email protected] Phone: 0113 275 4142 Money Buddies They offer free, impartial and independent debt advice, budgeting support, letter writing, energy bill saving, income maximisation services and much more. Money Buddies don’t judge, tell or charge. Email: [email protected] Phone: 0113 235 0276
Hospital and Healthcare Expand Click the pink text to open the links. Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust - The Learning Disabilities & Autism team The Learning Disabilities and Autim Team support NHS staff to understand what reasonable adjustments are and to have discussions with individuals, their carers and paid carers to identify how they can be appropriately supported whilst accessing any of their services. Hospital Passport The hospital passport is offered to everyone who is autistic and is available to all community services in Leeds. You can complete one and take it with you to share with the hospital staff if you are going into hospital for an admission or attending an outpatient appointment. Wellbeing Resources We've got loads of accessible information and advice about things you can do to take to help take care of your own wellbeing. Hit the button below to find out more. Visit our Wellbeing Channel
Communication Resources Expand Click the pink text to open links. Easy on the i (Image Bank) 'easy on the i’ is the information design service within the Learning Disability Service at Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. They specialise in producing easy to understand information for the people who use our service. They do this work with the people who use their service because they are the people who know what works best. They offer symbols, photos and graphics with images ready for you to download on demand.
Adult Social Care Expand Click the pink text to open links. Leeds City Council Adult Social Care Find out how to get help and support for yourself, a family member or someone you are worried about from Leeds City Council.
Care and Support Providers (Adults) Expand Click on the pink text to open links. Leeds Autism Services Leeds Autism Services are a charity dedicated to helping to create a more autism friendly society. We have been helping people with autism reach their true potential for over 30 years. Leeds Autism Services provide specialist support for adults on the autistic spectrum. We realise that everyone we work with is unique, so our packages are designed to support people to identify and achieve their life goals, whatever they may be! Find out more Specialist Autism Services Specialist Autism Services provides a unique blend of education and care. We deliver a strengths based autism specific personalised learning programme, to develop social, communication and employment skills which empower our members to engage with new opportunities, make informed choices, achieve their goals, maximising independence and inclusion. Leeds Autism AIM They provide mentoring services to autistic adults in Leeds with little or no support who would benefit from some independent, autism-specific support. Our volunteer mentors are fully-trained and are able to meet with you and help set life goals. Some of our mentors are autistic themselves and have additional awareness of the barriers that can prevent people from fulfilling their potential. AIM also run an Autism Hub, where they host workshops, provide useful advice on a range of issues affecting autistic people in the Leeds area and act as a source of information on everything from employment to benefits. Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, they have also been running some of their autistic-led groups online, that would have taken place at the Lovell Autism Hub. Hft Hft is a national charity providing services for people with learning disabilities. They can provide support from just a couple of hours a week up to 24 hours a day. Real Life Options Real Life Options supports people with learning disabilities, autism and age-related needs to have a strong voice and a real choice in the way they live their lives. Leeds Asperger Adults Leeds Asperger Adults (LAA) are a support group run by and for autistic adults and their parents, carers and partners. They have meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at the Leeds Civic Hall between 6.45pm and 8.30pm. LAA also organise regular trips out and social events. On top of that, the group can also talk to you over the phone, by email or through their Facebook page. Peer support is their main service. Phone: 0113 265 8957 Creative Support An organisation who provide supported living services in Leeds. Other services There are a number of services for Leeds that aren’t autism-specific, but they do offer some services for autistic adults. People Matters People In Action Pyramid of Arts
Autism Training Expand Click on the pink text to open links. Leeds Autism Services We want to share our knowledge and experience with others and help shape a future where people with autism are better understood, accepted by others and have equal access to opportunities. Our training and consultancy packages are available to all, and our tailor made to suit people and organisations. As a charity, we are able to offer very competitive rates and always strive to ensure high quality and excellent value. Find out more The Curly Hair Project The Curly Hair Project have lots of courses, education events and education resources available. The National Autistic Society The National Autistic Society has a large number of training courses, including online modules. Ambitious about Autism Training and consultancy, specifically geared around children and young people Future Learn University of Kent’s free online autism course Learning Curve Group Level 2 certificate in understanding autism Tees, Esk & Wear Valley NHS Trust Level 1 autism awareness training video
Help for Employers / Reasonable Adjustments Expand Click on the pink text to open links. Leeds Autism Services If you are in business and want to help make your workplace more accessible to autistic employees or customers, we may be able to help. We work with communities and businesses to encourage a better understanding of autism and are able to provide information, advice, training and consultancy. Contact us if you have an enquiry or want to find out more about how we can help. About our training Make an enquiry Disability Confident Autism and Neurodiversity Toolkit for government departments, produced by Department for Work and Pensions, in partnership with the Autism Alliance UK and the Autism Task GroupIt is for staff from all government departments and helps them better understand how they can support autistic people and associated Neuro-Diverse conditions They have also developed a Disability Passport, ‘About Me’, that aims to support disabled claimants to safely disclose their disability or health condition to their Jobcentre Plus Work-Coach / Adviser with the aim of improving communication and ensuring appropriate, reasonable adjustments are identified and put in place at the earliest opportunity The National Autistic Society The National Autistic Society’s Autism at Work programme supports employers to promote accessible job opportunities for autistic jobseekers. They then support applicants through the recruitment process and support successful candidates to prepare for and succeed in their employment.
