NASpress

Safety Awareness Week at The Robert Ogden School

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:28:00 +0000

The National Autistic Society (NAS)’ The Robert Ogden School in Thurnscoe near Barnsley will be holding a Safety Awareness Week, commencing Monday 20^th July, involving local emergency services.

The school is the UK’s largest for children with autism, with 118 children who come from all over the country to benefit from the specialist autism specific service.

A fire engine will be coming to the school on Monday 20^th and Friday 24^th July, with Fire Safety Officers from South Yorkshire Fire Authority teaching children about the importance of Fire Safety and giving them the opportunity to look around the engine and try on some of the uniforms.

On Tuesday 21^st and Thursday 23rd July there will be a visit from the South Yorkshire Police Authority who will be bringing a police vehicle for children to look around and sharing information on how they can keep safe. On Wednesday there will also be two police horses, along with officers from the Mounted Police Section.

Gillian Roberts, NAS Principal at the school said: “Autism is a lifelong disability that affects around 1 in 100 people in the UK. It is vital that children with autism are made aware of how they should act if there is an emergency and I am really pleased that all of the local emergency services are sparing their valuable time to come to the school. By preparing the children for situations, their anxiety might be reduced in a situation that requires them to think fast and act safely.”

This message is from The National Autistic Society (NAS). The NAS randomly monitors the content of e-mail messages sent and received.
Any opinions contained in this message are those of the author and are not given or endorsed by the NAS unless the author is clearly stated to have authority to bind the charity, and this has been duly verified by e-mailing companysecretary@nas.org.uk
The NAS is a company limited by guarantee (No. 1205298) registered in England and also a charity registered in England and Wales (CR269425) and in Scotland (SC039427), its registered office being 393 City Road, London, EC1V 1NG.
www.autism.org.uk

Rochdale Rugby Union Football Club raises money for NAS

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:51:00 +0000

REVELLERS at a charity bash will be stepping back in time to the 1980s.

All proceeds from the retro night at Rochdale Rugby Union Football Club will be donated towards the National Autistic Society.

The fundraiser is being organised by legal officers Joanne McKay and Christine Leach, who are preparing for the challenge of a lifetime - walking the Great Wall of China for charity.

The event will take place this Friday from 8pm. Fancy dress is optional.

Tickets are £5 but must be booked in advance by calling Joanne on 07969248895 or Christine on 07949333158.

Brighton comedy club raises money for NAS this weekend

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:33:00 +0000

For more information please see Charity Chuckle on Facebook;

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=92341669429&ref=ts

People in North East come together to shape future of autism services in region

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:59:00 +0000

The North East Autism Consortium (NEAC) is holding an event tomorrow, Tuesday 7^th July from 9.30am to 4.00pm at St James Park in Newcastle, to get people’s opinion on the government’s plans for adults with autism.

The Consortium is preparing a response to the Department of Health’s ‘A Better Future’ strategy and needs as many people as possible to contribute their ideas.

The NEAC is expecting around 120 people to come along and give their views. The event is open to anyone who has personal experience of living or working with people with autism. There will be presentations from representatives from North Tyneside Local Authority and the Strategic Health Authority.

Pam Lawrence, Project Manager at the North East Consortium said: “It is excellent that at last the government has recognised that something has to be done for the 1 in 100 adults with autism in the UK. This is our opportunity to make sure people get the services and support that they need. I am glad that so many people are coming to ensure that people with autism are well-represented. Their views could help shape forthcoming government legislation and the future of adults with autism in the UK.

“We will also be looking at examples of good services in the North East region and discussing what improvements and developments are needed in the area.”

The North East Consortium has been successful over the last two years in bringing together leaders, decision makers and experts in the 12 regional authorities to work towards improving the lives of people with autism and Asperger syndrome, and their families.

Other speakers at the consultation event include representatives from the Department of Health, individuals with autism and Asperger syndrome. Pam Lawrence will also be telling the audience about projects funded by the NE Improvement and Efficiency Partnership that will help charities and voluntary organisations to better meet the particular needs of the individuals they care for.

For more information on the event or the NEAC, please call Pam Lawrence on 07760420251 or email pam@northeastautismconsortium.co.uk.

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:18:00 +0000

Alex Goodenough was the cleverest kid in his school - so why didn't he get a sixth form place? Decca Aitkenhead talks to his family about the impact of Asperger's.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/jul/04/autism-asperger-s-education-society

Update on Gary's case

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:15:00 +0000

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/debate/article-1197732/LORD-CARLILE-Why-cruel-Gary-McKinnon-trial-Britain.html

More power for regional offices and a focus on fundraising

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0000

A restructure by the National Autistic Society will hand more power to its offices in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The charity said the move was part of a strategy to raise its profile in the regions and boost its fundraising potential.

http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/Channels/Fundraising/login/916882/

Interesting screenings at the ICA London 26th & 27th July

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:13:00 +0000

The band called Rudely Interrupted (http://www.rudelyinterrupted.com/index.php) have been compared to the Killers and Joy Division and have played at the UN and met Tom Cruise.

They come from Australia and 5 of the 6 members have disabilities - including autism, Asperger Syndrome and Down Syndrome. Next month, the Rushes Soho Shorts Festival at the ICA will feature a short film about the band on 26th July at 7pm and on 27th July at 6.30pm.

They provide a refreshing representation of disabilities and are great examples of what people with disabilities can achieve given the right support and opportunities.

