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E-learning modules from The National Autistic Society

E-learning modules from The National Autistic Society

Our e-learning modules have all been written and designed by autistic people and other autism specialists. These online training modules are unique in design, innovative in delivery, and full of knowledge directly from autistic people. They have been created to provide knowledge and understanding of autism at your own pace and at a time convenient to you. Our e-learning offer includes a range of topics which can be purchased individually or as specific bundles. Some of our modules are free to access. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
June 4, 2024
Older people still invisible in care, says leading academic

Older people still invisible in care, says leading academic

Alisoun Milne says: "The collapse of Southern Cross couldn't be more timely in terms of drawing the public's attention to the fragile state of care home provision and the powerless state of care home residents. "How far the commercial sector can be expected – or indeed trusted – to provide high quality long-term care to some of the most dependent and frail elderly people in the UK has been brought into sharp relief. It's predicted that other operators will follow suit, exposing even more elderly people and their families to distress and worry. That's why the Commission's recommendations need to be considered as a matter of urgency and not simply shelved." Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
June 4, 2024
Eight ways to give yourself a pep talk when you feel stuck

Eight ways to give yourself a pep talk when you feel stuck

My friend Greta gives the most amazing pep talks. She starts by asking you, ‘What’s the title of your pep talk?’ And after you tell her the title – anything from ‘You feel like you’re stagnating, but you are growing in a million ways!’ to ‘You can and will start to go on dates again this year’ – she launches in. You can count on Greta’s pep talks to impart a powerful mix of confidence, energy and recognition of your deepest potential. However, there are times when a pep-talking friend isn’t readily available. In such moments, knowing how to give yourself an effective pep talk could come in handy. Giving yourself a pep talk can be a bit challenging, as most of…
Dr Neil Thompson
June 4, 2024
Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Accept what you can’t change

Neil Thompson’s Lessons for Living – Accept what you can’t change

‘Facticity’ is the technical term for the things we cannot change, the things that are beyond our control. There will always be such things, and we have to get used to that. Some people have a problem because they tend to be defeatist. They accept things that they don’t need to accept – they fail to recognize that there are steps they could take to address their problems. However, the problem I am talking about here is the opposite of that. It refers to situations where people know there is nothing they can do, but they try to do it anyway. For example, someone who is interviewed for a job, but is unsuccessful may not be willing to let go…
Dr Neil Thompson
May 7, 2024
Modern slavery

Modern slavery

Governments, regulators and investors are taking a much greater interest in what organisations are doing to combat modern slavery and the exploitation of people both within the workforce and within company supply chains. Modern slavery is considered a key element of environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. It is an issue of interest to investors, policymakers and regulators, who are looking to boards to report externally on their policies and actions. This factsheet looks at HR’s role in tackling modern slavery, and the steps that can be taken to prevent it. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
May 7, 2024
‘Work first’ can work better

‘Work first’ can work better

'Work first' is a core idea that underpins the UK's employment and welfare systems, and effective ‘work first’ orientated systems have long-term, paid employment as the primary goal for people interacting with them. This is the right objective, but with work entry rates for unemployed benefit claimants falling, health-related inactivity rising sharply and millions of people not claiming benefits locked out of support, urgent improvement is needed to reach it. For the unemployed, the Jobcentre has become a Universal Credit (UC) monitoring service rather than an employment service. By updating DWPs own figures, we estimate that the department now spends £350 million a year on monitoring claimants, the equivalent of over half of the annual spend on work coach salaries.…
Dr Neil Thompson
May 7, 2024
‘Brilliant’ plans to improve child social care ignored by ministers

‘Brilliant’ plans to improve child social care ignored by ministers

The poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay has accused ministers of ignoring “brilliant” recommendations to improve the “dysfunctional” children’s social care system in England because they are not vote winners. Sissay, whose bestselling memoir My Name Is Why was a reflection on his own childhood in care, said the government had “cherrypicked” from the 2022 MacAlister review, despite the report putting forward costed recommendations that would save money in the longer term. Click here to read more
Dr Neil Thompson
May 7, 2024