Help for Professionals Expand Social Care Institute for Excellence These two videos look at the techniques and skills that care workers and social workers need to support autistic people and help them achieve their goals. SCIE’s Guide: Improving Access to Social Care for Adults with Autism looks at how social care services can improve access to adults with autism. Royal College General Practitioners Autism was selected as a clinical priority for a three year period, from 2014: They produced a range of content, including the Autistic Spectrum Disorders toolkit, a ‘one stop shop guide for primary care professionals, CCGs, people affected by autism, as well as interested members of the general public’ The page also includes autism awareness presentations for use by GPs and practice staff in their own surgeries and links to a range of policy and guidance. The RCGP also have an online course to help GPs improve support for people on the autism spectrum. Prison Reform Trust and Rethink Many people who come into contact with criminal justice services have multiple and complex needs, and high numbers have mental health and learning disabilities. This excellent resource, which is available on-line and in hard copy, will help members of the judiciary to recognise when further information about an individual defendant might be necessary, how to get that information, and how to use it to inform their decision making: Mental Health, Autism and Learning Disabilities in the Criminal Courts
Housing Expand Click the pink text to open the links. Council services Leeds City Council have a section on their website, dedicated to housing. You can find it by clicking on the link below: http://www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages/Housing.aspx Leeds has a housing strategy for 2016-2021. You can read it here: Leeds Housing Strategy 2016-2021. Housing support services Engage Leeds is a city-wide housing support service. They can offer support if you’re at risk of losing your home, help you to live independently and become integrated into your local community. Visit their website here for more info on what they do: https://engageleeds.org.uk/ GIPSIL runs a housing support service for young adults and vulnerable adults. Check out their website for more info: https://gipsil.org.uk/services/housing-support/ Better Leeds Communities Their Home Energy Advice Service can assist with: Property reviews Appliance checks Bill reviews Income review Energy consumpstion and switiching advice Fuel Debt Management Grant applications Holistic signposting The Home Energy Advice Worker will conduct a property review and advise you how to make efficient use of your heating and hot water systems, identify areas of heat loss and suggest effective measures for keeping the heat in your home. The Home Energy Advice Worker will also provide help with understanding your fuel bills and identify the best available tariff; provide advice and assistance on fuel debt; and check your entitlement to benefits and tax credits. To book a home visit, please call 0113 275 3498 or email [email protected]. Green Doctor A service, provided by Groundwork in Leeds, that can offer home visits and advice to help you keep fuel costs down.
