Resources

This is our library of resources that we have created or collaborated on. Here you can find a variety of articles, videos, and updates such as: in-depth articles about understanding autism, previous webinar recordings, downloadable activities, staff interviews, advocacy project updates and more!

The majority of our resources are free to access, use and share, however some links to webinars and training courses require you to purchase them. Income from training is really important to SG as a way of ensuring that our services remain free to young people in our community :)

If you believe in what we’re doing you can also help us to keep creating more free resources like this by donating or fundraising. Each act of support, however small, strengthens our shared effort to create a world where autistic young people can reach their true potential.

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Barriers to Education Is now Live!

We’re excited to share that the Barriers to Education website has officially launched! The Barriers to Education website has been created to bring parents, carers and professionals together with practical, compassionate approaches that make a real difference. At its heart is the WARMTH Framework, alongside a growing library of tools, strategies and case studies that show what’s possible when we focus on understanding needs and creating conditions where young people feel safe,

Spectrum Gaming

Nov 5, 20252 min read

Selective Mutism vs Reactive Mutism: A Position Paper Advocating for Improved Terminology, Understanding, and Support.

A Position Paper Advocating for Improved Terminology, Understanding, and Support for those with Selective Mutism and Reactive Mutism.

Spectrum Gaming

May 5, 20251 min read

Supporting Autistic Young People with PMDD

**** Content Warning: This resource discusses suicide and self harm **** Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is often described as a severe form of PMS that causes intense anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. For autistic young people, these experiences can be even more overwhelming, exacerbating things like sensory sensitivities, fatigue from masking, and managing strong emotions that are often as a result of existing in e

Spectrum Gaming

Apr 5, 20254 min read

Understanding Selective Mutism, Autism and Reactive Mutism - Webinar Recording

Spectrum Gaming has a huge focus on advocacy - ensuring autistic young people's voices are heard - and one common experience is young people receiving the wrong support when they experience difficulties with communication that are caused by anxiety, stress or overload. This webinar aims to explain what selective mutism is, what it isn't and why the right understanding is important when it comes to supporting autistic people. We also cover what support is helpful so that you h

Spectrum Gaming

Oct 14, 20242 min read

Addressing Barriers to Education: Project Update

FURTHER UPDATE: More news and website launch info here!: https://www.spectrumgaming.net/post/barriers-to-education-is-now-live It is almost universally recognised that the current guidance for supporting young people who are struggling to attend school does not work for many. But the North West has been at the forefront of collaborating at a multi-agency level around this issue, and Spectrum Gaming has been leading on creating some new guidance alongside key partners. We hav

Spectrum Gaming

Aug 25, 20241 min read

Unmasking Autism: My Journey - Webinar Recording

Masking is when someone tries their best to fit in and go unnoticed by others. It can become an automatic, natural way of being, meaning autistic people can sometimes mask without actually knowing it. Masking can be a stressful experience. It takes a lot of energy to be able to 'fit in', and act in a way that is different to your natural self. This webinar aims to share my personal journey – including what school was like for me, how masking felt and how I eventually learned

Andy Smith

Aug 6, 20242 min read

'Who Can I Talk To?': Supporting Young People to Access Help and Support

Through our work we have found that sometimes young people can struggle to understand where to go when they are upset and seeking support...

Spectrum Gaming

Jun 30, 20241 min read

Reflections on Autistic Burnout

(Note: this post is about “deep burnout” – which is usually a huge, life-altering event which often takes a very long period of time to...

Andy Smith

Jun 30, 20246 min read

Autism and Sleep

Many autistic young people struggle with sleep, but also find that typical "sleep hygiene strategies" often aren't helpful. So we have worked with our community to write a guide to autism and sleep! Thank you The Sleep Charity for reviewing this and Jo for designing the booklet. The guide is free to use, access and share and can be downloaded here. You might also like to check out our information aimed at young people about sleep: Autism Understood article about Sleep Autism

Spectrum Gaming

Jun 30, 20241 min read