Important Notice: this section of the website under construction Key resources Click below to download these useful documents. The Anxious Child The Good-Night Guide For Children Autism Alert Card Application From (SYP) Understanding the autism assessment process Other resources Click below to jump to the relevent sections. Anxiety Autism Education Sleep Toileting App Library Reading list Useful contacts Anxiety It is not uncommon for children/young people to feel anxious and worried at times, especially those with autism. There are several types of anxiety which are normally seen in children/young people such as separation anxiety, general anxiety, social anxiety and phobias. The degree to which these anxieties may affect a young person will differ so as will the way in which they present. More information on childhood anxiety can be found at: NHS.uk www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/anxiety-in-children Young Minds https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-guide-to-support-a-z/parents-guide-to-support-anxiety The National Autistic Society www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/anxiety If you have concerns around a child/young person’s emotional wellbeing, please contact your GP for advice. In some cases, they may consider a referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for further assessment and support. More details can be found at www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/services/camhs-barnsley or calling 01226 644829. If your feel your child/young person is at immediate risk of harm or they have physically harmed themselves, then you should always seek immediate support by attending the hospital’s emergency department (ED) or contact 999. Autism If you would like more information about autism including what autism is, how it may present and what strategies may help, please take a look at the following websites: NHS.net www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism The National Autistic Society www.autism.org.uk Ambitious about Autism www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk Parents are also able to access workshops and courses to develop their own knowledge and understanding of autism such as: The Cygnet Programme A parenting support programme for parents and carers of children with autism. This is currently offered by: Barnardo’s at Priory Campus, Lundwood (Under 11s) – Contact (01226) 770619 for more details. The Social communication and Interaction Team (age 5-18) – Online programme. https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/children-families-and-education/schools-and-learning/education-inclusion-services/events/ First Steps The First Steps workshops give parents of newly diagnosed children an introductory look at autism and some of the simple strategies which can be used to support them – this is accessible through the local Community & Interaction Team by contacting melaniebooth@barnsley.gov.uk. Education If you have any concerns around your child’s education, their ability to access education or looking for extra support from their setting, we recommend contacting your schools Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) first. All settings are required to have an appointed SENCO who is responsible for coordinating the people, processes and plans needed to support children’s needs in school. If you need further support, you may wish to consider contacting The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS). They offer free, confidential and impartial information, guidance, advice and support. More information on SENDIASS can be for www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/children-families-and-education/children-with-special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-send/sendiass-advice-and-support-service or contact 01226 78734 Sleep It is common for children to have difficulties around sleep. These could be difficulties falling to sleep (delayed sleep onset), difficulties staying asleep (sleep maintenance) or in some cases, both. These difficulties may have been present since early childhood or may have started suddenly. We do know that some children/young people’s sleep difficulties are related to medical conditions but more often than not, they are behaviours (habits) that a child has got into often contributed to by environmental, domestic routines. We do know that exposure to screen time such as TVs, phones and iPads can have a significant impacts on a child’s ability to fall to sleep, especially when used around bedtime. A good, clear and predictable routine is crucial to support sleep. Prolonged sleep difficulties can have a negative impact on a child’s mood, emotions, behaviours and their ability to concentrate, therefore seeking support and putting strategies in place can benefit children/young people’s behaviours and learning. More information is available via: NHS.net www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/sleep-problems-in-children The Sleep Charity www.thesleepcharity.org.uk/information-support/children The Sleep Council https://sleepcouncil.org.uk The Teen Sleep Hub https://teensleephub.org.uk If you would like further support around sleep, we would suggest contacting: 0-19 Public Health Nursing Service https://fsd.barnsley.gov.uk/kb5/barnsley/fisd/advice.page?id=dCnhDDLcX88 Early Help & Family Centres – https://fsd.barnsley.gov.uk/kb5/barnsley/fisd/family.page?familychannel=1791 Cerebra – https://cerebra.org.uk/get-advice-support/sleep-advice-service Toileting Mastering the use of a toilet (or potty) is a developmental milestone that every child has to face during their early years. We know that all children develop differently meaning that some may be ahead of their peers and siblings whilst others may be slightly delayed – this is normal. It is important that we don’t push children into this too early as this could have an impact on their emotions, confidence and in some cases could delay the securing of this mile stone. We should wait until a child starts showing a readiness, interest or awareness of needing to use the toilet. More information on potty training is available on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/potty-training-tips Should you have any concerns or require further support around toileting, then contact your health visitor via the 0-19 team on 01226 774 411. Useful websites Bladder & Bowel UK https://www.bbuk.org.uk/blog/childrens-bladder-and-bowel-issues-some-fables-and-facts Eric – the children’s bowel & bladder charity https://www.eric.org.uk/ National Autistic Society https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/toileting/parents App Library A range of apps are available on the NHS Apps Library which support child & adult’s health and wellbeing. https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library Recommended reading list Everybody Poos By: Taro Gomi – ISBN: 9781849058339 My Hidden Chimp By: Professor Steve Peters – ISBN: 9781787413719 Ready, Set, Potty!: Toilet Training for Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disorders By Brenda Batts – ISBN:9781849058339 Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders By: Elizabeth Verdick – ISBN: 9781575423852 Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew: by Ellen Notbohm – ISBN: 9781941765883 The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods by Robyn Steward – ISBN: 9781785923241 The New Social Story Book: Over 150 Social Stories That Teach Everyday Social Skills to Children and Adults with Autism and Their Peers By: Carol Gray – ISBN: 9781941765166 Thriving with Autism: 90 Activities to Encourage Your Child’s Communication, Engagement, and Play By Katie Cook – ISBN: 9781646114801 USEFUL CONTACTS 0-19 Team Formerly known as school nursing & Health Visiting Service 01226 774411 CAMHS 01226 644829 Disabled Children’s Team – Children Social Care 01226 774050 Children’s Therapy Team (Occupational & Physio) 01226 644396 Children’s Epilepsy Team 01226 644396 Children’s Speech & Language Therapy Team 01226 644331 Family Information Service 0800 0345 340