Issue 07 Autumn 2012 £3.99 / Free to members
autism matters
In this issue...
A PAWFECT FIT
DONNA’S STORY OF HOW A NEW PET HAS HELPED HER AUTISTIC CHILDREN EXPLORE THE WORLD
VERY SPECIAL INTERESTS HOW SPECIAL INTERESTS CAN HELP WITH DIFFICULT LIFE CHANGES
TACKLING PUBERTY ASPERGERS, PREGNANCY AND ME MANAGING CHANGE & TRANSITION HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISM AT A CHALLENGING TIME
LANA TALKS TO US ABOUT HER EXPERIENCES
OUR TOP 20 TIPS
on... Focus e & g chan ion transit
Autism West Midlands • Regent Court, George Road, Birmingham, B15 1NU Telephone: 0121 450 7582 • Email: hello@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
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Message from the Chief Executive The weather forecasters are telling us to prepare for the coldest winter for 100 years. This may be exciting for some of us, but it also means higher fuel bills, difficulties with transport, and – for some children with autism – the unfamiliarity of snow Unfamiliarity can be good or bad: it’s often impossible to predict how someone with autism will respond to something new. As you will find later in this issue of Autism Matters, a new pet – a major change can be life-changing in a positive way. Part of our mission is to help people with autism to understand and adapt to the world in which they live. Strategies can help people improve their social skills and their confidence. That doesn’t mean that we look for conformity: everyone with autism is different, and we are committed to understanding each person as an individual. It also means that we value and cherish difference. I was at school in the 1960s, and although that decade is often seen as revolutionary, there were
still pervasive attitudes, based on earlier decades, insisting that conformity was good and that individuality was dangerous. The reality is that it’s a balancing act: a degree of conformity to social rules of behaviour is helpful. Apart from that, individuality is something to be prized. The individual basis of our support for people with autism is what makes us special. Tailoring support to the individual is the best – probably the only – way to ensure the development of skills and independence. Understanding of autism is increasing all the time. It’s important for our charity to continue to learn and adapt. As part of the Autism Alliance, we review our own practice, and the practice at other Alliance charities, in order to keep improving the service we give Best wishes, Jonathan
Contents Article:
Page number:
A Pawfect Fit: Pets & Autism Time to Change: Aaron Yorke’s story Autism & Real Life: Elizabeth’s blog Onwards & Upwards: Moving into supported living A Happy Anniversary Very Special Interests New Autism Centre opens in Birmingham The Autism Alphabet Tackling Puberty: Autism advice Asperger’s, Pregnancy and Me: Lana’s story Moving Forward: Nick’s experiences Sibling Workshop Success Aspire for change: Peter’s story Managing anxiety during change: 20 top tips A Healthy Success: An Aspire success story
4-5 6-7 8 9 9 10 11 11 12 - 13 14 - 15 16 - 17 17 18 - 19 20 - 21 22
Editor: Sarah Francis Copy editor: Rosie Farmer If you would like to contribute to Autism Matters,3please email hello@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
A Pawfect Fit Donna Street, a regular blogger for our website and parent of two children with diagnosed autism, has recently been experiencing the benefits of introducing a pet into her family home. Donna and her partner have recently taken part in the PAWS service. This is a scheme that has been introduced by Dogs for the Disabled to train dogs to work effectively alongside children living with autism. Donna has written to us to tell us about the positive impact that their dog Whiskey has had on her children’s lives and their everyday family life.
“I have two wonderful children, Cody aged four and Jesse-Leigh aged three, both with severe autism. Our journey into the world of the autism spectrum started two years ago when Cody, after progressing impressively in his development, regressed quite dramatically almost overnight. He lost all speech and became an anxious little boy. He was given an official diagnosis a year ago and Jesse-Leigh, who has displayed symptoms since birth has also recently received an official diagnosis.” Both Cody and Jesse-Leigh are non-verbal in a functioning and “...This was the independent sense and find Cody had ever interaction difficult.
a dog to the family. “Over the Christmas period we spent some time visiting family, which was always stressful. On one occasion a visitor brought their dog along. We thought that this would upset the kids greatly. However, when Cody jumped up and shouted “come on Ruby Dog” and ran out the room followed by a beagle, we instantly saw the benefits of a pet. This was the first time Cody had ever interacted with anyone and used independent, non-echoic speech.” Donna immediately researched what breed of dog would be most suited to her children and eventually decided on Whiskey, a Newfoundland/Labrador cross, who joined the family soon after Christmas at the age of four months. Cody instantly interacted with first time Whiskey and they are now inseparable. interacted When researching pet therapy and
After attending Autism West with anyone and used assistance, Donna and her partner independent, non-echoic Midlands’ training sessions, came across the PAWS service and speech...” Donna and her partner knew it would be perfect. “It sounded researched forms of therapy for fantastic. We didn’t need to train Whiskey her children. However, it was not to the level of an assistance dog. We still until last Christmas that she discovered that the best wanted a family pet but one that could respond to form of therapy for her children would be to introduce our needs appropriately when required.” Donna and 4
her partner attended three full-day training sessions over the period of three months. The benefits were clear immediately – Cody’s confidence increased and he would be more confident in public places because he could see Whiskey. However, it is not only Cody who benefits from Whiskey, “Jesse also gets a lot of sensory stimulation from being close to Whiskey. She loves to feel her fur and feel the weight of Whiskey by her.” Donna believes that the PAWS service has had a great positive impact on their everyday lives as it has provided her with the knowledge and confidence to overcome their everyday challenges. For all the benefits that her and her family have been experiencing, Donna strongly recommends the PAWS service, “I’d recommend it to anyone, even if you don’t have a dog! Go along and see the possibilities that can be achieved with the support and knowledge of the PAWS team.” For more information on how the PAWS service could have an impact on your family, please visit http://paws.dogsforthedisabled.org.
