What we do
SAFE is a supportive platform where individuals can share and learn essential information on practical topics, helping them navigate life's challenges and access necessary resources.
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Providing Activities: SAFE Essex offers a range of activities for young people and adults on the autistic spectrum.
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Social Skills Development: SAFE support groups offer opportunities to enhance social skills and make meaningful connections.
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Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs): Learn about the EHCP application process, your rights, and effective strategies for securing the support you need.
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Benefit Claims & Financial Support: SAFE provides guidance on claiming benefits and obtaining financial support. We help families understand their entitlements and access vital resources.
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Job Market Preparation: We provide advice on enhancing employability skills, accessing training opportunities, and securing fulfilling employment.
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Through knowledge exchange and practical insights, SAFE empowers individuals to overcome barriers and achieve a brighter future. Join us to take advantage of our resources and support.
A supportive space for sharing & learning
What is Autism without a learning disability
Some autistic people also have a learning disability, defined as having an IQ below 70. SAFE supports autistic individuals without learning disabilities, who typically face challenges with:
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Communication Skills: Difficulty understanding non-verbal cues, rigid thought patterns, and figurative language.
Social Situations: Struggle with interpreting social rules and recognising danger signals from others.
Empathy and Understanding: Exceptional imagination, but difficulty using it in social settings.
Sensory Impairments: Hypersensitivity to touch, sound, light, and other stimuli.
Autistic people may resemble neurotypical individuals in appearance but face significant challenges in social interactions. They desire friendships and acceptance, but may struggle with societal expectations, leading to loneliness and bullying.
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For autistic adults, challenges include finding employment, living independently, and forming social connections. These obstacles can cause frustration, anxiety, and other mental health issues. However, with proper support and understanding, they can lead meaningful lives and fulfil their potential.
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Autistic individuals often have intense special interests, which bring them joy and knowledge. Their unique focus and loyalty can be valuable attributes. With the right support, they can harness their talents and make meaningful contributions to society.
Supporting difference since 1997
The history of SAFE
When SAFE (Supporting Asperger Families in Essex) was established in 1997, it was created to support individuals diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. The classification of autism has evolved since then; Asperger syndrome became an official diagnostic term in 1992 in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and in 1994 in the DSM-4. Later, it was removed as a separate diagnosis and included within the 'autism spectrum disorder' classification, recognizing Asperger syndrome as part of the spectrum.
Some individuals still use the term, but it has fallen out of favor due to changes in diagnostic terms and revelations about the psychiatrist it was named after collaborating with the Nazis during World War II. SAFE Essex continues to support those with Asperger syndrome and autistic individuals without learning disabilities.