Information about autism Expand Click on the bold 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? Autism information booklet brochure Leeds Autism AIM Leeds Autism AIM have loads of useful, free, resources for autistic people, professionals and carers, including health access resources and strategy guides. 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. Bridging the Divide This website has over seventy different pages of information, links, resources, posters etc. Looking at Autistic experiences, ADHD, Pathlogicial Demand Avoidance, (PDA), and more. Autism Understood The Autism Understood website calls itself 'a website about autism for young autistic people', but we think a lot of the information on there is relevant for all ages. Hat Talks Hat describes herself as an autistic, semi-speaking Speech & Language Therapist. She was diagnosed in 2022 at the age of 26 after experiencing mental health difficulties and burnout, and has created a number of neurodiversity resources, some for sale, and others free to download. Beyond Autism The Beyond Autism resource hub is a centralised resource where parents/carers and professionals can access a wide range of information, tools, and support related to understanding and supporting autistic individuals. The National Autistic Society (NAS) The National Autistic Society website has lots of useful information about autism. 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. 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. Useful Numbers NHS - 111 (option 2) NHS 111 Urgent Mental Health Helpline - To get mental health crisis support, call 111 and select option 2 Samaritans - 08457 90 90 90 Confidential and non-judgmental emotional support whenever you need someone to talk to, 24/7 helpline. Mind Support Line - 0300 102 1234 This is a safe space for you to talk about your mental health. The support line is 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays). 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. Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - 0800 58 58 58 You can call the CALM 5pm–midnight every day if you're affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts. 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) - 0113 2609 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. Winston's Wish - 0808 802 0021 Winston’s Wish offers free, accessible online grief support to children and young people (aged 25 or under). Call to speak with a Bereavement Specialist 8am to 8pm weekdays (excluding Bank Holidays). Text Based Services Bright: text ‘BRIGHT’ to 85258 A text based alternative to the NHS 111 service for people struggling with their mental health, Bright is specifically aimed at autistic / neurodivergent people, culturally diverse communities, and the hard of hearing. Free to use, confidential and available 24/7. Shout: text 'SHOUT' to 85258 If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help. Mental Health Organisations 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. Papyrus PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Their suicide prevention helpline, HOPELINE247, is staffed by trained suicide prevention advisers, who work with young people – and anybody concerned for a young person – to help keep them safe from suicide. HOPELINE247 is a free and confidential call, text and email service, which is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year (weekends and bank holidays included). HOPELINE24/7: 0800 068 41 41 Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds (SARSVL) SARSVL are an independent feminist organisation offering a women only safe space and specialist support for any women and girls in Leeds who have been affected by sexual violence of any kind at any time in their lives and need our support. Nearly half the survivors they speak to are adult survivors of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). SARSVL are trans inclusive. SARSVL host a number of resources on their website, and provide services including advocacy, counselling and a helpline. For anonymous, confidential, emotional support: Freephone: 0808 802 3344 Text: 0786 002 2880 Email: [email protected] Useful Websites Leeds Autism Services Wellbeing Resources We've got loads of easy-read and accessible information providing tips and advice about things you can do to take to help take care of your own wellbeing. Leeds Autism AIM - Resources for Autistic Adults Leeds Autism AIM have a huge range of resources they've developed to help autistic adults, including information and resources on mental health, self-advocacy, PIP claims and more. Able Futures Able Futures knows that mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can mean we have some bad days. Things such as stress or bereavement can impact our mental health and can mean we struggle at work and don't feel able to cope with everyday life. There are things we can do to improve our mental wellbeing, and Able Futures can help mental health at work by providing advice, information and support. Autistica Autistica's self-harm and suicidal thoughts hub includes tools and resources as well as statistics and information about the relationship between autism and self-harm.
Support for Carers Expand Click on the pink text to open the links. Leeds Local Offer - Parent Support Group Directory Parent support groups are a great way to meet other parents for practical and emotional support. Most support groups are set up and run by parents and carers of children with additional needs. Some professionals and organisations, particularly children centres, run their own groups. This website has details of a number of support groups for parents, carers and families in the Leeds area. 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] Autism Central Are you a family member or carer of an autistic child or adult? Are you looking for support, but not sure where to start? As parents and carers of autistic children, young people and adults, it can be hard to find help when you’re trying to get the right support. Autism Central aims to make it easier to learn more about autism and services available to you.