Options Programme Aspire deliver the Options programme for adults with Asperger Syndrome or Higher Functioning Autism. The programme is funded by Birmingham City Council to support people who are struggling to know what to do with their future. The programme offers 6 months of support. • Discover more about yourself • Develop future goals • Learn practical ways of managing your autism For more information email aspire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk or call us on 01214507582
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Time to Change
by Aaron Yorke
Aaron is a qualified Special Needs Teacher with a specialism in Asperger Syndrome (AS). He was diagnosed with AS as an adult and has a 13 year old son also diagnosed with the condition. At present Aaron works on a consultancy basis sharing experiences and knowledge within schools, youth clubs, community projects and parent groups.
“A change will do you good!” Sheryl Crow
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore’.” Andre Gide
“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.” CS Lewis
“All great changes are preceded by chaos.” Deepak Chopra
These are all very wise sayings, and I agree with I faced was when my best friend died. I also lost my them to some extent. However, if I could make up a job and became a full-time carer for my 13 year old saying about change it would probably go something son who has Asperger Syndrome. I don’t like change. like this.. “Change distresses the I never have. I fall into a state of hell out of me!” You see I cannot “...Time is a healer and confusion and cannot function. change is not such a bad escape change. It backs me I get overwhelmed, anxious, into a corner leaving me with thing if we can realise some depressed and develop extreme no choice but to fight back, and people in this world do amounts of guilt and regret. fight back I do. Yet sadly, I very I will sit for hours, confused, not like change and need rarely win. desperately seeking ways to fix support when it occurs...” I am never ready for change. things. I am always trying to fix I wasn’t ready at the start of things. So much seems broken at 2012, but it came nonetheless. The hardest change the moment that I am constantly busy. 6
My mum was my best friend in many ways. She would listen to my thoughts and tell me that I am ok. She always reassured me that I am a good person. You see, I don’t really know if I am or not. I think it’s a part of my Asperger Syndrome (AS). I struggle to work out what or how I feel. Inside I think I am a nice person, but then I have a horrible thought or I make someone cry. The worst is when guilt takes me back to my past. I remember myself as an angry teenager. I was not nice, and did a lot of stupid things. The education system let me down. I was an angry and confused young person and my only outlet was to rebel. My mum always reassured me that who I was back then, is not who I am now. I miss her. As a young boy I dealt with change using coping strategies, which gradually developed into obsessions. I would sometimes change my clothes more than three times a day if something changed or I became anxious. I also developed tics which got me into a lot of trouble, despite how they much calmed me down on the inside. “Stop nodding your head!”, “Stop coughing and making that stupid noise!”, “Stop twitching like that you look stupid!”. It seemed that whatever I did to try to calm down, I got into trouble. This sadly created more confusion for me and reaffirmed that I must be naughty, mad and selfish to do such things. Still, I could not stop my obsessions and the cycle continued. I spent most of my childhood hiding in cupboards, in the garden or in the forests near our home. I loved my own company, it calmed down my anxieties. I lived in fantasies where I was a warrior or an archer. I was always fighting for good, and destroying evil monsters disguised as the apple trees in our back garden. I desired the company of others, and loved to play out my fantasies with them. However, I always seemed to get the same strange reaction from my peers. I was always the odd one out; the funny one or the clumsy one. Other kids wanted me around because I amused them. When my mum and dad separated I had nowhere to hide. My anxieties did not go away, and my tics worsened. I know now I was a 12 year old boy with AS trying desperately to survive a traumatic event. My mum and dad were my world. My mum was my rock. I loved my dad but we were never close. Their divorce devastated my world. I had no way of stopping the change. All structure dissolved. No more holidays in Wales or barbecues in the garden, no more mum and dad together. Even our three dogs were divided up. School work suffered and I quickly turned from a quiet boy into an angry, confused and aggressive monster. I was expelled from school for fighting with teachers, taking drugs and truancy. Social services
got involved and I remember working through different psychiatrists who had no answers as to what was wrong with me. I was eventually given the label of having Operational Defiance Disorder (ODD). That was all I got then; a diagnosis. No help, no understanding and nowhere to turn. Jumping forward 25 years. I am now diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. I now have friends who understand my condition. I am slowly coming to terms with my obsessions, and I have developed strategies to help me cope with change. I will now share some of these with you. 1) Always be honest. I know this sounds simple, but I find strength in speaking my mind whether people like it or not. Change is strange to me, and as a teacher there are a lot of changes everyday! With these changes come my anxieties. It is always better for me to speak about my concerns as it reduces my anxiety and I am able to function as a teacher to the best of my ability. 2) Recognise when I am catastrophic. When change causes me too much stress, I will be catastrophic. I have specific signs I can recognise myself. I twitch loads! I cannot give eye contact, and will repeat how I feel over and over again. I will also obsess about a situation until I can re-establish myself to the change. The most effective way to calm myself down is to keep on telling myself it’s going to be ok. This one is the hardest but I am getting better at it slowly. 3) Spend time alone doing what I love. My favourite pastimes are bird watching and photography. I love walking around fields early in the morning and late at night, exploring and looking for nature. I feel accepted in nature. I feel calm, just for a moment. 4) Keep reminding myself I am not mad and selfish and naughty. I still blame myself for most things that go wrong. I am getting better and have some good friends who sit with me for hours listening to me process my obsessive thoughts and anxieties. It helps me to reassure myself I am a good person. Life is full of change. As a teacher of people with autism, I am always adopting strategies where students are able to maintain structure with change. I believe if I had received support as a young person I would not now be struggling with the same issues as an adult. My son is thirteen years old. He gets the right support and the right help. He is happy and copes well. We are still a long way off with support for adults with AS, however I am convinced that by the time my son is an adult help will be there. Time is a healer and change is not such a bad thing if we can realise some people in this world do not like change and need support when it occurs. 7
