Making Space for Autism

Chapter 1 -What is autism? An introduction.: the language of autism, the 24-hour child, intersectionality.

Chapter 2 -Trauma and its impact: masking and autistic burnout; emotional and physical responses; what a good support person looks like.

Chapter 3 -The environment: an explanation of its component parts; how supports, legal rights, pressures on families etc. can impact it.

Chapter 4 -Physical environment: what contributes to it; what a positive environment looks like;
how to complete an audit and improvements to be made (proactive and reactive).

Chapter 5 -Sensory environment: what is meant by this; what sensory processing/integration is; what a positive environment looks like; practical strategies and advice; auditing with a focus on individual sensory experiences.

Chapter 6 -Emotional environment: what emotional regulation/dysregulation and wellbeing is; how to ensure the
autistic person's needs are met; completing an audit and strategizing to provide for emotional safety and wellbeing.

Chapter 7 -Communicative environment: how to ensure an autistic person's voice is central; what a doubly empathetic environment looks like; respectful communication; auditing and strategies to help facilitate positive communication.

Chapter 8 -Internal versus external environment: the differences; how internal feelings impact; how to recognise
when you need to listen with more than your ears; person-centred accommodations that can be made;
auditing the environment from an internal perspective.

Chapter 9 -Social environment: what creates a social space; expectations placed upon the person based upon societal norms/expectations; how double empathy theory can be applied; social environment audit process; positive social strategies from a double empathy standpoint.

Glossary of terms / References / Useful resources