Autism Friendly Directory

My Autistic son has had his hair cut here since he was born 8 years ago - these guys have several autistic kids as regular clients - they are very understanding and patient. I wouldn't consider going anywhere else. Good haircut too !!

Located in Pugh's Garden Village this quaint little cafe came recommended by the parents from Autism Puzzles. It describes itself as "...an ideal place to rendezvous with friends, stop by on the school run, or take a time out from that cycling trip or hike."

They have a dvd running, toys to play with, a fish tank which my autistic daughter thinks is fantastic and if you ring to request it they will open the shop half an hour early for you to go in alone with your child which as a mum of two children with autism proved initially to be a lifesaver. My children love the shop so much now that they go anytime and even wait to have their feet measured with no meltdown or anxiety.

The Three Horseshoes pub in Moulton has a fantastic indoor playbarn and outdoor play area and has been nominated to us as being very autism friendly. They have regular groups of special needs youngsters that visit and staff are relaxed and happy to accomodate all needs. They offer a fantastic range of home cooked meals and drinks.

"I have visited with my autistic grandson and all staff are welcoming, patient and accomodating. The play equiptment is fun, safe and great value for money. Definately worth a visit!"

"A children's hairdressers, that will also cut Mum and Dad's hair, they're dedicated to providing a safe, exciting and unique experience for you and your children. They were nominated by a mother of ASD children who said they always provided a great service to her children."

The owners have an excellent understanding of the difficulties that families face with an autistic child as they have a child with Aspergers Syndrome and associated difficulties. In a high street location it has three floors above it, with tea/coffee machines, designated toilets for males and females, a kitchen and three large rooms.

"This is a lovely coffee shop with a very understanding owner. She employs adults with learning difficulties. She always greets my daughter and waits patiently when she is handling the money. There is a booth in the shop which can be reserved. It is enclosed and has toys, books and comfy chairs to sit and relax."

"The hairdresser has first hand experience working with clients with autism and knows friends' children with autism so has a good understanding of the condition. They will not book in any other client at the same time which is brilliant so less people and noise. The staff at the spa are also autism friendly and it's a superb retreat for parents and carers."

"Hazel takes a personal approach to professional family portrait photography to ensure your session is fun, creative and dynamic. Hazel also has an awareness of autism which made our family portrait session with her so much easier, and her patience and understanding of Tommy was brilliant. We felt we didn't have to explain anything and the results were absolutely stunning."

A children's hairdressers in Newport with a great play area and a DVD player to entertain the kids while they have their hair cut. "Anne at Wicked Hair Studio is amazing with my Autistic son and has the patience of a saint! ...I have heard nothing but praise off absolutely everyone who takes their child there whether Autistic or with other special needs."

A lovely small barbar shop that have shown patience and understanding when being visited by a family with autistic children.

"What a find. Located in the basement of a florist and toy shop, Salon Junior is a 'one child at a time' hairdressing salon where you get their complete attention. No noisy hairdryers going off, just you, your child, toys, DVDs and hairdressing too. We found that by having no-one else to share the salon with the experience for Tommy was the best. Very patient, understanding and no problems when he wanted time-out to play. Amazing achievement considering he won't let anyone fiddle with his hair."

Autism friendly barber shop. Children get to keep the comb and get a drink with the haircut. No appointment necessary. Just turn up.

Spike, Curly, Messi and Frizz would like to welcome you to the magical world of Fidgets.

Fidgets is the first hair salon in the North East specially designed for toddlers and children.

Before you enter Fidgets World take a peek through our magical window full of surprises and see who’s hiding inside!

As you enter take your seat and choose which character car to sit in for your new hair style. Whether it beSpikes favourite Lightening Mcqueen, Brum who Messi and Frizz fight over or Curly’s favourite the princess Barbie jeep.

A coffee and sandwich shop located in the Almondvale shopping centre, Livingston. This particular shop has been recommended because of the kind and understanding way staff deal with a local mother and her autistic son needs to have his sandwiches cut 'just right'.

picthatevent gives you an efficient, effective service which creates a personalised book made with pictures of your family, friends, your child’s favourite toys or indeed anything else which would assist in helping your child through their lives dealing with anxious events such as starting school and going to the dentist i wanted to offer this service to others who may be swamped with the daily battles of life and not have enough time in the day to sit and create something. I know how hard it is to find the time to storyboard in an effective way and whilst there are numerous books out there for you to buy, a personalised approach can often go much further in aiding understanding and easing anxiety for children on the ASD.

independent publishersof accessible books that make a difference . Recognised as the leading publisher on autism and Aspergers Syndrome . Publish a range of areas including social work education and arts therapies

working with registered childminders and nannies as well as other individuals and organisations in England and Wales.

Providing robust furniture for environments where challenging behaviour may arise.

provides a range of equipment designed to help people live life as independently as possible

Belts and harnesses for special needs.

where you can personalise your own bibic plastic card with your contact details medical details and possible difficulties in some situations due to a condition or learning difficulty

HCC response to the National Autism Strategy

Hmapshire Autism Partnership Board ( Adults)has been set up to be a decision making body which will share information and develop a startegy to improve services for people on the autism spectrum in Hampshire . The Board also has good representation from Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Working closely with each other means the strategy will enhance a countywide approach to the needs of autism .

is the parent carers and service users group established from the HAPB to ensure the full participationof service users and carers in its work.This group has been developed to give a voice and active involvement to people with autism at the HAPB the autism strategy wrok streams and to actively participate in the planning delivery and monitoring of servicesfor people with autism living in Hampshire

Statutory Guidance issued on the 17th DEC 2010. The Government published the statutory guidance for local councils and local NHS bodies setting out what they have to do to ensure they meet the needs of adults with autism in England in accordance with the Autism Act 2009. As the guidance is statutory local councils and local health bodies have a legal duty to implement it. Where the guidance says local areas should do something this means they have to do it by lawunless they have a strong reason not to.

The Act to make provision about meeting the needs of .adults with autism and for connected purposes

The Children's and Young People's Plan is the single overarching plan for Hampshire's Children's Trust and sets the direction and priorities for services for children young people and families in Hampshire over the 3 years stated.

The Centre offers Equine Assisted Learning for young people with Learning difficulties/disablities

Children and adults have the opportunity to engage in learning through participating in therapeutic activities with horses.There is no riding involved and horses are carefully chosen so that they are safe to handle

A riding and livery .The Centre offers Equine assisted learning which has been set up for youngsters with learning difficulties/disabilities.

Got-Autism focuses exclusively on carrying the best therapeutic, educational and sensory solutions for the autism spectrum. We have the most comprehensive line of products to help those with autism achieve satisfying and productive lives. Ultimately, we want to encourage and give hope to families raising children with Autism, which is why we give back 5% of every purchase to autism awareness, advocacy, family service and therapy organizations.