Autism & Real Life
By Elizabeth Attfield, Autism Advisor and Mum to Edward, who has classic autism and a severe learning disability. One of the best pieces of advice we were ever given in relation to living with autism was “never be afraid to give it a try, but never be afraid to retreat”. I can’t actually remember now who told me that when Edward was a small child (he is 26 now!), but we have stuck to that principle ever since and there have not been many occasions when we have had to retreat. One early occasion was when we were given free tickets to the circus in Dudley; we had got him to his seat in the Big Top without incident and he was happily listening to the background music. But when the ringmaster came in cracking
eventuality usually help because if we consider every “what if …?” we have a back-up plan for what we will do if the worst happens and then it usually doesn’t! And so it was that last week we took a chance and ended up in an old-fashioned gents’ outfitter’s shop getting Edward kitted out as a groomsman for his sister’s wedding next April. We had measured him at home but were unsure of the accuracy of the measurements because he isn’t great at standing still while you wield a tape measure to find out his inside leg length and the width of his neck! It was a Monday afternoon so very quiet in the shop. We hadn’t rung up to book an appointment because I didn’t want to give them a chance to say no. We used his blue badge to
his whip, ponies started to park right outside the shop and strode in – me at the canter around the ring and front trying to exude confidence for Ed’s sake (he is the music was turned up to a usually calmer if he thinks mum and dad know what deafening volume, he screamed and screamed with they are doing – it is dithering that makes him anxious) shock and we had to leave … and his dad holding his arm as they followed me in. When we took him to St Andrews Stadium in The look on the faces of the two male shop Birmingham for a ‘Party in the Park’ event and assistants was priceless as Ed lurched this way and were happily seated in the that pointing at items and his “...those few minutes seemed area reserved for wheelchair dad hastily named a string users and people with other of random articles – shelf, like an eternity, but thank disabilities, with a grandstand gloves, tie, mirror, trousers … goodness for the Sugababes view, the BRMB DJ’s were hyping because he stopped crying but all credit to them that, up the 30,000 strong audience once they had got over the and started to smile when he (who had all been issued with shock of this lively, non-verbal recognised their hit song...” whistles so they could make a customer, they were very tremendous noise!) at the start helpful. They fixed up a larger to create a lively atmosphere and he began to rock changing area for Eddie, with a screen, so that he and cry. My daughter was urging me to give up and and his dad had more space and were undisturbed go home because her brother was getting upset but while he tried on all the formal wedding wear. The only I wanted to hang on till the first act came on stage – other customers - a man buying a jumper and a lady those few minutes seemed like an eternity, but thank bringing her husband’s trousers to be shortened goodness for the Sugababes because he stopped seemed oblivious to our son being different even when crying and started to smile when he recognised their he was sitting on a chair flapping his book. The female hit song. assistant mothered him and let him play with the shoe There have been many times when we have had horn when he was trying on the shiny shoes and he real successes with new experiences even when we looked so smart when he had got the whole outfit on have been very nervous about it – white water rafting that it was a wonderful sight to behold. Our impromptu in the Pyrenees, dry tobogganing in Austria, church bit of raising autism awareness was a success because services, family barbecues, staying in hotels, aeroplane the confidence of the shop staff grew once they flights, a 5 hour strenuous walk up a mountain in realised he wasn’t going to do anything awful. Now we Scotland and a coach holiday to Italy, to name but a are ready and waiting for the next big, new experience few. Forward planning and being prepared for every – the wedding itself! 8
Onwards & upwards One of the most life changing things anyone can do is moving out from their parent’s home into a more independent setting. Caroline Kinnings has spoken to Autism West Midlands about her experience of moving out of the family home into a supported living flat in Wolverhampton. Caroline is visually impaired and was diagnosed with autism at a young age. When I finished college in Birmingham, I decided that I wanted to live in my own place, independent from my parents. I now live at the Thomas Pocklington Trust in Wolverhampton which provides specialist support living for young people like me with sight loss and other disabilities. I found the place quite easily as it was the only place suitable for my situation. I receive support with general living duties and doing the shopping, and I enjoy going out to places like the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton and seeing the friends I made at college. I was really excited when I was told I was going to be getting a flat at the Thomas Pocklington Trust.
Moving out has been really good for me as I am able to do the things that I want and buy food that I like when I go shopping. Now I have moved out of the family home, I am able to clean my flat for myself which is something I hadn’t done before. Although I have found the experience very positive, I still find the routine element of living independently hard, especially when things change unexpectedly like the time of my tea call. If you are thinking of moving into more independent living yourself, I suggest that you understand your autism as best as you can, and make sure to look into all the options available to find the best environment for you.
A happy anniversary! Taylor has been in Supported Living at Autism West Midlands since March 2011. She met Marcus in JulyAugust through a mutual friend, and the wonders of modern technology, Facebook. After a period of e-mailing, texting and chatting on the phone, they eventually met up at the end of August and have been inseparable since. After a few months together they knew they were the perfect match for each other. Marcus cemented their relationship by getting down on one knee in the middle of Erdington High Street to propose, and after initial shock and
embarrassment Taylor said yes! They have just celebrated their 1 year anniversary. They organised a big party and invited family and friends along to join in the celebrations. They are still very much in love and, although no date has been set yet, are really excited at the prospect of getting married in the future.
