This page is dedicated to support from local community services in Bedfordshire, as well as online resources to help families with children who have special educational needs during the coronavirus pandemic.

Support from community services

Due to the current COVID-19 situation and the reduced face to face service, the nurse led clinic are temporarily extending the telephone drop-in hours to 09.30-11.30am Mon –Fri on 01234 310271. 

This is for advice on sleep, behaviour or continence concerns for families who access any service based at the child Development Centre (CDC) and Union Street Clinic (and not to be used in a medical emergency).

We are also working on video conferencing options, which will be added to this page when it is available.

Recommended resources

Coronavirus

• What is the coronavirus? The Autism Educator: https://littlepuddins.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Corona-Virus-Free-Printable-Updated-2-The-Autism-Educator-.pdf
• I have a question about coronavirus, illustrated picture story: http://www.jkp.com/jkpblog/2020/03/i-have-a-question-about-coronavirus/ 
• National Autistic Society, coronavirus resources: https://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/coronavirus/resources.aspx 
• Autism Bedfordshire, COVID-19 support: https://www.autismbedfordshire.net/support-for-children/autism-bedfordshire-covid-19-support-services/
• UK Adult ADHD network, https://www.ukaan.org/advice-on-covid-19
• Resources from the Child Mind Institute (US-based), https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/
• Royal Society of Paediatrics and Child Health, resources for parents and carers https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/covid-19-resources-parents-carers

Autism

• National Autistic Society https://www.autism.org.uk/ 
• Research Autism, an introduction to autism issues: http://www.researchautism.net/autism-issues/autism-issues-introduction  
• Explaining autism, National Austistic Society: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbwRrVw-CRo 

ADHD

• ADHD Foundation, www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/
• UK ADHD Partnership, www.ukadhd.com

Behaviour management

• Top tips for behaviour, National Autistic Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/about/behaviour/guidelines.aspx
• Challenging Behaviour Foundation: https://www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk/understanding-behaviour/finding-the-reasons.html  

Anxiety

• Anxiety UK, information about autism and anxiety: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/get-help/anxiety-information/autism-and-anxiety/
• Autism Network, reducing anxiety in children and young people: https://network.autism.org.uk/good-practice/evidence-base/reducing-anxiety-autistic-children-and-young-people
• Young Minds, a Parent’s Guide to Support Anxiety: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-guide-to-support-a-z/parents-guide-to-support-anxiety/

Sleep

• Teen sleep guide https://books.apple.com/gb/book/how-to-sleep-well-and-stay-healthy-a-guide-for-teenagers/id1397176909

Support groups and forums

• Outside in support grops  http://www.outsidein-solutions.co.uk/support/support-groups/
• The Avenue ASD support for families https://theavenuesupport.co.uk/
• Carers in Bedfordshire https://carersinbeds.org.uk/young-carers/being-a-young-carer
• Parent Carer Forum, Bedford Borough https://www.bbpcf.co.uk/
• SNAP Parent Carer Forum, Central Bedfordshire http://www.snappcf.org.uk/
• ADDISS ( National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service) national support service available http://www.addiss.co.uk 
  support service via internet or telephone 020 8952 2800
• Faces Bedford support group (ASD/ADHD), admin@facesbedford.org, 01234 270601
  http://www.facesbedford.org/contact
• UK ADHD support groups, https://www.ukadhd.com/support-groups.htm

• Kooth, support via online chat https://www.kooth.com
• Childline https://www.childline.org.uk
• Young Minds https://youngminds.org.uk
• Royal Society of Psychiatry, resources for young people and parents https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/parents-and-young-people
• The Mix, essential support for under 25s, http://www.themix.org.uk