Public Events Expand Click on the pink text to open the links. AutistiCon AutistiCon is a FREE annual event in Leeds, celebrating autism and neurodiversity. Set up in 2015 as 'Bigger and Better in Leeds', our aim is to become the biggest free autism event in the UK. At each event we have stalls held by local autism interest groups for adults, children, professionals and carers / parents. We also have guest speakers on who enjoy a high profile in the autistic community, be they autistic themselves or someone who has helped to further the cause of autism awareness. The AutistiCon event is planned by Leeds Autism Services, and a number of our partners throughout the city. Autistic people form a core part of the planning group, and the event is aimed primarily at autistic people, but should benefit anyone with an interest in learning more about what it really means to be autistic. Visit event page
Employment Expand Click on the pink text to open the links. Reed in Partnership Reed in Partnership have over 20 years of experience helping people to find sustainable jobs. They have helped more than 250,000 people to change their lives for the better by starting lasting employment, and have services able to support autistic and neurodivergent people into long-term work. 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. The Disabled Students' Allowance The Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) is a grant which gives students in the UK extra financial support while studying an undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctorate degree. This aid is available in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and is not included as part of your maintenance loan or tuition fee. That means when your program of study is over, any money you received from the DSA does not have to be paid back unless you do not complete the course. As part of the DSA, you might also be eligible to apply for a new computer and would only pay the first £200 towards the cost. Click here to find out more. 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 help and advice about autism and they have an impressive range of services. These include mentoring services to autistic adults in Leeds who have little or no support and would benefit from some independent, autism-specific help and advice. Their volunteer mentors are fully-trained and are able to meet with you and help set life goals. Most of AIM's 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. AIM have also been run a number of autistic-led groups, both online and at their hub. AIM's services are all free at the point of use. 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 who cater 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 Open Learn - Understanding Autism (Free) This free course, Understanding autism, introduces the autism spectrum, how it is experienced by different individuals and families 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
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 Leeds Autism Services We can help and provide advice for professionals working with autistic and neurodivergent clients. Use the buttons below to find out more or submit an enquiry. Contact us Training and Consultancy 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 The RCGP have an online course to help GPs improve support for people on the autism spectrum. Library Science Degrees Online Library Science Degrees Online have an article about making spaces more accessible for autistic people: Unlocking Potential: Innovative Library Programs Enhancing the Lives of Autistic Individuals. While the article relates specifically to libraries, many of the ideas could be transferred into other settings. Warning: This is a US based article, so some of the language used is not in-keeping with what UK readers may be used to. The article also contains references to functional labels. However, we have decided to publish it as some of the ideas around accessibility are very worthwhile.
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 here. 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 for more information about what they do. GIPSIL runs a housing support service for young adults and vulnerable adults. Check out their website for more information. Better Leeds Communities If you’re homeless or at risk of homelessness, or need help with an urgent housing issue, Better Leeds Communities free housing advice service is designed to support you as quickly as possible. They offer appointments at the Burley Lodge Centre Monday to Thursday, 9am - 4pm or you can contact them by phone 0113 275 4142 or email [email protected].
Gender and Sexuality Expand Click the pink text to open the links. Resources for LGBTQI+ autistic people Leeds LGBTQ+ Community Consortium run sessions for older, disabled and isolated members of the LGBTQ+ Community in Leeds and have many service users who are autistic. The service specifically supports disabled LGBTQ+ individuals and can be a great supportive way for people to socialise and connect with other folk like themselves. Advonet run self-advocacy workshops for LGBTQI+ autistic adults. Find out more here. The Leeds LGBT+ Community Hub is facilitated by Leeds City Council and supported by community members and organisations. The group meets quarterly, however there are various working groups which meet more regularly to focus on BME, Bisexuality, Trans & Gender Identity, inclusive sports and LGBT women. Forum Central carried out a mapping project to give a snapshot of the LGBTQIA+ community sector in Leeds as of 01 Oct 2021 to aid funders and others to better support those groups. You can read the report, and view their directory of groups by clicking here. Local LGBTQIA* Specific Organisations Yorkshire MESMAC are a sexual health charity with offices in Leeds 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 Non-Binary Leeds is a peer-led support and social group for non-binary people in Leeds and the surrounding areas. They provide practical and emotional support in a safer, friendly environment. Sage Older LGBT+ has undertaken advocacy and networking on behalf of the older LGBTQ+ community, organised a variety of events to help combat loneliness and isolation for its members, provided opportunities to give back to the community through volunteering with Sage and for personal growth through focused training opportunities. Leeds Gay Men is a group for gay and bisexual men in Leeds and surrounding areas. We hold all kinds of interesting, exciting or just plain fun events. Social events in an environment where members can meet, relax and make friends while having a great time. They are Social, not sexual, so if you are looking for dating or cruising you need another group! The 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 Resources for autistic women The Leeds Autism AIM women-aligned group is monthly group run by and for autistic women and femme-aligned non-binary people. The group is there for sharing information, experiences and having themed discussions on topics chosen by group members. The National Autistic Society have helpful information about gender and autism. You can read it here. The Curly Hair Project has a series of books about what it’s like to be an autistic woman. 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. The Autistic Women’s Empowerment (AWE) project is based in the UK and have resources relevant to autistic women.
Travel and 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. 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 Orange Wallet Scheme The orange wallet is an easy way for you to let transport colleague in West Yorkshire know that you have a disability and that you may need additional support, assistance or a bit more time. It is a bright orange travel wallet that has plastic pockets inside. You can keep your travel pass in the wallet, along with any other messages to let transport staff know what help you need. Click here to find out more. 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 children and young 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 Inclusive Travel: What Travellers with Disabilities Need to Know About Their Rights This webpage provides lots of helpful information about going on a holiday in different areas of the UK and Europe as a disabled person, from mobility rights and the Blue Badge Scheme to service animals and travel insurance, offering practical advice on safe, accessible, and inclusive travel. Visit the Skyscanner website to view this resource. Travelling from Leeds Bradford Airport: An Accessible Guide We teamed up with Leeds Bradford Airport to create an accessible guide to using the airport. It includes information on what to expect at each stage as you travel through the airport, what help is available for travellers and how to access it, to help you plan for your journey and so you know what to expect. Other transport links: National Autistic Society - Travel Advice Information on using airports