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Very special interests Thomas the Tank Engine, Dinosaurs, Dr. Who, Public Transport, Computer Games. All these are examples of special interests which occupy the minds of people with autism. But what is it about special interests that keep those living with autism so content? Sophie Dalton writes: Special interests are more than a hobby. They been a daunting task for Dimitri or another individual provide satisfaction and comfort, and can encourage with autism, Dimitri was comforted by the presence of enjoyment and friendships. Individuals living with his interest, the buses. In fact, he saw the move as a autism also find loving their special interests easier positive move, because he meant he could see more than loving people - even though they can’t love of the buses and travel them more easily! Dimitri then back, neither can they criticise or disapprove of the had the opportunity to move to Pinetrees. Of course, he individual’s behaviour. This is a perfect recipe for a safe, was fine about this move as he was still able to ride the comfortable relationship for people living with autism. buses everyday. Dimitri was shown around Pinetrees A benefit of having a special interest is that it provides and met the neighbours before becoming a fully comfort at times which could possibly create anxiety fledged resident, which made the transition that little for individuals with autism, especially big transitions. For bit smoother. Dimitri, one of our service users at Pinetrees, his special We asked Jackie Thronicker, Registered Care interest has supported him through many transitions Manager at Pinetrees, for the advice she would and relocations. recommend for people living “...special interests can be Dimitri is 46 and has with autism and transition, extremely useful in creating lived in two of our residential “Each person is individual, and services, Pinetrees & Oakfield comfort and predictability during strategies should be adapted a potentially stressful time...” House. Dimitri’s special to suit the individuals’ interests interest in the West Midlands and needs. Having visits prior to Buses and public transport. Dimitri travels on the buses a move may be extremely beneficial for one but could everyday (except for Christmas Day, when he decides cause great anxiety for another. Luckily, with Dimitri, that it’s only right to give the drivers a well-earned rest) the staff at Pinetrees knew that the buses would bring and knows all of the drivers. But the buses have been comfort to him during these stages in his life, so they helpful for Dimitri in recent years, when he has had to used that to their advantage.” experience a number of transitions, which could have So, as well as providing enjoyment and interest, potentially caused a great deal of stress and anxiety special interests can be extremely useful in creating for Dimitri. comfort and predictability during a potentially stressful After moving to Greece, Dimitri shortly returned time with many changes occurring. If your child has a to Birmingham to be back with his West Midlands special interest, remember to provide them with access Buses. This is when he first moved into an Autism West to that interest, whether it is buses, computer games, Midlands residential service, Oakfield Road. Although teddies or star wars, and an ounce of predictability will a new home, new routine and new faces may have remain in their life.
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New Autism Centre opens in Birmingham The new facilities at Regent Court were officially opened by Dame Stephanie Shirley of The Shirley Foundation on Tuesday 2nd October. The launch event was a huge success and Dame Stephanie was very impressed with the resources we now have, and especially with the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff she spoke to. We had an information stand from which we sold our new
enjoyed investigating the sensory room, especially the ball pool! The ribbon was held by two children as it was cut and a ceremonial plaque was presented to Jonathan Shephard, our CEO and one of our trustees, John Taylor. Dame Stephanie then gave a short talk about her life as a philanthropist and entrepreneur, and spoke candidly about her son Giles, who had autism and profound learning disabilities and who died from an epileptic fit aged 35. She has given away over £50 million to
Autism Alphabet books, co-produced by our very own Kerry-Anne Alcock and Sarah Francis, which received glowing praise from everyone! We also had a communications aids information stand and a games room for visitors to play Wii games. And of course everyone – adults and children alike -
charitable causes and has been a longterm supporter of Autism West Midlands, so this was a fantastic opportunity for us to show our gratitude to her and to showcase the fantastic work we do as a charity. We look forward to welcoming you to the new centre!
The Autism Alphabet Book & Workbook now available
A new reading book and workbook for children all about autism is now available, written by the lovely Kerry-Anne Alcock, Autism West Midlands. “You can read this book by yourself, or together with an adult. This book has lots of different information about what life is like if you are on the Autism Spectrum. Some of the things in this book might be true for you or for other people you know. Some of the things in the book might not be true for you. Everybody is different. When you have finished reading this book, you can
do your own workbook, and make an alphabet all about you! It does not have to be all about Autism, it can be just about you, your life, your family and your interests. You can draw awesome pictures and get your family or friends to help if you like. You can let people you know and trust read the book and they might learn more about you. And because it is all about you, it will mean your book is UNIQUE – just like you!”
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Tackling Puberty Puberty – that long, turbulent journey taken by all to reach the destination of adulthood. This time is difficult for all of us, both as parents and children, especially for those dealing with the everyday challenges of living with autism. With many unexpected changes happening to their body which they have no control over, puberty can be an extremely daunting and stressful time for individuals with autism. This article provides information and advice on ensuring your child has a smooth journey and transition into adulthood. For both boys and girls, it is a good idea to prepare them for the changes that will be happening to them and gradually alter their routine to adapt to these changes.
around her have all had to go through those changes.
For boys Similarly, with a boy, prepare him for the physical changes that he will witness with his body such as an increase in size of his penis and testicles, growth of pubic hair and a lower voice tone. Reassure him that these changes are normal, and explain that they have also happened to other men around him. This way, the changes that he will go through are not as unexpected and he will be prepared for them when they do happen, making him less anxious. A big part of a boy’s puberty is his sexual development and maturation. The levels of testosterone in a boy’s body dramatically increases during puberty, which can cause a change in his behaviour. He may start to have wet dreams or experience the desire to masturbate. What is important here is to teach him appropriate social skills, one thing you do not want is a son masturbating in inappropriate situations. Make him aware that masturbation is a private activity that is to be done when he is alone, not when other people are around. It will also be a good idea to start explaining to him about wet dreams before they happen. Though this may be an awkward conversation for yourself and him, it will avoid any confusion and anxiety when he first has a wet dream. In this same conversation, reiterate the importance of him changing his bed sheets and pyjamas after this has happened. This leads us on to the topic of hygiene. It is almost certain that an individual with autism’s hygiene routine will alter once puberty has begun. With routines changing, this might cause the individual to become extremely anxious when losing their predictable routine. Instead of changing the routine
For girls For girls, the average age for puberty to appear is between 9 and 13. Possibly the biggest and most daunting change that will occur during this time will be the onset of her period. When she starts to show discharge, prepare her for the arrival of her first period. Introduce her to a variety of sanitary towels and tampons and teach her how to use them. To reduce anxiety, educate her about periods, tell her what it means to start her period and reassure her that it is a completely normal and healthy change that all women and girls experience. A handy tip is to use a calendar to mark out when her period is due each month – not only will this prepare her each month, but it will too reduce stress and anxiety. However, it is also important to help her understand that her period may come at unexpected times, so make sure that she is always prepared by providing her with sanitary protection to carry with her at all times. Periods are not the only challenge which girls are faced with during puberty. Other physical changes will occur to display that the young girl is now well into her journey to adulthood. Hair will start to grow in new places and she will start to develop curves and breasts. Once again, the most important thing to do is prepare her for these changes before they happen and ensure her they are what every girl goes through at her age. Show her photographs of yourself or other family members to reassure her that other women 12
altogether, gradually change it so that they can adapt easier, plenty of time in advance to avoid the greasy hair, spotty skin and smelly clothes. For girls, highlight the importance of her keeping clean during her period and educate her on where to go to buy sanitary protection if required.
and includes word searches and quizzes to check their understanding
Talking Together About Growing Up by Lorna Scott and Lesley Kerr-Edwards A Family Planning Association book designed for young people with learning disabilities which is easy to read and includes pictorial stories about difficult situations like the first period or wet dream.
