Resource Guides

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Welcome to our Practical Resources for Everyday Life

Our Resource Guides were created two neurodiverse individuals who understand first-hand the challenges of navigating daily life. Existing resources were either too generic, overly clinical, or difficult to access. These Resource Guides aim to act as a practical, user-friendly guide to help others gain greater independence and confidence in daily living.

How to Access the Resource Guides:

Online: Click on the buttons in the menu below. Select a section and then click VIEW ALL to explore the available resources.
E-Book: Access all the Resource Guides in one place by downloading the Empowered Living eBook here.
Physical Copy: Prefer a physical book? You can purchase a copy here.

Free Download Options:

You can access the entire Empowered Living Resource Guide for free by downloading it in your preferred format:

📄 PDF Version: Download
📝 Word Document Version: Download

We want to ensure that these resources are as accessible as possible. There is no profit for us from the sale of the physical books or e-books—they are priced at the minimum cost to cover production and distribution, with the sole aim of making them available to everyone who might benefit.

If you need any support accessing the Resource Guides, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help and want to ensure everyone can benefit from these resources.

Thank you for visiting, and we hope these tools make a positive difference in your daily life.

Introduction

Purpose: Introduction to the Resource Guides structure and purpose, and set the stage for understanding how the guide is formatted and how it can be used (and who by).

Contents:

Introduction to the Guide

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Sensory

Purpose: Begin with understanding personal sensory needs and managing sensory experiences in daily life.

Contents:

Understanding Sensory Preferences
Understanding Sensory Triggers
Identifying and Managing Sensory Needs (Hyper- and Hypo-Sensitive)
Managing Sensory Overload
How to Create a Sensory Toolkit for Different Environments
Managing Sensory Sensitivities in Social Settings
Managing Your Relationship with Food

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Executive Functioning

Purpose: Provide foundational skills to organise, plan, and follow through with tasks.

Contents:

Improve Task Prioritisation
Initiate Tasks and Follow Plans Through
Improve Management of Procrastination and Hyperfocus
Planning Ahead and Long-Term Consequences
Structuring Days, Managing Tasks, and Staying Motivated
Establish Regular Hygiene and Eating Routines
Managing Common Household Tasks
How to Set Reminders and Alarms Effectively for Tasks and Appointments
Creating a Weekly Planner or Task Schedule
Pacing to Conserve Energy
Break Tasks into Manageable Steps
Improve Impulse Control and Decision Making

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Routines and Transitions

Purpose: Build on executive functioning skills to manage routines and transitions.

Contents:

Managing Changes in Routine and Transitions
Managing Task-Switching
Managing Anxiety with Plan Changes
Improving Focus, Memory, and Time Management
Building a Morning or Evening Routine
Managing Transitions Between Activities at Work or in Education Settings

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Self-Care

Purpose: Focus on maintaining physical and emotional wellbeing.

Contents:

Improving Eating, Hydration, and Nutrition
Improve Sleep Initiation and Maintenance
Maintaining Personal Hygiene
Managing Disappointment
Following an Appointment
How to Set Up Self-Care Rituals During Periods of Burnout
Managing Overstimulation with Calming Techniques
Checklist Template for Daily Self-Care Routines

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Social Communication

Purpose: Address communication challenges and build confidence in social interactions.

Contents:

Difficulty with Verbal Communication
Difficulty with Non-Verbal Communication
Initiating and Maintaining Conversation
Expressing Discomfort with Physical Contact
Navigating Situations When Someone Is Upset
Politely Declining an Invite or Event
Asking for Directions
Being Approached by a Stranger
Answering a Phone Call
Making a Phone Call
Creating a Communication Passport
Practicing Small Talk in Casual Conversations
Navigating Group Conversations and Managing Interruptions
Conversation Starters and Scripts for Common Scenarios

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Health and Appointments

Purpose: Empower readers to navigate healthcare systems and access appropriate support.

Contents:

Identifying Health Service Needs
Booking Appointments (Doctor)
Booking Appointments (Dentist)
Booking Appointments (Optician)
Booking Appointments (Hearing)
Collecting a Prescription
Free Prescriptions and Applying for HC2 Certificates and Prepayment Certificates
How to Explain Conditions to Health Professionals
Step-by-step Template for Explaining Symptoms
How to Find a Suitable Therapist
Calling 999
Accessing Support for Addiction (and Smoking)
Preparing for Medical Tests (e.g., Blood Tests, Scans)
Reasonable Adjustment Recommendations on Medical Records
Getting Support from an Occupational Therapist
Getting Support for Mental Health (Urgent and Talking Services)
The Roles of Various Healthcare Professionals
Choking and CPR
Self-Care After Assisting in an Emergency

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Financial Support

Purpose: Help readers navigate financial challenges and access available support.

Contents:

Using Benefits Calculators
Applying for Universal Credit
Applying for Limited Capability for Work (Universal Credit)
Applying for Job Seekers Allowance
Applying for Personal Independence Payments
Applying for Carer’s Allowance
Access to Work Scheme
Budgeting 101: Creating a Personal Budget
Managing Unexpected Financial Emergencies

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Bills and Financial Management

Purpose: Provide practical advice on managing bills and finances.

Contents:

Managing Council Tax
Setting Up Direct Debit
Paying a Bill
Managing Debt and Repayments
Managing Utilities
Setting Up Insurance
Managing MOT and Vehicle Tax
Setting Up a Bank Account
Setting Up a Credit Card (With Pros and Cons)
Understanding Credit Scores
Understanding Energy-Saving Techniques to Lower Utility Costs
Comparing Providers for Utilities and Insurance
Returning an Item
Managing Unexpected Household Problems

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Support Available

Purpose: Guide readers on accessing rights and advocacy services.

Contents:

How to Get Help from Citizens Advice
How to Get Help from Adult Social Services
Requesting an Assessment from Adult Social Care (and Request for an Adult Social Care Assessment Template)
Advocacy Services
How to Find and Work with a Support Worker or Advocate
Mental Health Act Rights
Rights with Police Involvement
The Right to Choose (NHS)
Requesting Reasonable Adjustments (and Template)
Discrimination and Bullying in the Workplace
Applying for a Blue Badge
Applying for a Nimbus Access Card
Applying for a CEA Card
The Sunflower Lanyard Scheme
Making a Complaint (and Template)
Making a Complaint About an NHS Service (and Template)
Making a Complaint About the Police (and Template)
Steps to Appeal a Denied Claim for Financial Support
How to Register to Vote
Getting Support from Disabled Students Allowance (University)
What to Do if You Are a Witness or Victim of a Crime

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Getting Out and About

Purpose: Help readers navigate public and private transport systems and prepare for travel.

Contents:

Buying a Bus Ticket, Boarding a Bus, and Travel
Buying a Train Ticket, Boarding a Train, and Travel
Booking a Plane Ticket (and Special Assistance)
Disabled Bus Pass and Disabled Railcard
Concession Travel Tickets with a Carer
Driving Licence and Driving Lessons
Applying for a Motability Vehicle
Booking Tickets to an Event
Car Breakdowns and Accidents
Packing Essentials for a Trip (With Sensory and Medical Needs in Mind)
Navigating Public Transport Delays or Cancellations

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Resource Guides

Welcome to our Practical Resources for Everyday Life

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How to Access the Resource Guides:

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