Meltdowns & overwhelm

Starter's Special

Why did we bring out the Starter's Special? Co-editor Debby Elley says: “When my sons were diagnosed with autism , I was left at the mercy of the internet. The information that I did get was somewhat dull and depressing. Then I met Tori, who has an amazing affinity with autistic children. She felt the same about the lack of positive, impartial, upbeat advice for parents and together we came up with AuKids."

Colleague and co-editor Tori Houghton adds: "We both thought 'Wouldn't it be great if AuKids could be made available to every parent or carer who has only just found out about autism?' It's such an isolating experience to be

told your child has a condition that you don't know much about. AuKids would give them an instant boost, knowing that there was great information out there and that they weren't alone."

"We jokingly call this issue our Greatest Hits," says Debby. "It’s some of the features that have gone down especially well with parents who are new to autism. We compiled the best of them together in this issue. We hope that it'll give parents a helping hand just when they need it”

Enjoy the Starter's Special, then move onto the rest of the library…

Love the team at AuKids x

Issue 39

Spring 2018

Ask the Experts: One reader's son is terrified of cats and dogs and she asks us for help.

Top Tip for Tablets: Jenny Laycock of Family Fund gives key advice on getting the most out of a tablet device.

The Inside Angle: Shutdowns - The Invisible Enemy. Tim Tuff talks about shutdowns, less talked about than meltdowns but just as distressing.

Time fo the Big Move: AuKids and the Wraparound Partnership give top tips for preparing for secondary school.

Living By the Rule of Thumb: Here's one technique to help children learn social skills without getting overload and anxiety.

Celebrating Super Siblings! Five siblings of different ages share their experiences of living with an autistic brother or sister.

Issue 35

Spring 2017

Ask the Experts: My Child Explodes at My Slightest Attempt to Correct Him. Why?

10 Tactics for Win-Win Schooling: Debby Elley, mum of twins with autism, gives advice on getting the best out of your child's school team when there's an issue to contend with.

Autism Through the Looking Glass: Reflecting on the Pros and Cons of Medication: Consultant Child Psychiatrist Dr Pru Allington-Smith guides readers through the range of options available and the advice regarding autistic children and medication.

Putting Parents Back in the Driving Seat: The PACT study won praise earlier this year for its superb results. But what is PACT? Fortunately Debby Elley and Tori Houghton, your co-editors, have first hand experience of the study.

Issue 24

Summer 2014

Ask the Experts: Why Does My Son Spin Things?

Dry and Mighty: Toilet training an autistic child

Please Can We Borrow That TARDIS? Four adults on the spectrum were given an imaginary TARDIS. What would they tell the adults around them?

Anchors Away! Conversation Series Part 1 - speech and language therapy made easy

The Kindness of Strangers: and what to do when your child has a meltdown in public

Getting Their Wires Crossed: Occupational Therapist Breanne Black explains why some autistic children are so over-sensitive to touch

Keywords Issue 24: Spinning; toilet training; autistic adults; conversation; public meltdowns; oversensitivity to touch; Breanne Black.

Issue 17

Autumn 2012

Includes a double page spread on the best apps for autism (‘Apps-olutely fabulous?’). We look at different types of app and how they can help with different skills before rounding up the best apps under each kind of category.

We loved compiling The View From Mars, in which we interviewed four dads of kids with autism. We rounded off with a popular feature – Saying No Without the Volcano. This focuses on setting boundaries without experiencing meltdowns.

Child psychologist Tanya Buryon, author Liz Hannah and international speaker Brenda Smith Myles all contribute to the melting pot of great ideas and there’s a helpful further reading list for parents whose kids struggle with controlling their temper.

Issue 12

Summer 2011

In this issue, Meltdowns are the subject of one of our most popular Ask the Expert features. Our double-page spread on parties for autistic kids, It’s My Party and I’ll Flap if I Want To, has some great inspiration to reduce stress at birthday get-togethers.

Our DIY Special, How to Build A Path to Communication, was so successful that it was available as a poster. Here we take you through the simple principles behind getting your child motivated to share communication, and all it takes is a bit of time and some patience. Our interview is with the director of Oily Cart theatre company, which produces drama that’s adapted for kids with complex needs and autism.