Resources Below are some recommended resources that may be helpful in preparing an individual with autism for puberty and their transition into adulthood:
Growing and Learning by Jane Keeling 3 complete packs of visual resources for helping young people with autism through puberty. One has general information for both sexes, one is just for girls and one just for boys. Written by a sexual health nurse who is also mum to a young man with autism and a learning disability, it includes games to play, line drawings to illustrate body changes at different life stages and cue cards to demonstrate parts of the body, public and private places etc. Available from her website www.growingandlearning.co.uk
Taking Care Of Myself by Mary Wrobel This provides ideas for parents sharing information about puberty with their children on the autism spectrum, including a range of social stories for everything from masturbation to menstruation.
Personal Hygiene - What’s That Got To Do With Me? by Pat Crissey Gives basic information directly to young people
6 Top Tips Prepare the individual well in advance for changes that might occur during puberty.
Educate them about appropriate social skills that they will require as they enter the world of adulthood
Gradually adjust their routine to adapt to the demands of their maturing body.
Use social stories and visual support when explaining puberty to the individual. You can not rely on simply telling them, you need to show them.
Be approachable. Be prepared to answer any question thrown at you from your curious child, no matter how graphic, cringe worthy or complicated.
Always reassure the individual that you are there for them to talk to if they have any questions or concerns.
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Aspergers, pregnancy & me by Lana Grant Lana Grant is a mother of six and wasn’t diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome until she was 38. Lana is passionate about awareness of the condition, especially within girls who she feels are underrepresented in the autism world. We have been lucky enough to get some insight into how she experienced life changing pregnancy and how her diagnosis, following years of feeling different, helped her transition into a more positive place: My first memory of feeling different was when I had time and I was constantly checking my symptoms to difficulties at primary school. I had a best friend, but if see what was happening and why. she was ever absent from school I felt lost and anxious. The birth itself was a huge source of anxiety and, As a child I collected novelty soaps, stamps and used all in all, pretty horrific. The lack of control over my due to cut models out of catalogues and make families date made me frustrated and I hadn’t anticipated with them. I was quite solitary but, as an only child, I having to wait longer than planned. When it finally don’t think anyone though anything of it. My memories came, ward sharing was a huge issue and did, and of secondary school are awful because I always still does, fill me with massive anxiety. I struggled hugely struggled on the social side. I can only describe it as with labour as I did not have control of the situation feeling like I was always three steps behind everyone or a good understanding of what was happening else, always on the outside looking in. throughout. Following O Levels, I attended college to take A From school to college, to marriage and five Levels. Unfortunately for me, the college lacked the pregnancies; I lived feeling different for many, many routine and structure of school years. I was diagnosed with “...I know that my Asperger and I fell in with the wrong crowd. various different things in a syndrome impacts on my I developed a problem with drink bid to explain my struggles. which carried on into adulthood. parenting and I think that as well In 2005 I began to suffer from Drinking made me feel different; I as being challenging, this can vertigo, panic attacks and lost my inhibitions and became a be positive...” very high levels of anxiety “different” person. However, it also and I had a breakdown. I put me into a lot of dangerous saw a counsellor but after situations. 9 months the funding was cut and I had to struggle I got pregnant with my first son at 19. I had moved through by myself each day. In 2008, I changed job to London and was with my first husband, but the and began working for the autism outreach team and pregnancy wasn’t planned. The relationship wasn’t my eldest son went away to university. Triggered by all good for me, and I only got into it because of my low the changes in my life, I had another breakdown. In my self-esteem. During pregnancy I felt hyper aware of heart I felt like I know I had Asperger syndrome, but I every minute change to my body. On the one hand I needed clarification. I began the process of getting a found the differences in my body interesting, watching diagnosis which I finally received in 2009. myself develop as if it was happening to someone else; I feel that being diagnosed has helped me so like a curiosity. On the other I found it a very anxious much. Before my diagnosis I thought I was rubbish 14
at everything and that I couldn’t “do” life. My self prepare. I have always been good at keeping routines esteem was shattered! Knowing that I have Asperger which I think is something my children have benefitted syndrome doesn’t stop me having difficulties but it from. I have learnt that being a mum is something I am has changed the way I deal with those difficulties. For good at. Although it is one of the hardest things I have example, I still struggle with high levels of anxiety when ever done (like I’m sure it is for most people), I get a lot I go on holiday. In order to minimise this, I try looking of satisfaction from my children and feel they are my at websites to familiarise myself with where I am going, greatest achievement. I have a wonderful family who but for the first few days when we are away I feel wrong are autism aware and who support me every step of in my skin and panicky. I tell myself regularly that it is the way. ok for me to feel like this, and it helps me stop beating I don’t use it as an excuse but my diagnosis of myself up about getting anxious. Asperger syndrome allowed me to “...I believe diagnosis transition into a more positive place as I My sixth pregnancy came post is essential for anyone finally had an explanation for why I feel diagnosis and was better because to develop self it was a planned C-section. I’m not different. I believe diagnosis is essential sure some of the anxieties will ever for anyone to develop self awareness awareness and build change surrounding pregnancy, but self esteem...” and build self esteem. Change is at least with a diagnosis I was able inevitable but it’s also really hard to to understand how and why I was deal with without having strategies and feeling so out of control which helped me cope. coping mechanisms in place. Don’t beat yourself up I know that my Asperger syndrome impacts on my about finding change hard as you are certainly not parenting and I think that as well as being challenging, the only one! this can be positive. For example, I find difficult like when the children ask if a friend can come home when I collect them from school but I just have to tell them again that I need warning and to be able to
