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Spectrum Gaming

@spectrum0gaming

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A community for autistic young people, which also aims to create strategic change across the UK.

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Today, I was at the West Midlands CPD Group’s event, talking about ‘Reframing the Narrative’ and how the language professionals use shapes neurodivergent identity.

Every person who spoke today was neurodivergent, so the whole room received a day’s worth of lived experience... AND THAT IS ALL TOO RARE! @theautisticadvocate, @marielipsychology, Ali Egerton (of @spectrum0gaming)

Language doesn’t just describe a young person; it positions them. We must remember that when writing reports, chairing meetings and conversing about neurodivergent individuals, we have a HUGE influence over that positioning.

Our words today shape their story tomorrow.

So, what can we make possible for those young people simply through the language we use?

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Completely forgot Instagram existed again for a few months. Oops! But happy autistic pride day! This is a biscuit my youngest decorated at a @spectrum0gaming youth club last night. One of my fave moments was when she said "I love this room! I've found my people!" ❤️ I'm glad she gets to feel proud of being autistic so much earlier in life than I did :)

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The voting is officially over! ✨💚

The 2026/2027 GamesAid charities are:

@skc365
@gametherapyuk
@apartofmeapp
@afkcharity
@spectrum0gaming

Thank you to all the GamesAid members who took the time to take part and vote for their favourite charities!

#gamesaid #charity #elections #vote #gametherapyuk #apartofme #spectrumgaming #afk #solvingkidscanceruk #actionforkids #gaming

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On May 31st I will be doing the 10k race at the Great Manchester Run - my first race since primary school! This is the culmination of a three-year fitness journey for me so I wanted to celebrate by raising money for a local charity that supports autistic young people. Those of you that know me well will know why. If you’d like to donate that would be marvellous 😁 Thanks for reading this

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Autistic meltdowns and shutdowns are often misunderstood.

They’re not attention-seeking.
They’re not “bad behaviour.”
And they’re not something someone can just switch off.

They happen when the nervous system becomes overwhelmed.
Too much noise.
Too much information.
Too much stress building up.

At a certain point, it becomes too much to process.

A meltdown is an outward response to that overwhelm.
It can look like crying, shouting, panic, or losing control of emotions.
Not because someone wants to — but because their system is overloaded.

A shutdown is the opposite.
It’s inward.
Someone may go quiet, freeze, struggle to speak, or withdraw completely.
It can look like they’ve “switched off”.

Both are responses to the same thing: overwhelm

💬 How to help

Stay calm.
Reduce noise and stimulation if possible.
Give space — don’t crowd or pressure.
Avoid telling them to “calm down” or “stop”.

And most importantly:
Listen afterwards — not in the moment.

Because support isn’t about control.
It’s about understanding what someone’s nervous system is going through.

#AutismAcceptance
#Neurodiversity
#ActuallyAutistic
#AutismAwareness
#InclusionMatters

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24 charities have made it onto the ballot! 🎉💚

The charities on the ballot are @thejoshuatreechildrenscharity @apartofmeapp @jigsaw4u @honeypotchildrenscharity @everyonecanuk @afkcharity @roalddahlcharity @spreadasmileuk @countrytrust @spectrum0gaming @dvl.childrens.charity @becomecharity @smallstepscharity @autisticauk @skc365 @theclocktowersanctuary @breckfoundation @panathlonchallenge @lifelitesorg @dragonflycancertrust @gametherapyuk @kangoroossussex @lennoxccf @momentumcharity

Want to have your say? Become a GamesAid member by 12th April to cast your vote.

Link in Bio or in the comments

#gamesaid #charity #vote

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SHARED on behalf of Spectrum Gaming

Christmas can often look a little different for neurodivergent families.
When we focus on what supports autistic young people’s comfort, joy and wellbeing, it’s natural that our celebrations might not look like everyone else’s, and that’s perfectly okay!

For many of us, this time of year can bring more sensory overload, changes in routine, and extra social pressure - and what’s fun for some might be overwhelming for others.

Our article “Surviving The Festive Season” was written in collaboration with autistic young people and shares thoughts and practical ideas to help young people navigate this time: from managing lights, food, and social plans to making space for rest, boundaries, and downtime.

You can find the article on Autism Understood here 👇🏻

https://autismunderstood.co.uk/social-stuff/surviving-the-festive-season/ 🙂

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“Risk isn’t just a number - it’s a story. We need to offer hope and build strong relationships with the people we support, especially when they’re in distress."

Dr Sarmad Nadeem, consultant psychiatrist, spoke at Bury’s first suicide prevention conference was last week.

It was good to be alongside excellent local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations.

For anyone who is struggling or experiencing distress, please do reach out. You can call 111 anytime and choose the mental health option. There are details of other helplines and contacts on our website.

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Trigger warning: Suicide prevention
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On 18th June 2025, the Creative Living Centre together with Rebecca Jackson from the Big Fandango organised Bury’s first Suicide Prevention Conference, titled "We're In This Together" with support from Jim McGlynn from Bury Public Health . We brought together mental health professionals, community leaders, employers, advocates, and individuals affected by suicide to discuss how we can work together to saving lives. This conference focused on raising awareness, providing resources, and developing strategies to prevent suicide in our communities and workplaces.
Speakers covered a variety of topics including changing the narrative around suicide prevention and care, risk within the neurodiverse community and the importance of community within mental health support.
Please read our latest news post for more information on this very special day https://www.creativelivingcentre.org.uk/news
Speakers included:
Rebecca Jackson - CEO The Big Fandango , a suicide prevention organisation in Bury
Paul Vittles - Designer & facilitator of The Zero Suicide Society Join The Dots Transformation Programme and directly involved in the development of a British Standard for Suicide Prevention.
Russ Magnall - Facilitator and trainer in workplace mental wellbeing, founder of Safe and Sound.
Julia Waters - sister of Ruth Perry, Head teacher who took her own life following an OFSTED inspection.
Bob Abrahart - ForThe100, following the death of his daughter Natasha to suicide Bob is a campaigner for a duty of care in Higher Education to protect students and staff
Sarmad Nadeem FRCPsych. Dr Nadeem is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Lead for Community transformation at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Njal Long - Service Manager , Trauma-informed therapist and suicide prevention lead at We Are Survivors.
Andy Smith - Andy runs Spectrum Gaming, a charity in Bury working with autistic young people.
Lorna Wilson - Interim Chief Officer of the The Creative Living Centre, a mental health and wellbeing charity in Prestwich discussing the importance of community mental health support
Jim McGlynn - Suicide Prevention lead for Bury Council

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Hi all!

This June I am helping to raise money for Spectrum Gaming!

Spectrum Gaming is an autistic-led UK based charity that supports autistic young people. Their aim is to create a world where every autistic young person knows that who they are is ok and they can be themselves, whilst still developing meaningful relationships and achieving their personal goals. The charity provides spaces where young people feel safe and accepted, building their confidence to find their place in the world in a way that works for them!

Link to the Fundraiser will be on my stories and in my bio!

Support me at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/liv-spectrumgaming?utm_source=IG&utm_campaign=015

#fundraiser #spectrumgaming #autismawarness

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