Resources
Bermuda Autism Support and Education (BASE) is a resource for people with autism in Bermuda. We recognise that there is far more information available than we could ever provide, so we also have compiled a list of credible autism resources.
Adults with Autism | Interactive Autism Network
Starting college or university
Sensory Tools
Individuals with autism may have different sensitivities to sensory input; some are more sensitive while others are less sensitive than their neurotypical counterparts.
The world is full of sensory stimulation, which may be difficult for people who are overwhelmed by common sensory experiences. At the other end of the spectrum, some people with autism require even more stimulation than common sensory experiences provide. They might self-stimulate (stim) or even injure themselves as a result of being less sensitive to pain.
Understanding autistic sensory issues helps to make sense of some behaviours that may seem unusual or challenging and explains how to accommodate people who have these sensory sensitivities.
Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s Syndrome is a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in which people find it difficult to socially relate to others. They may also form rigid, repetitive patterns of thinking and behaviour. While their language development is often typical in terms of vocabulary and grammar, they tend to be quite literal and struggle with understanding subtlety, humour, sarcasm or body language.
Although Asperger’s Syndrome was initially a separate diagnosis, it was included under ASD in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, 2013).
Originally the Asperger’s Association of New England, AANE kept its acronym when it evolved to be the Asperger/Autism Network. In 2019, AANE joined forces with Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association (AHA) to assist individuals with an Asperger/autism profile.
This website is a guide for parents, professionals and people with Asperger's Syndrome and their partners. On this site, you will find issues related to Asperger's Syndrome, resources, resource papers Tony Attwood has authored and related topics.
Support Strategies
If you are unsure of how to support someone in your life who is autistic, you may find that support strategies will help. The following resources provide information about key strategies to support people with autism and help improve their daily lives.
Autism is different for everyone on the spectrum, so one person’s support needs will be different from another’s. We have grouped the following support strategy resources by category:
- General Support Strategies
- Behavioural Support Strategies
- Communication Support Strategies
- Social Understanding Support Strategies
Products and Materials
While there is a plethora of resources available online, there are also many videos, books and printed materials available for offline use. Check out the links below if you are looking for information, educational materials or support resources.
Autism Asperger’s Publishing Company (AAPC)
An independent publisher specialising in books on autism spectrum disorders, Asperger syndrome and other pervasive developmental disorders. They publish books that provide practical solutions for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder as well as parents, teachers or others working or living with an individual with an autism spectrum disorder. They also distribute videos and other interactive products.
Provides books and other resources on Autism, Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). Their mission is to bring current, helpful information to individuals, families, and professionals.
Natural Learning Concepts produces materials aimed at increasing language and communication of skills of children who fall on the autistic spectrum or have development delays. The materials are created to be appealing and motivating to people with autism. The materials are equally enjoyed by educators as well as those on the autism spectrum.
Distributes hundreds of creative, practical educational and therapy materials including the Time Timer.
Intervention
There is no “cure” for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but interventions help people with autism to navigate a neurotypically driven world. Early intervention programmes focus on developing communication, social and cognitive skills. This support addresses potential challenges and enables people with autism to enjoy greater independence.
Visit our Service Providers page for information about interventions that are available in Bermuda.
For more information about types of interventions for people on the spectrum, check out the links below.
The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders
On this site, you will find online modules for identified evidence-based practices, which are instructional/intervention procedures that have been shown to produce positive outcomes for people with ASD.
TEACCH (Training and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children) is one of the most widely used educational intervention programmes for children with ASD. TEACCH focuses on maximising the skills of children with autism spectrum disorder by focusing on their relative strengths, rather than trying to “fix” their symptoms. This is different from imposing or dictating a model of "normal" behaviour for everyone and requiring people with autism to fit into the mould, whether that is comfortable for them or not. The TEACCH approach respects what they call the "culture of autism"; the relative strengths of individuals with autism in visual skills, recognising details, and memory, among others, as the basis of successful adult functioning. TEACCH has also observed that capitalising on children's interests, even though they may be peculiar from our perspective, helps increase their motivation and understanding of what they are doing. The physical environment is organised and visual schedules are utilised to make expectations clear and explicit. This environment provides individuals with autism the opportunity to learn independent of adult prompting.
Learn more about autism, The Ziggurat Model, and services provided by the Ziggurat Group on this website. The Ziggurat Model is a system for designing comprehensive interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The status quo of intervention is to treat the visible behaviours. This narrow, Band-Aid approach fails to address the true need—underlying hidden deficits—and provide for sustained change. No single solution is sufficient to resolve complex needs. The Ziggurat Model is a research-centred system that capitalises on strengths in order to address underlying deficits. It is assessment driven and provides a framework that guides parents and professionals to ensure that complex needs are fully addressed.
Adults with ASD
Much of the research and work around autism has focused on children. Ultimately, of course, children with autism grow up to be adults with autism. Also, some people with autism do not receive their diagnosis until they are adults.
The links below provide resources for adults with autism, whether they are newly diagnosed or need different types of support in their adult lives.
Similar to other career building websites, JobTIPS presents text, audio, and video related to seeking and applying for jobs, managing work responsibilities, and interacting with co-workers. Keeping youth with ASD in mind, the site also provides detailed explanations of how to behave in specific situations, such as what to say and not say to a potential employer, and when and how to disclose their diagnosis. The researchers are also developing modules that will allow users to practice job skills, such as interviewing, accepting feedback from supervisors, and engaging in appropriate small talk.
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity's resource pages index material from a vast number of websites on autism, reflecting a wide range of information and perspectives. Visitors will also find links to many one-off articles with interesting and innovative content. This website includes links to first person accounts, and to full-text versions of peer-reviewed professional journal articles available free-of-charge.
Articles on employment and autism
Articles about adults with autism
The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership
Committed to meeting the needs of adults and teens on the autism spectrum.
Family Support
People with autism are not the only ones affected by their diagnosis; families are also impacted. Families must learn how to best support their loved one with autism and may need support of their own.
The following resources help families learn what to expect, how they can be supportive and how to cope with challenges.
Wrong Planet
Wrong Planet is the web community designed for individuals (and parents/professionals of those) with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, PDDs, and other neurological differences. We provide a discussion forum, where members communicate with each other, an article section, with exclusive articles and how-to guides, a blogging feature, and a chatroom for real-time communication.
Classroom Tools
These resources help educators to make their classrooms inclusive and accommodating for students on the spectrum.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Missouri Best Practice Guidelines for Screening, Diagnosis, and Assessment (2010)
These Guidelines provide recommendations, guidance, and information about current best practice in screening, diagnostic, and assessment services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (164 pages).
Effective Educational Practices for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
A Resource Guide, 2007
This resource guide is designed to support educators in planning and implementing effective educational programs for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). It contains information, strategies, and practices that can be put to use in the school and the classroom. It also includes a collection of sample materials reflecting current practices in schools, as well as lists of references and resources for further reading.
Paula Kluth
This website is dedicated to promoting inclusive schooling and exploring positive ways of supporting students with autism and other disabilities. Paula’s work involves collaborating with schools to create environments, lessons, and experiences that are inclusive, respectful, and accessible for all learners. In this web space you will find articles, web links, and resources that can be used to inspire positive change in schools and communities.