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Moving Forward by Nick Clarke Nick was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in July 2004 when he suffered a mental breakdown caused by disliking the number plate on a car he purchased online. He had previously struggled at school as he was a slow learner, found it difficult to make friends and was bullied by his peers. Until his diagnosis Nick struggled with social and communication skills and didn’t know how to start or keep a conversation going. Nick has spoken to us about moving forward from his breakdown, the new job he has secured and the support group he launched this year: During my breakdown I went through a very bad With all this behind me, I was confident to go for period in my life. I became violent and aggressive what feels like another ideal job opportunity. I have the towards my family and others and had to stay in chance to be a Houseparent at a specialist school for several hostels. It was only after ending up in prison for children aged 9 to 19 with ADD/ADHD and Asperger three weeks in remand that I got sectioned and taken syndrome who display challenging behaviour. I to an Asperger syndrome hospital in Bedfordshire for attended an interview which went smoothly, and aggressive Aspies. I stayed there for seven months and spent the day at the Unit which helped me feel made a full recovery. My social and communication comfortable and know that I got on well with the staff skills have vastly improved and I now have many Aspie and boys. Although the boys can become aggressive and neurotypical friends. I feel a lot more accepted by at times, this doesn’t put me off as I can relate to their society and no one around me seems bothered that I frustrations and understand it’s the only way they can have Asperger syndrome. let it out. I am now really looking forward to hearing Although when I left school I trained and worked whether I have got the position. in greenkeeping for 13 years at a Golf Club, this year Earlier on this year, in another bid to share my I decided I wanted a change of career. I wanted to knowledge and experiences and promote the positive become a support worker “...We all have our faults, and we sides of autism both on and to help autistic children should not let our autism stop us offline, I decided to set up an and adults. Being on the AS Support Group, Website and from going far in life...” spectrum myself, I felt I Facebook. Both Aspies and could relate to and understand what they were going parents attend my monthly group and I am particularly through and had a keen interest in autism since my excited that more female Aspies are coming along as diagnosis. I applied to work at Upper Ford Lodge it has really highlighted how many females are actually Residential Home in Droitwich run by Autism West on the autism spectrum. I hope to develop the group Midlands as a Relief Support Worker. Because the as much as possible and discuss topics each week interviewers knew that I had Asperger syndrome they which relate to autism to help those attending explore made me feel very relaxed, I was able to be myself and the different aspects of the condition. I got the job! As there can often be a focus on the negative I have also gained a qualification from an side of autism, I want to spread the word that we can organisation that provides part time Personal Assistants for disabled children. I have done two face to face sessions and some online webinar training and am now waiting to hear back whether I can support a 14 year old boy with ADHD and Asperger syndrome for a couple of hours a weekend.
be accepted in society and not just be labelled for being on the autism spectrum. No one on the planet is perfect. I am a passionate about highlighting the good things that people on the autism spectrum can achieve in society. We all have our faults, and we should not let our autism stop us from going far in life. 16
I would advise anyone looking for employment, not to give up! You need to have lots of patience as eventually you will find one that suits you, even if you have to start in voluntary or part time work. I think that having a special interest can come in handy as you can use it to you advantage and excel in a job that you will enjoy doing for the rest of your life. I have learned to accept changes in life as you cannot stop them, and I try not to get worked up about it. I know it’s important for many Aspies to have a strict routine so I suggest that if there are changes in your life then do them gradually rather than all in one go. Don’t
be afraid to talk it over with someone you trust if you are going through a bad time. I see an AS psychologist when I am going through a bad spell, and he has really helped me improve my self confidence. Professional sports men and women have a psychologist nowadays so it’s nothing to be ashamed of. No one thinks less of you if you see someone for mental heath issues as Asperger syndrome is a lot more recognised and accepted by society. I feel proud that I am on the autism spectrum as it changed my life for the better.
Sibling Workshop Success by Vicki Smart Having a child with autism can have an impact on the whole family, and being a sibling to someone with autism can come with many challenges. The Family Services team at Autism West Midlands decided that it was time for the focus to be on siblings, and over the summer holidays we trialled a four day sibling workshop to explore both the positive and negative impacts of having a brother or sister with autism. Day One consisted of some fun games to help everyone get to know each other and to draw on similarities within the group. Siblings were asked to create a ‘Family Picture’ to tell everyone about their family and how they saw their role within the family unit. In the afternoon, drama therapy was provided by the Creative Therapy Service and siblings were introduced to a ‘flushing things away’ activity. They were each given a toilet roll and were asked to write down the things they would get rid of if they could. Siblings began to realise that they had a lot in common with other people in the group and they shared similar responses to things they wanted to flush away. On Day Two we created a washing line. Siblings were asked to write down a particularly bad experience and were then asked to hang it out on the line. The group took turns to read about each others experiences and to draw on similarities between their families, as well as offering each other peer support and practical tips on how to handle a similar situation in the future. Following on from this, the group explored their brother or sisters’ behaviour in a playful and humorous manner. By acting as their siblings and exaggerating behaviours it helped them to talk about their brother/ sister in a light hearted way. Day Three included an interactive autism awareness session to help siblings gain a better understanding of autism. Games were played to give siblings an idea of what it is like to have autism, for
example trying to button up a shirt with gloves on and listening to two people read different Mr Men books at the same time and then trying to answer questions about the story. Siblings also had plenty of time to do some fun and completely nonautism related activities, such as t-shirt decorating and parachute games. On Day Four we explored some practical approaches to coping with difficult situations at home. A local agony aunt, Aunty Betty, had recently been overwhelmed with letters from other children who have brothers and sisters with autism, and had asked our siblings to answer the letters on her behalf. Aunty Betty was delighted at how sensitive and understanding the siblings were, and at how many great suggestions they had about dealing with difficult situations. Siblings each created a ‘Worry Box’ to take home and were encouraged to use it to write a note to their parents when they are feeling worried or upset. Last but not least, siblings created ‘Body Drawings’ which was an opportunity for them to focus on their own unique qualities and to look at the things that make them special as an individual and as a brother/ sister. We were very pleased with how the sibling workshop turned out and would love to continue running sessions like this for other children out there who have brothers/sisters with autism. 17