Gender and Sexuailty Expand Click the pink text to open the links. Resources for LGBTQIA* autistic people We sometimes have a support group run by and for LGBTQIA* autistic people. The date of the next group is to be confirmed (as of March 2018). At previous meetings, we have discussed Pride events and coming out. Leeds LGBTQ+ Health Inclusion Project This project is for LGBTQ+ people in Leeds who are also either autistic, have a learning disability or mental health difficulties. It helps them to be involved in the health services they use and develop self-advocacy skills. They run regular self-advocacy training sessions, ones for autistic people starting in December 2019. For more info on the project, please visit this link: https://advonet.org.uk/how-we-can-help-you/lgbtq-health-inclusion-project/ Services in Leeds: Leeds has a quarterly LGBT+ community hub. You can find out more about it here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/leeds-lgbt-community-hub-10942970314 Forward Leeds and Yorkshire MESMAC run a drop-in for LGBT people, offering specialised drug and alcohol support for the local LGBT community. Read more here: https://www.forumcentral.org.uk/new-lgbt-drop-in-new-lgbt-drop-in/ The Leeds Survivor-Led Crisis Service and Yorkshire MESMAC run two monthly support groups – one for LGBT people and the other for transgender and non-binary people. More info is available here: https://www.lslcs.org.uk/services/group-work-2/lgbttrans-group/ People in Action run a weekly group for LGBTQIA* people who are autistic and/or have a learning disability on Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm to 9pm. Visit http://peopleinaction.org.uk/lgbt/ for further information. Local LGBTQIA*-specific organisations Yorkshire MESMAC are a sexual health charity with offices in Leeds. You can find out about what they do here: https://www.mesmac.co.uk/ Trans Leeds are a support group for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. They run two groups a month and regular social events. Visit their Twitter page for more info: https://twitter.com/TransLeeds Leeds Bi Group are a social support group for bisexual people in Leeds that meets twice a month. Visit their website for more info: http://www.leedsbigroup.org.uk/ Non-Binary Leeds are a community group for people who identify as non-binary. They have monthly peer-led sessions in a venue in the city. More info: https://www.mesmac.co.uk/our-areas/leeds/support-social-groups/non-binary-leeds The Sage Project is a group for older LGBTQIA* people in Leeds. It is run jointly by Yorkshire MESMAC and AgeUK Leeds. You can read about it here: https://www.mesmac.co.uk/projects/sage Leeds Gay Men Group – this is a social group for gay men in Leeds. Go to https://www.meetup.com/lgmgroup/ for more info Local LGBTQIA*-specific services Leeds Gender Identity Service – this is run by the Leeds and York Partnership Foundation Trust (LYPFT). It is for anyone aged 18 and over who is experiencing gender dysphoria. Visit https://www.leedsandyorkpft.nhs.uk/our-services/services-list/gender-identity-service/ for more information about what they can do for you LGBT+ Councillor Surgery – this is a surgery where LGBT+ people in Leeds can talk to a local councillor. It takes place on the first Monday of each month at Queens Court from 9pm to 10pm Leeds Gender Outreach Workers – they host a range of drop-in sessions, support and social sessions for transgender and non-binary people in Leeds. Visit https://en-gb.facebook.com/LeedsGenderOutreachWorkers/ for more information Resources for autistic women Lovell Autism Hub, have a monthly Women’s Group. They meet on the third Tuesday of every month from 5:30pm to 6:30pm and discuss a set topic. The group is run by autistic women and is exclusively for autistic women who live in the Leeds area. To attend, all you need to do is come along in person. Here is a link to the flyer about the group: Women’s Group at Lovell – flyer The National Autistic Society have an article about gender and autism. You can read it here: http://www.autism.org.uk/about/what-is/gender The Curly Hair Project has a series of books about what it’s like to be an autistic woman. Visit the Curly Hair Project website to find out more: https://thegirlwiththecurlyhair.co.uk/ The Autism Women’s Network is an organisation run by autistic women. They are based in the US and have a blog full of posts by autistic women. Here is a link to their website: https://autismwomensnetwork.org/ The Autistic Women’s Empowerment (AWE) project is based in the UK. They have resources relevant to autistic women. Here’s a link to their website: https://autisticwomensempowerment.com/
Transport Expand Click the pink text to open the links. Bus Passes If you are autistic, you may be eligible for a Disabled Bus Pass. West Yorkshire Metro, who run the buses in West Yorkshire, provide these passes. If you have one, you are entitled to free transport on any buses in the West Yorkshire area. For more information on what these passes look like, eligibility and any other questions you may have about them, please visit this page – Metro: Blind and Disabled Passes (ENCTS). On the Leeds City Council website, section 4 of their Blind and Disabled travel pass allows you to apply for a Companion Pass. This is where someone can bring a companion to travel on buses and/or trains with them. You can find the form here: Blind and Disabled Travel Pass application (PDF) Disabled Persons Railcard The Disabled Persons Railcard allows disabled people up to one-third off the cost of their train tickets. The railcard is eligible on all National Rail services across the UK, not just in the West Yorkshire area. To find out if you are eligible, please visit the Disabled Persons Railcard website. Safe journey cards Both First and Arriva have journey cards that can help you to explain to bus drivers that you are autistic. They can be downloaded by clicking on the following links and printing them out: First Group – Safe Journey Cards Arriva Bus – Journey Assistance Cards National Express Disabled Coachcard National Express offer a discount for disabled passengers across all of their coaches. They cost £10 plus £2.50 postage and packaging costs. To find out more about them, please visit the Disabled Coachcard website. Travel training For autistic people up to the age of 24 in Leeds who either have a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Education Health Care Plan (EHCP), there is a travel training course available. To find out more about it, check out the link below: Independent Travel Training Other transport links: Concessionary travel for autistic adults (bus passes) – NAS Info on visiting airports