DAPL and SWAN work together to produce free resources on autistic experiences of addiction for both professionals and autistic adults
Our Delivery and Development Manager, Becky, has collaborated over the past several months with a dedicated group of autistic adults who have personal experience with addiction, together with DAPL (Drugs, Alcohol and Psychotherapy Limited), to develop a range of resources for professionals and autistic individuals. These materials are designed to enhance understanding of the distinct reasons autistic people may develop addictions—often due to unmet needs—and to illustrate how these challenges can manifest and how support can be tailored. Increasing knowledge and awareness is essential, as there remain significant barriers to accessing appropriate services, understanding, support, and various options and pathways to meaningful recovery.
On both the SWAN and DAPL websites you can now find these materials free to download
To locate these resources on the SWAN website please head here
- Autism and Addiction - a pre-recorded training video for professionals
- Autism and Addiction - a guide for professionals
- Autism and Addiction - a guide for autistic individuals
- Autism and Addiction - Layla's Story
- Autism and Addiction - Claire's Story
- Self Care: Autism Edition
We would like to say a huge thank you to all the individuals who were involved in producing these materials and sharing their expertise, learning and personal experiences. We have absolutely loved working on this project with all involved and it has been great to work in partnership with DAPL. We hope that these resources start to bridge some of the gaps that are out there in understanding and support for autistic individuals with addictions.
We would also like to take this opportunity to recommend further learning in the following places