Aspire for Change Peter Froggatt has Asperger’s syndrome and has been supported by Aspire since finding a placement at the Environment Agency many years ago. Listening to Peter’s story, he has a good understanding of how change affected him as an individual with Asperger’s. He has also learned what works best for addressing and relieving those issues, and now finds actively seeking change a positive thing in his life. Here he shares some of the transitions he has gone through, including moving between school and college, getting married, and developing in a job: For me, leaving school was the most difficult really there to help me make sense of things. I felt that transition of my life. School offered me structure and I had taken on too much doing a few different courses routine and everything after that was something at the same time, and really ended up doing nothing unknown. My family suggested that I go to college because of it. I struggled with the content of my course after leaving, which I did. But it was very different to because I didn’t feel like I had made an informed school and the lack of structure in timetabling and choice about why I was doing something and what I hours in the week made things very difficult for me. I would be good at. would sometimes have five hours free time between I think it would have been very useful if I’d had classes but never actually did anything with it. No one someone explain the link between what I was doing explained the need to use this time or how to structure and how it could be helpful for my future job prospects. it in a way that was beneficial to me and my studies. Given the opportunity again I would definitely make I began to fall behind as a result and the worse it sure I had done my research on different courses to became, the less I knew understand how they could link what to do to put it right. into a plan for my future and “...I’ve had 11 managers in 11 The transition from career choices I could take. years at the Environment Agency school to college was just with 9 of them in the last 5 years so This would have provided a too great for me. Too much I’ve had to get used to change...” meaningful goal and direction was different. The location to what I was doing. I would and travel, different tutors also try to learn more about and people; a lot of my classmates were female which the college environment before going, and work on was very strange and also made it hard. Even the little strategies to cope with the new experiences that I was things like travel were stressful. I had never been to the encountering. College was not good for me and it took college before, so learning the bus route and where me five or six years to find myself again after leaving to get off was a real difficulty. I remember travelling school. I began to feel like myself again when I started around and getting lost on the buses for a while when my initial placement at the Environment Agency. I felt I first started. like I belonged there and it was a place that was right I have always worked best knowing all the detail for me. of what I need to do and how things work. At college This isn’t to say I didn’t have my fair share of there was often vagueness to tasks and no one was struggles. During my 6 month sampling job I drove the 18
van into a ditch! I also found it hard to work out how to padlock and chain gates together, and how to get to grips with throwing the bucket to collect samples. My co-ordination isn’t great but within 6 months I persevered and mastered it, helping me not to be fearful of things I can’t do straight away. Although the demand to be able to do things from the outset is sometimes hard, now people know me both at home and at work they recognise that I am a capable person when things finally click. Although I have had many transitions in my life which haven’t been easy, I still always strive for new challenges. In the past 5 years I have completed various new 6 months secondments with work, I have got married and I have started an Open University degree. Although I admit that I was worried about all of these things because I like everything down to the tiniest detail to be resolved, I also appreciate how change has had a positive impact on my life. My ability to set new challenges, however difficult to manage, have generally helped me to deal with change more effectively and make sure I move forward in my life. If anything, I seek out new challenges. By overcoming change in the past I have learnt not to be scared and feel interested in new experiences. Directness and people offering advice and guidance helps me to make sense of things, and understand where I may be going wrong. I like people to be direct with me and I think that is why the transition into moving in with Helena, my wife, was easy. She told me what to do and I know where I stand. It’s important for people to understand how I work.
In my job I often do disclosure meetings where I talk to bosses or colleagues about my Asperger’s and tell them how I think and process things and how best to communicate and work with me. This really helps me to feel more comfortable with people as they understand me can support me. I’ve had 11 managers in 11 years at the Environment Agency with 9 of them in the last 5 years so I’ve had to get used to change. I do worry about what the new person may be like, what their management style will be and how they will work with me but once I’ve had a chance to meet with them and tell them about my AS things feel much better. Although change is hard it can be such a positive thing. After I got married I felt 10 feet tall. Knowing that I had managed to organise and pull off a great wedding that people enjoyed, as well as having a lovely wife to go home to. My happiness carried me on a wave for some time where I though a lot about my future and started to look at my employment prospects. Applying for and getting some secondment opportunities was the start of my move away from my facilities role, and into a more suitable and rewarding part of the Environment Agency. I used these positive feelings to help instigate positive change for the future. I believe you should enjoy and get comfort from your routines, but get help from people around you to understand the benefits of change to your life and wellbeing. Although change is hard, it’s something I now strive for because it has been instrumental in moving my life forward in a very positive direction both personally and professionally.
Work Choice Autism-specific support to help you prepare for and stay in work
Aspire deliver Work Choice for adults with Asperger Syndrome or Higher Functioning Autism. Work Choice is a government funded programme offering up to 6 months support to prepare and look for work and ongoing support to help you stay in work. We offer this service to anyone living in Birmingham, Solihull or the Black Country. For more information email aspire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk or call 0121 4507582 19
Managing stress & anxiety during change Here are twenty top tips that may help manage stress and anxiety during change and transition.
Tell social stories. A social story allows us to communicate vital information about a transition or change to the person with autism in a clear, precise fashion. This is a powerful tool in telling the person what will happen, when it will happen, who will be there when it happens and why it will happen.
Use visual aids to provide a countdown to the transition or change, such as a timer, a visual schedule or a storyboard.
Appreciate the need for predictability. When planning a transition, you must always appreciate that people with autism want to know what is happening. Inform them in advance of the upcoming transition and remind them regularly of what is happening.
Use favourite toys and activities as a reward for coping with the change or transition.
Highlight the important things that will stay the same. Not everything will change for the individual, so emphasise what will stay the same during and after the transition or change.
Give the individual plenty of warning as the transition or change approaches.
Allow the individual to keep comfort objects with them. This will reduce anxiety at all times during the transition.
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Act out the situation. Role play with family members will allow the individual with autism to learn how the situation might play out and prepare them for what is going to happen.
Give the individual to time out from the transition to cope with the physical and emotional stress with exercise and relaxation.
