Learning Disabilities and Autism Toolkit
We have developed a toolkit for supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced sexual violence.
The creation of the toolkit was funded by the Three Guineas Trust and the Somerset Discovery Fund, managed by the Somerset Community Foundation.
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- Learning disabilities and autism toolkit
Explaining trauma
Trauma is a lasting emotional response that can occur following a frightening or harmful experience. Experiencing a traumatic event can cause strong physical, emotional and behavioural reactions. This can include depression, low self-esteem, self-blame and guilt
Responses to trauma
An experience of trauma can have a profound impact on the brain producing a number of different responses. Everyone’s experience is unique, but there are some common responses shared by many victim-survivors.
Seeking further support – healing and recovery
When seeking further support or signposting, its important to remember that different things work for different people. Always try to offer the person you are working with options on what might suit them best.
Making services accessible
Based on SARSAS’ learning, feedback from the people we support and the views of our lived experience advisory group, we have put together hints and tips for working with autistic people and people with learning disabilities.
Consent – what it is and how to talk about it
Consent means that all people involved in any kind of sexual activity agree to take part by choice. They also need to have the freedom and capacity to make that choice. Those who support or work with people with learning disabilities and autistic people often have concerns around consent and the mental capacity act.
The latest from our news and blogs
What is a sexual assault referral centre (SARC)?
A SARC can offer free, confidential medical, practical and emotional support to people who have been raped, sexually abused or assaulted at any point in their lives. They’re usually provided by the NHS, but will always have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers.
