Resources

Useful links, information and special offers

Please take a look at our wonderful partnerships, special offers and useful information below

Autism Reality Experience

The Autism Reality Experience is an innovative, hands on training session which has been developed to give people an experience of the sensory processing difficulties faced by people on the autism spectrum. Simulation training has been proven to be a highly effective way to engage people in learning and not only do they come away from the training having learned new skills and techniques, the experience and what they learn from it stays with them.

The experience is fully immersive, interactive and a must for anyone who is involved in supporting people on the autism spectrum and your actions and behaviours during your experience will be carefully monitored and analysed by a specially trained facilitators.

Click here for more details.

Fidgetbum - Special offer!

We have some exciting news as this wonderful company Fidgetbum are supporting Anna Kennedy Online and you get a discount, win win!

Fidgetbum are helping children with Sensory Challenges, the gentle restriction which the fidgetbum brings, comforts children and helps them to relax.

They are helping mums and dads, supported by Occupational Therapists, to make bedtime easier and help children to have a better nights sleep.

Use offer code for free postage for buyers: AKO18 and click here to access their website and take a look at their wonderful products.

Options Autism - helpsheets

The Clinical Team at Options Autism produce a series of monthly help sheets which offer advice and guidance for parents and carers who look after children, young people and adults with autism.

The subjects include Food Challenges, Sleep, Holidays and Emotions.

Click here to have a look through the library of help sheets available on the Options website.

If you would like us to cover any particular subjects around autism in future editions then please let Options know by emailing info@optionsautism.co.uk.

If you would like to sign up to receive these helpsheets via email please complete their sign up form here >>

My Farewell Note - Special Offer

All users of MyFarewellNote can opt to donate 50% of your subscription fee which will be donated to the charity by using promo code “AKO2018” and opt in to donate. There is no limit to the amount of funds that can be raised, so the more you spread the word the more you help us continue our campaigns and projects.

Myfarewellnote is a web application that allows you to prepare personal messages for your loved ones that will only be read once you have passed away. With myfarewellnote, you can offer the gift of comfort and support to those you leave behind, helping them come to terms with what has happened and their service is professional, unique and discreet.

Click here to learn more about MyFarewellNote.

BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials programme

BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials programme fund aims to provide grant items that meet children and young peoples’ most basic needs or are critical to their wellbeing. It supports children and young people who are facing exceptionally difficult circumstances.

Becoming a referrer & supporting the families you work with: You can find more information and register as a referrer on their website: www.familyfundservices.co.uk/emergency-essentials/

You can find out more information about eligibility criteria and what being a referrer for the grant means in these guidelines:https://www.familyfundservices.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CiN_FFBS_Guidance_for_Referrers_V4Apr19.pdf

When writing your applications ensure that you put as much detail about the beneficiary’s financial situation and the crisis which they are going through. Focus on the impact of the crisis and vulnerability on the child. Explain the impact the item will have on the child and what the impact would be if they didn’t receive the grant.

If you would like any advice on how to apply or if you would like to check whether a child is eligible please call 01904 55 00 11 or email: emergencyessentials@familyfundservices.co.uk

If you work with disabled children, it’s also worth you knowing about their sister charity: http://www.familyfund.org.uk

You can apply for one grant per child. BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials programme can deliver or fund critical items such as:

Cookers
Essential household items
Furniture and kitchen equipment
Children’s beds and bedding
Washing machines
Fridges and freezers
Baby equipment
Clothing in exceptional or emergency situations

Useful articles

Please take a look at some articles and very useful information below shared by: Jennifer McGregor

The Best Strategies for Calming Autistic Tantrums/Meltdowns

Autistic Home Decorating: Make your home autism friendly

10 tips for getting your Autistic child through a haircut

How to Help Your Child with Autism Cope During and After a Move

12 Ways to prevent and respond to ASD Wandering

How to Help Your Child with ASD Overcome Her Fear of the Dentist and Establish Lifelong Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

Do Sensory Processing Issues Get Better Over Time?

The Top 3 Challenges to Finding a Babysitter for Your Special Needs Child — and How to Overcome Them

Useful articles

Please take a look at some articles and very useful information below shared by: Don Lewis

My son, Randy, was in an accident as an adult that changed his abilities. Since our lives changed that day, I’ve spent a lot of time working with other families who have a special needs family member, including children and adults who have autism. I’m not proud to say that before I started volunteering, I hadn’t spent much time with people of any age who have ASD, so it’s truly been moving to make connections with these families. Our experiences aren’t exactly the same, but in a lot of ways, we have much in common.