Autism Union

23/11/2023

𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄! ☕🍪

Tomorrow is our monthly coffee morning at Hope Community Foundation - why not come along and say hello?

Always a friendly face, we can cover any topics you'd like to talk about or just general conversation with someone who understands what your life might be like.

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲!

Paid membership of Sparkle Sheffield is not needed to attend our coffee mornings, just come along. Feel free to bring friends or family with you - the more the merrier!

🏠 Venue: Hope Community Foundation Cafe, Bernard Road, Sheffield, S2 5BQ.
10am-12noon

🚗 There is free parking on site, as well as it being near the Hyde Park tram stop - from there it's just a short walk (305 steps to be precise! Or 3 minutes). Use the blue or yellow tram route.

𝗔𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

The Community Grocery
Step inside a grocery and you’ll find a range of food options fresh from local supermarkets, meaning our members can come and shop for their whole family at the fraction of the cost of a supermarket. Whilst also saving thousands of tonnes of food being wasted each year.

For a £5 yearly membership, you can get a weekly shop from our store, including items such as bakery, fridge, freezer, fruit, veg, shelf items, non-food items. Plus, you can get Little Extras (marked prices) for those additional treats.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮!

25/10/2023

FREE GUIDE - Neurodiversity in the Workplace for Employershttps://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ADHD-F-Neurodiversity-at-work-and-Training-Guide_Business.pdf

21/10/2023

❗️Our Right to Choose Pathway is RE-OPENING on October 19th 2023. Visit the link below for more information on the medication shortages https://bit.ly/46Gs2a8

19/10/2023

Something we were talking about at a recent training workshop here at Autism Union - there’s definitely a difference between the two!

"But aren’t we all a little bit demand avoidant?"

This is a question I’m asked occasionally when I’m speaking about or delivering training on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

The answer is “Yes – we are!”

We will all naturally avoid things we find:

Boring
Frightening
Painful
Overwhelming
Uncomfortable etc

I can be very demand avoidant at times. I have ADHD, so I will procrastinate and avoid things that I don’t find stimulating such as:

Report writing
Accounting
Admin
Housework

PDAers are not avoiding demands because they are being willingly oppositional, “naughty,” defiant or difficult.

The difference is, PDAers are unable to comply with demands because they are a threat to their autonomy, and this threat causes an unavoidable and overwhelming anxiety response such as fight, flight, freeze, fawn etc.

Often demands are not refused or rejected obviously, rather they are avoided subtlety, and cleverly using distraction, excuses, delaying techniques, flattery, creativity and charm.

It’s essential to remember that it is not that the individual with PDA doesn’t WANT to comply demands, the fact is that they CAN’T comply with them, and that is a very important difference.

But, it’s not just external expectations and demands which cause anxiety and demand avoidance for an individual with PDA.

Internal expectations and demands also remove the feeling of autonomy and control that a PDAer needs.

The result? PDAers will avoid things they WANT to do, as well as things they don’t. Imagine how frustrating, upsetting and conflicting this must be for them.

This was a common theme that came across SO strongly when I interviewed the amazing PDAers for my next book.

One example that stood out so much was a lovely young person who told me that she has always wanted to play the bass guitar and was given one for her Christmas present when she was 13 years old.

She is now 18 and has still not been able to pick up and play the bass guitar, even though she still desperately wants to play it. This internal demand avoidance must cause so much frustration and further anxiety too.

When parenting or supporting an individual with PDA, we must always remember their need for autonomy and the anxiety that is caused when this is taken away, threatened to be removed, or perceived to be taken away.

PDAers will do everything that they can to protect their autonomy, which is why the traditional approaches and strategies that can work so successfully for non-PDA autistic individuals which are routed in routine, structure and predictability, do not work, and can actually be counter-productive for an individual with a PDA profile.

The image illustrated by Missing The Mark is taken from my new teens book coming out soon!

But if you can’t wait, you can still grab your copy of my book for Educators and parents here 👉 https://tinyurl.com/y2csdhv3

13/10/2023

We’ll be there tomorrow - come and see how we (and lots of other local organisations!) can support autistic children and their families 👏👏

Buy your tickets now!
🎟https://bit.ly/3Pt7tGD

💷 Adults £5 in advance | Children go FREE!

* on the door price tomorrow is £7 per adult *

TOMORROW is the Sheffield Parent and Professional Autism Resource Event! Join us at the Showroom Cinema in Sheffield for a day dedicated to learning, support, and community for autistic individuals and their families. Last year's event was a huge success, and this year promises to be even better!

