Frequently Asked Questions
What support groups are there for my child with autism?
The following groups have a Facebook page which we recommend you join/follow.
Autism Support Angus and Dundee (ASAD) are an online support forum who run a variety of events for members all year round.
NAS Dundee & Angus Facebook page run similar autism friendly events and are also an online support forum.
The Yard Dundee are based at Drumlanrig Place, Dundee, 14 Drumlanrig Place, Dundee, DD4 8HZ opens Saturday and Sunday 11- 4am
Autism/ADHD Activities group Dundee & Angus
DASH
What financial entitlements do I get if I have a child with autism?
You may be entitled to the following;
Carers Allowance for looking after your disabled if you are not working. Click on link to apply online. https://www.mygov.scot/carers-allowance-supplement/
DLA/PIP click on link to go online. click on link to go to their website for more information
https://www.gov.uk/dla-disability-living-allowance-benefit
Blue badge scheme click on link to go to their website for more information
https://www.mygov.scot/apply-blue-badge/
Disabled person’s bus pass click on link to go to their website for more information
https://www.mygov.scot/disabled-bus-pass/
CEA Card for cinema click on link to go to their website for more information
Cold weather payment for heating if you have a disabled child. Contact your energy provider to see if you qualify https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment/eligibility
Council Tax bedroom reduction if you need an additional bedroom due to your child’s additional needs.
https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-for-disabled-people
Take a break funding for holiday click on link to go to their website for more information http://takeabreakscotland.org.uk/
Family fund click on link to go to their website for more information
https://www.familyfund.org.uk/
Free nappies/pull ups if your child has a continence issue relating to their autism. Contact your health visitor or Tayside continence team on for further info.
https://www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk/…/ContinenceAd…/index.htm
Direct Payments
https://www.gov.uk/apply-direct-payments
Have got my DLA form but don’t know where to start?
Dundee Carers, and Angus carers offer a service where you can get assistance filling in the form. Contact them for assistance
http://dundeecarerscentre.org.uk/
https://www.anguscarers.co.uk/
My child isn’t talking or has problems with speech what should I do?
You should in the first instance contact your SALT you can make contact via this link
https://www.facebook.com/chatayside/
My child’s condition has deteriorated, and I’m worried about their mental health what do I do?
CAMHS- Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services part of NHS Tayside click on their link for their range of services of support.
https://www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk/OurServicesA…/…/index.htm
My child isn’t getting the support they are needing at school what should I do?
In the first instance we recommend you contact the school and ask for a meeting with the headteacher where you can discuss your concerns. You can ask for support for your child that might include indirect support, or direct support through an IEP or child’s plan. Click on the following link to read more about what education support is available.
I’m having huge issues with getting my child’s hair cut where can I go for a cut which is autism friendly?
Our members recommend the following barbers and hairdressers:
Jill Ness mobile hairdresser Carnoustie
Somerville’s barber’s in Fintry
Smooth Sailing Barbers in Arbroath
My child has huge issues with nail clipping what can I do?
This can be a sensory issues and can be very challenging. CAMHS may be able to help and can refer you to podiatry.
https://www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk/OurServicesA…/…/index.htm
My child has issues with clothing being scratchy and itchy?
M&S do a range of sensory smart clothing
Members recommend the following: https: //www. sensorysmart.co.uk/
You can pick up sensory smart clothing on eBay.
Base layer clothing also has the same effect for some children.
My child has sensory issues but don’t know how to address them, what do I do?
Occupational Therapy can assess your child for sensory difficulties and will recommend a range of activities suitable for your child.
Members recommend Sensory 101 fantastic book to help you asses your own child, and fun activities for the whole family as well as your child.
My child hates getting their hair washed are there any alternatives?
Members recommend dignity water-less shampoo.
My child hates the flavoured toothpaste what can I use instead?
Members recommend oranurse toothpaste which you can buy on Amazon or eBay.
My child needs a nappy when they go swimming and they no longer fit in huggies what do I do?
When your child no longer fits huggies, and they have continence issues members recommend splash about swim nappies. When they go beyond age of splashabout nappies members recommend swim mates incontinence nappies available from incontinencechoice.co.uk
My child won’t use plasters what can I do?
Try spray on plasters.
My child keeps going out front door how do I keep them safe?
Chain at the top of the door.
Smart Watches.
Trackers
I’m going on holiday can I get special assistance at the airport?
Most operators operate a special assistance scheme you must pre-register for to ensure your transition through the airport goes as smoothly as possible. You need to contact the airport you are flying from directly and ask for passenger assistance, and explain your needs. Some airports will give you fast track through check in, priority boarding, first on/off through the plane, and assistance departing. The tour operator you are flying with may also give you additional baggage allowance for dietary/medical needs but again is subject to each individual tour operator.