Helping Hand vs Autistica Tips Hub

Help and Assistance Navigating a Diagnosis for Autism – an app developed to support parents and carers of children who have been referred for an autism assessment in Scotland. Autism assessment is a complicated and lengthy process, involving multiple professionals and various appointments. Many parents and carers who have gone through this process report that they found it very stressful. Helping Hand is designed to reduce that stress and empower parents and carers throughout the process. The project is led by The University of Edinburgh, based at the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre for Learning Difficulties and their third sector partner, The Salvesen Mindroom Centre, in collaboration with Colouring Outside the Lines. Funding by Nesta and the Scottish Government brought together this diverse team, along with parents/carers of children with autism, who collaboratively helped co-design the app. ABOUT Giving you access to up to date, evidence-based information about autism and how it is diagnosed in Scotland. TIMELINE The timeline provides an indication of what is likely to happen at each stage of the assessment process. This pilot phase gives a likely timeline for children under 7 years old in NHS Lothian. This may vary for older children and those in other areas. DIARY Record information about your child’s sleep, day and any triggers that have led to difficulties or times of upset. The diary content may be useful to take along with you to your appointments. RESOURCES Access to resources in Edinburgh and the Laotians to help you, before, during and after assessment. CONTACT Find useful contacts such as carer support, informal support and external educational contacts. DATA PRIVACY All data added to the Helping Hand app by parents and carers is stored on the users’s phone. The only information which will be shared, is the first part of your postcode – this will be used for monitoring purposes only and you can choose not to supply this information. All other data is not uploaded anywhere or held by anyone else. Only the parent or carer can see the information they put into the app. If they choose to share the information with any professionals, they can do this at an appointment by showing them the phone screen.

Welcome to Autistica Tips Hub, your go-to resource for practical tips and advice tailored for autistic individuals, their families, and professionals working with and for autistic people. Our app supports autistic self-advocates, family members, professionals, and caregivers by offering expert guidance and a wealth of curated resources to navigate daily challenges. Key Features • Personalised Advice: Receive tailored tips and advice to manage everyday situation • Curated Resources: Access a comprehensive library of resources reviewed and rated by experts. Discover articles, videos, and practical guides on various topics prioritised by the autistic community and their families, such as anxiety, sleep, eating behaviours, and more. • Custom Audiences: Customise your experience by selecting the content that resonates most with you, such as user personas like autistic individual, family member, professional, or caregiver. This ensures relevant content tailored to your needs. • Sensitive Preferences: Set your preferences to filter out sensitive content ensuring a comfortable and safe browsing experience. • User Access Management: Easily register, login, or reset your password. You can also choose to skip registration and explore the app's basic features before signing up. • My Account: View and edit your profile information, upload a profile picture, manage your settings and bookmark your favourite resources for later reference. • Welcome Page: Start with a guided tour to familiarise yourself with the app's features. • Security and Privacy: Your data is secure with us. We adhere to industry best practices for password management and data protection. Disclaimer: The information provided by Autistica Tips Hub is designed to empower autistic individuals but is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or acting on tips provided by this app. Although we do not offer direct support, we do provide a list of organisations that may be able to assist you. Why Choose Autistica Tips Hub? • Expert-Reviewed Content: All resources are carefully reviewed by experts to ensure accuracy and relevance. • User-Friendly Interface: Navigate easily through a clean and intuitive interface, making it simple to find the information you need. • Autistica Tips Hub is here to help you manage the unique challenges of autism with confidence. Download now and start your journey towards a more informed and empowered life.