The Autism Resource Day is a unique opportunity to make new connections and raise awareness about the valuable services available to our community. We can't wait to see what this year's event will bring, and we hope you can join us for this fantastic opportunity.�
Stallholders include...

• Sparkle Sheffield (of course!)
• Autism Union
• Graysons Solicitors
• Support Dogs
• SAYiT Sheffield - the LGBTQ+ charity
• The Meersbrook Barber - doing haircuts throughout the day
• Amerron Acres CIC - equine therapy
• Orkid Ideas - communication support
• Inspiring Kids World
• Amelie Pape Author of Autism, My Brother and Me.
• Rainbow Kite Project - quality support services
• Ruskin Mill Trust - Freeman College - education for 16-25 year olds
• Family Fund - financial support
• Roundabout, Sheffield Safe Space - Mental Health Retreat
• Sheffield Mencap & Gateway
• Sheffield Parent Hub
• Sparks Sheffield - Film School for Children ages 5-18
• Sheffield Children's Hospital
• ... and more!!!

There isn’t just information stalls at the resource day… Sheffield Inflatables - Bouncy Castle Hire will be providing us with a range of equipment for children of all ages!

🔫 Nerf shooting range
🎯 Nerf darts
🎲 Giant board games
🕹️ Classic arcade games

*please note games are only available until 3pm*

Your last chance to buy advance tickets is TONIGHT!!!

Buy your tickets now!
🎟https://bit.ly/3Pt7tGD

💷 Adults £5 in advance | Children go FREE!

💷 On the door price tomorrow is £7 per adult 💷

08/10/2023

Come along to the Sparkle Sheffield Autism Resource Event this Saturday at the Showroom Cinema!

With an amazing line-up of stallholders, you're sure to find out so much about what is available in Sheffield and the surrounding areas.

Buy your tickets now!
🎟https://bit.ly/3Pt7tGD

💷 Adults £5 in advance | Children go FREE!

Just look at the amazing line up of stallholders we have at this event!

For the full line up, or to find out more information about the stallholders, visit our event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1058566901804117?mibextid=s1bc9R

THIS SATURDAY!
14th October, 10am-4pm at Showroom Cinema, Sheffield!

Buy your tickets now!
🎟https://bit.ly/3Pt7tGD

💷 Adults £5 in advance | Children go FREE!

27/09/2023

Coffee Morning - THIS FRIDAY!

Join us at Hope Community Foundation between 10am-12noon for a friendly ear and advice.

Everyone welcome with no pressure to stay if it's not for you.

FREE parking and close to a tram route.

☕ Friday 29th September, 10am-12noon 🍰

26/08/2023

FREE Guide ‘Neurodiversity in the Workplace’ For Employers & Inclusive colleagues. Download viahttps://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ADHD-F-Neurodiversity-at-work-and-Training-Guide_Business.pdf

02/07/2023

Day 1 is complete!

Join us Monday and Tuesday for more speakers, more information and more autistic perspectives!

01/07/2023

It all starts tomorrow at 10am!!! ⏰

There's loads to learn, amazing speakers for just £5 (+ booking fee) and FREE sessions every day too!

🔄 Can't make the live event? Purchase tickets today and receive the replay link via email, valid for 30 days from the end of the event 🔄

The South Yorkshire Autism Fayre starts online TOMORROW!!

Join us from 10am as we hear from some of the best speakers around - learn more on topics including puberty and mental health, PDA, anxiety and how to support families.

Tickets still available!

Just £5 per speaker (+ booking fee). FREE talks each day until Tuesday!

🎟 Buy via Eventbrite ➡️ https://bit.ly/3Nz5Qrc 🎟

🔄 Can't make the live event? Purchase tickets today and receive the replay link via email, valid for 30 days from the end of the event 🔄

29/06/2023

There's just 3 days to go until the start of the South Yorkshire Autism Fayre 2023! 🥳🥳

Look at this amazing line up of speakers - all discussing the various aspects around autistic lives.

🎟 Book through Eventbrite now! 🎟 https://bit.ly/3Nz5Qrc 🎟

Just £5 per speaker (+ booking fee). Plus FREE talks available throughout the 3 days!

Everyone welcome - parents, professionals and anyone who just wants to learn more!

🔄 Can't make the live event? Purchase tickets today and receive the replay link via email, valid for 30 days from the end of the event.

