Page contents
- Autism support
- Bag Books: multi-sensory stories for people with learning disabilities
- Books Beyond Words: empowering people through pictures
- Reading Well from The Reading Agency
- External resources for additional support
- Useful links
Autism support
Autism affects the way a person communicates and how they experience the world around them. It is considered a spectrum condition. While autistic people share some similar characteristics, every individual is different.
Surrey Libraries is committed to providing whatever support they can for:
- parents and carers of autistic children
- autistic young people and adults
- those working with autistic children, young people or adults.
Why not check out our online catalogue to find out what we have in stock?
Other sources of help and support with Autism
- The National Autistic Society provide advice and guidance as well as links to local support services. In Surrey, there is a National Autistic Society support group founded by parents to support other parents.
- Autism Learns provide trusted and affordable online learning to parents, family carers and professional who support children and adults on the autism spectrum. Brought to you by the organisers of The Autism Show, they will share the knowledge and practical skills to help you at home and in the workplace.
- Options Autism have created a series of blogs offering support and advice to parents, carers, social workers and professionals of autistic children and young people.
- Ambitious About Autism are experts in autism education that can provide free downloadable resources as well as training courses and consultancy services.
- Autism Eye is a free digital newsletter available for parents and professionals, providing information and advice on a range of topics.
Bag Books
Multi-sensory stories for people with learning disabilities
Bag Books is a UK-wide charity seeking to enhance the lives of children and adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities, including those with severe autism spectrum disorder, using multi-sensory books and storytelling.
Bag Books have created specially designed multi-sensory books for those who are unable to benefit from, or access, mainstream books. They aid and develop communication, improve motor skills, and provide a fun, inclusive, and educational activity.
Would you be interested in hosting or attending a Bag Book Story event?
Surrey Libraries has a selection of Bag Books and are looking at working in partnership with local organisations, such as special schools, children's hospices and day centres. If you are interested in finding out more on hosting an event or attending an event in one of our Surrey Libraries, please email libraries@surreycc.gov.uk
Books Beyond Words
Designed for people with learning disabilities, cognitive/communication difficulties, or for those that have difficulty with reading, the Books Beyond Words series tell stories through pictures rather than words.
For more information about Books Beyond Words please watch their video on YouTube.
Beyond Words Book Clubs. There are two book clubs established in Surrey at Epsom Library and Farnham Library. For more information, contact libraries@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0345 600 9009 (select option 6).
Free Beyond Words resources on coping with Coronavirus.
Reading Well
Reading Well supports people to understand and manage their health and wellbeing using helpful reading. The books are all recommended by health experts, as well as people with lived experience of the conditions and topics covered and their relatives and carers.
Self Help books can be highly effective when read on their own, or when used with prescribed medication, counselling, or therapy. Reading Well is designed to give practical information and advice while encouraging self-awareness and understanding of individual health issues.
External resources for additional support
There are many organisations available that provide activities, services and support for those with complex needs:
- The Surrey Local Offer helps find information about local services, support and events for children and young people aged 0 to 25 years who have additional needs and disabilities (Surrey AND).
- HelpKidzLearn is the place to find accessible software which enables children of all abilities to, play develop and achieve.
- Search a selection of free sensory apps, covering speech simulation, digital painting and art, relaxation, photo fun and more.
- Create and print your own visuals to support children with a range of communication needs with the Visuals2Go App.
- Witherslack Group are a leading provider of specialist education and care for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, communication difficulties, ADHD and complex learning needs. Working closely with SEN professionals, they offer webinars and downloadable resources for parents/carers and professionals.