Here is the web link: http://www.sohoshorts.com/?#/49

National Autistic Society Out of School Clubs

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:44:00 +0000

The National Autistic Society (NAS) Out of School Clubs provide children and young people with autism across South West England with a place where they can feel safe and welcome. The clubs are an environment that are free from bullying, and where the children can engage in meaningful and new activities, develop their social skills, make friends, and have fun. For many, these clubs provide a vital relief from the social isolation experienced by so many people on the autism spectrum.

http://www.justgiving.com/NAS_oosc_appeal

Boyzone singer Keith Duffy talks about his daughter's autism

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:23:00 +0000

Keith spoke to the Daily Mail recently about his daughter Mia. Check out the article here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1177240/Boyzone-singer-Keith-Duffy-reveals-daughters-autism-nearly-tore-wife-Lisa-apart.html

Government reaches first milestone towards a national adult autism strategy

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:10:00 +0000

The National Autistic Society (NAS) said a long-awaited milestone had been reached, today, as the Government launched a consultation for a forthcoming adult autism strategy for England. The charity is urging as many people affected by autism as possible to get involved in the consultation and help to decide the final strategy.

Mark Lever, NAS Chief Executive said; “After months of campaigning, adults with autism now have an unprecedented opportunity to have their say in a strategy which could make a real difference. However, the document published today does not yet set out the action that needs to be taken at a national and local level, so it is important that as many people as possible take part and help shape the final strategy. Without the right support autism can have a profound and sometimes devastating effect, so I urge the Government to reaffirm their commitment to giving the strategy the legal force, which is absolutely necessary to deliver real change.”

The Government committed to taking action after the NAS I Exist campaign found at least 1in 3 adults with autism were experiencing serious mental health difficulties due to a lack of support. The consultation closes on the 15^th September and the strategy will be delivered at the end of the year. It aims to address the barriers which leave people with the condition feeling isolated, ignored and unable to get the help they so desperately need in five key areas: social inclusion, health, employment, training and choice and control.

Anya Ustaszewski, Vice Chair of the External Reference Group on the strategy and an adult with autism said;

“A lack of support and discrimination can leave people on the autistic spectrum isolated, and vulnerable. I believe in the saying “Nothing About Us Without Us”. Therefore, I would strongly encourage all people on the autistic spectrum to use this consultation to tell the Government what you need to feel happy, safe, accepted and to give you equal and fair access to choice and opportunities in your life.”

To launch the consultation for the national adult autism strategy, the Care Services Minister was filmed and interviewed by people affected by autism about how it would address their needs.

Phil Hope MP said; “People with Autistic Spectrum Conditions should have the same rights and freedom to enjoy life as everyone else. I want as many people as possible to respond to the consultation and let us know about their experiences, in their communities. The people I’ve met have strong opinions on what changes will make a difference to their day to day lives. With their responses to the consultation, and the views of people from across the country, we can make sure that the national strategy we’ll publish at the end of the year really delivers where it counts.”

What will the consultation cover?

Social Inclusion

A lack of understanding and support prevents adults with autism from being able to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as everyone else. Many are discriminated against by health and social care eligibility criteria and as a result 40% live at home and are heavily reliant on ageing parents for emotional and financial support and access to a social life. Many also report they have been bullied or harassed in adult life.

Health

Adults with autism experience huge inequalities in health care. Their accompanying health –related issues are often dismissed as part of their autism, rather than receiving due attention and treatment. Appropriate diagnostic services and post-diagnostic support are also lacking and in the worst cases some are misdiagnosed with other conditions.

Choice and control

With more support adults with autism would be able to lead more independent lives. They currently have little say, choice or control in what support they do receive or what services might benefit adults with autism in their local area. Care planning doesn’t take account of their goals or social needs and there are very few advocates to help those adults with autism who need help with expressing their wishes.

Awareness raising and training

Whether it is in the community, at work, or in health and social care settings, people with autism are often misunderstood, which for many means a lifetime of exclusion from society and support. Awareness that autism also affects adults is low amongst the public and health and social care professionals do not know how to support adults with the condition effectively. Almost three quarters of local authorities have no autism training strategy.

Access to training and employment

Many adults with autism face financial hardship because they struggle to access further or higher education, to find and stay in work or even to access the necessary benefits. Only 15% are in full time paid employment and report that their experiences of the workplace are marred by misunderstandings and inadequate support. For those with more complex support needs voluntary opportunities that would allow them to reach their full potential are few and far between.

www.autism.org.uk/dhstrategy

Schoolboy with autism devastated after fault with computer

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:06:00 +0000

SCHOOLBOY Ian McIntyre was devastated when his laptop packed in after five months.

The computer is the sole means of communication for Ian, eight, who suffers from autism and can't speak properly.

When his mum phoned Currys, they agreed to repair the PC then changed their tune, saying it was not covered under warranty. #autism #follow

http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/lifestyle/law-advice/2009/04/19/schoolboy-devastated-after-fault-with-computer-78057-21289763/

Pupil with Asperger's syndrome rejected by school

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:03:00 +0000

A teenager who was refused a place at his local school because he has Asperger's syndrome has won a conditional offer to study engineering at Cambridge.

Alex Goodenough, 17, taught himself at home from textbooks after Hertfordshire and Essex high school and science college (H&E) rejected his application to study there.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/apr/20/aspergers-school-rejection-cambridge

A FAMILY is being forced to live 10,500 miles apart - because their son is terrified of making the journey to Britain from Australia.

noreply@blogger.com (National Autistic Society) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:40:00 +0000

Thomas Hill, 16, suffers from Asperger syndrome, a form of autism, and is scared of flying.

He managed to make the trip out to Australia when his parents Jason and Lisa emigrated in January 2008.

But since they decided to return to the UK after becoming homesick, Thomas has had crippling panic attacks and has refused to travel — even by sea.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article2385155.ece