About us
Who are Lifeworks North Staffs?
Lifeworks supports marginalised bright people 14+ in North Staffordshire, with Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia, Tourette’s Syndrome, mostly with mental ill health, and their carers to find a sustainable lifestyle.
Lifeworks was established in 2006 by Louise Zandian, who is our CEO. We received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in 2012. From our own experiences, knowledge, and professional training, we understand that being on the Autistic Spectrum and having ADHD has many challenges for those on the spectrum and their families.
Lifeworks liaise with several local organisations, including @21, Autism Assessment Service, North Staffs Carers, Alice Charity, Our Space, Job Centre, NSAAA, and PEGIS.
What differentiates Lifeworks North Staffs from other services?
We are unique in that we look at all conditions that present in an individual, not just autism. Staff and volunteers at Lifeworks have personal experience of autism and ADHD, and the way this affects individuals and their families. It is this aspect which makes us so passionate about the work we do. Lifeworks aims to help people to build strategies in order to navigate and improve quality of life. Individuals on the autistic spectrum need to be given the chance to reach their full potential. This will not be achieved without better understanding!
What is Autism?
Autism affects the way a person communicates and how they experience the world around them. It is considered a spectrum condition. While people with Autism share some similar characteristics, they are also all different from each other. The autism spectrum isn’t linear from high to low but varies, just as one person might vary from another.
People with Autism may:
• find it hard to communicate and interact with other people
• not understand social rules and might seem blunt or rude
• find it hard to understand how other people think or feel
• take things very literally
• find things like bright lights, loud noises, smells, or certain textures overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable
• get anxious or upset about unfamiliar situations and social events
• get anxious about any changes to routine
• take longer to understand information
• repeat the same things over and over
• have highly specific interests or hobbies
• notice details that others miss
• have increased empathy or immense care for people or animals
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that affects children and adults. People with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that impacts them on a daily basis. This can interfere with their development and social interactions in everyday life.
People with ADHD may:
- Fidget, get up, or walk around
- Talk excessively
- Interrupt during conversations
- Be restless
- Forgetful
- Easily distracted
- Poor organisation
- Appear to not be listening
- Loses things easily
- Avoids dislikes
- Trouble holding attention
- Makes mistakes or lack attention to detail
Facts and Figures
Autism diagnoses are on the rise and it is estimated that approximately one in every 100 children in the UK has autism. It is thought that for every three children with a diagnosis of autism there are another two children who have the condition but have not been given a formal diagnosis. Many people do not realise they have autism or get a diagnosis until adulthood.
More than 700,000 individuals have been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum in the UK.
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