Newbold Hope Newbold Hope VCB Info PDA Society Stories About Autism Not Weird Rebecca Duffus, specialist teacher & autism advocate Neurodive Seed Talks Autism Union Sparkle Sheffield

29/06/2023

Join Chris Bonnello of Autistic Not Weird online at this years South Yorkshire Autism Fayre where he talks about the 'lessons I wish I'd learned growing up autistic'. What better way to support children and young people than to hear it from lived experiences??? 👏👏

When? Monday 3rd July, 1pm-2pm

Where? Online via Zoom - everyone welcome!! 🌎

Book your tickets now! Just £5 per speaker (+ booking fee).

🎟 https://bit.ly/3Nz5Qrc

🔄 Can't make the live event? Purchase tickets today and receive the replay link via email, valid for 30 days from the end of the event.

28/06/2023

CALLING ALL PROFESSIONALS!

Want to know more about PDA and how you can support children in your setting? Join the PDA Society on Tuesday 4th July at 2.30pm to find out more, and most importantly how you can make a difference to children and young peoples lives!

Book your tickets now! Just £5 per speaker (+ booking fee).

🎟 Eventbrite 🎟 https://bit.ly/3Nz5Qrc

🔄 Can't make the live event? Purchase tickets today and receive the replay link via email, valid for 30 days from the end of the event.

25/06/2023

📣 Sunday 2nd - Tuesday 4th July 2023 📣

We are delighted to be hosting the South Yorkshire Autism Fayre 2023 with an amazing line-up of speakers!

All held online so accessible for as many people as possible! 🌎

Online speakers include...

▪️Dr Mark Brown - Anxiety and Puberty | Autism and the Family | Challenging Behaviours

▪️Yvonne Newbold MBE Newbold Hope Newbold Hope VCB Info - Siblings Safety and Happiness

▪️Sara Rocha - Embodying Mental Health in Autism

▪️Dr Luke Beardon - Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children | Why autistic people often feel so unsafe

▪️Chris Bonello Autistic Not Weird - What I wished I’d learned growing up autistic

▪️Rebecca Duffus Rebecca Duffus, specialist teacher & autism advocate - Anxiety, Masking and Autistic Identity

▪️Sam Harris - Low Demand Communication

▪️James Hunt - Stories About Autism Supporting Parental Mental Health and Q&A Session

▪️The PDA Society - PDA approaches and a personal overview from PDA adult Julia Daunt | Working with & supporting PDA children in education

▪️Dr Stephen Connolly - Transitions | Sensory Needs

▪️Seed Talks - The Science of Autism with Dr John Biddulph
.. and more!!

🎟 Get your tickets via Eventbrite NOW! 🎟

Tickets just £5 per speaker (+ booking fee) with some talks absolutely FREE!
https://bit.ly/3Nz5Qrc

🔄 Can't make the live event? Purchase tickets today and receive the replay link via email, valid for 30 days from the end of the event 🔄

The South Yorkshire Autism Fayre is an online event held by Autism Union. Autism Union is a trading arm of the charity Sparkle Sheffield. Together, Autism Union and Sparkle Sheffield support Autistic children, young people and their families through events, information sessions, advocacy work and ot...

13/03/2023

FREE lunch and learn webinara this week, and recordings afterwards if you can’t make the live event!

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a good time to share a little more about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

I know some readers will have heard me talk about PDA before but there are still so many people who don’t know what PDA is - and plenty who maybe think they know but have only heard about it through the grapevine and don’t really understand.

So here’s an opportunity you might want to share 🤓 The University of Herts are holding a set of ‘lunch and learn’ sessions this week, in honour of Neurodiversity Celebration Week. 30 minute talks with 15 minute Q&A afterwards, from 12-1245. Today’s session is the Language of Neurodiversity and tomorrow’s will be little old me, giving an introduction to PDA. I might be talking super quickly because there’s a lot to try to pack into just 30 minutes!

These sessions are open to anyone, anywhere. If you register you will have access to a recording for seven days.

To find the session and book on, search for Eventbrite LUNCH & LEARN - Understanding PDA.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lunch-learn-understanding-pda-tickets-567944847327

13/03/2023

FREE BSL taster pack from SEND for Sign Language Week this week 👏

Find out when and why Sign Language Week is celebrated, why it can be a great language to teach in your classroom, and get our top classroom ideas and resources, including our FREE BSL taster pack!