Do not always assume that the individual understands what you are telling them about the transition. Always check and ensure that they have understood you.
Provide the person with a diary – they may struggle to express themselves and tell you about any difficulties that they are experiencing but might find it easier to write it down.
Remember, it is not just the individual with autism who must adapt. New teachers, carers or helpers should be provided with important information about the person in order to adapt to their routine and needs.
Help the individual understand the importance of independence skills. With useful independence skills under their belt such as travelling, social skills and keeping safe, the individual will feel less anxious before, during and after the transition.
Limit your language use and keep it precise, clear and slow when talking about the transition.
Focus on and emphasise the positive impacts of change. A time of change or transition can be extremely stressful for individuals with autism. To minimise the anxiety levels, focus on how the transition could be good or helpful for them.
Gradually and slowly introduce the individual to the changes that will occur during transition, such as new people or new environments.
Provide the person with a personal booklet with new information. The booklet will include vital information about the transition such as pictures of new classrooms or teachers. This will help the individual understand the transition as it approaches and familiarise them with their new environment.
Stay positive about the change yourself so that the individual with autism remains positive too
Try to keep as much of the person’s routine the same as it was before. People with autism crave predictability. If you protect as much of the person’s routine as possible, an element of predictability will remain.
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Remember, each individual with autism is different. What works for one may not work for another.
A healthy success! One of Autism West Midlands’ service users, James Mycock, has been awarded a fulltime job at the University Hospital in Birmingham (UHB) after having completed various work placements at the hospital. James, 23, has been receiving help from Aspire opportunity to carry on learning, and aims to study on the Work Choice programme for 9 months, another course through the National Health Service. All since November 2011. Prior to this, he gained a the Aspire team at Autism West Midlands are incredibly degree in Counselling and had been a volunteer happy for James, as the hard work and commitment at the Samaritans. After endless searching for jobs that he has continued to show throughout the last few at home and with the Aspire team, James had an months has finally paid off and he has reached his interview in April with the hospital. James’ attitude ultimate goal of paid employment. and qualifications impressed the staff at the hospital Kate Field, HR Manager of UHB (pictured below and they offered him a two with James) spoke of James’ “...the hard work and week work placement. After achievement, “James has commitment that he has completing this placement, shown commitment to the team continued to show throughout the staff were so impressed and I have been so pleased the last few months has finally with James that as soon as to see him grow in confidence they had additional work and learn about HR as the paid off and he has reached in the department, the first weeks progress. James is a fully his ultimate goal of paid person that they thought of fledged member of the team employment...” was him and offered him a and is proof that getting your four week paid placement foot into an organisation even involved with administration and transcribing. if on a voluntary basis can sometimes lead to positive The weeks continued to carry on and James outcomes.” gradually progressed to become a James said: “During my time at the UHB Trust so confident member of the team far I have already developed in ways I would not and was visibly learning. have thought possible. As well as the obvious Although the hospital was benefits of financial independence, I have desperate to keep James gained valuable experience and now have as a full-time member of broader career prospects. I have discovered the department, it was a work sector I previously had almost no only recently that they knowledge of, but have since become gained the funding that more and more interested in. However, in they needed to create many ways the most significant growth I a full-time, permanent have observed in myself since starting work opportunity. When the is in my social skills and self confidence; as a funding was given, James result I now feel more secure and happy about applied for the position and my future.” was offered a full-time, permanent, We wish James the very best with his employment. paid role. To find out more about Aspire, visit This is great news for James as not only has he www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk or email achieved full-time employment, but he now has the aspire@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 22
Charity Christmas Cards 2012 By Jodie Ann Shropshire Aged 14
By Ben Fisher Aged 13
By Tim Holden Aged 14
£2.50 per pack of 15 cards • 5 of each design To order email hello@autismwestmidlands.org.uk with quantity required. Cards are supplied with envelopes. 100% of the proceeds come to Autism West Midlands. 23
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West Midlands Support Groups Birmingham South Birmingham ASPire Support Group Joanne Gumbrell joanneg@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 0121 4507582
Dudley Dudley Autistic Support Group Neale Pilkington nealepilkington@blueyonder.co.uk 01384823487
Parent Support Group - Asperger Syndrome Mike Pinsent contact@theirstory.co.uk
TOADS (Adults and Adolescents) Sandra Croot 01384279621
Acocks Green AWM Support Group Katie Oliver katieo@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 0121 4507582
Walsall Walsall Support Group (Younger Children) Heather Spurr mikespurr@fsnet.co.uk 01213532710
AS Partners Jenny Moore aspartnerswestmids@yahoo.co.uk 07875299304 North Birmingham ASPire Support Group Joanne Gumbrell joanneg@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 0121 4507582 Kingstanding Support Group Stephanie Higgins steph@hskingstanding.co.uk 01212588303 Great Barr AWM Support Group Sarah Jane Winch sarah-janew@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 0121 4507582 Sutton Coldfield Autism Support Group Victoria Roche victoria-roche@sky.com 07905654632 Central Birmingham ASPire Support Group Joanne Gumbrell joanneg@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 0121 4507582 Yardley ASD Support Group The Greens green43@blueyonder.co.uk 01216842226 Autism Plus Support Group Maura Perry tlpph@yahoo.co.uk 01213546777 Birmingham North Support Group Tina Martin 01213550015 Special Needs Awareness Group (SNAG) Jackie Simmonds jackie@middlemore.co.uk 01214279791 Spectrum Support Group - Sheldon spectrumsupportgroup@blueyonder.co.uk Sandwell Sandwell ASPire Support Group Joanne Gumbrell joanneg@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 0121 4507582
The Grove Parent Support Group Debbie Lipton 01785 356412 office@thegrove.staffs.sch.uk
Rugby AWM Support Group Katie Oliver katieo@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 0121 4507582
Burntwood DASH (Discover Autism Support Here) Wendy Smith 0759 9062 633 wendysmith_581@fsmail.net
Stratford Upon Avon District Branch Karen Varga stratforduponavon@nas.org.uk 07500881831
Lichfield Aspergers’ Parents Support Group Helen Hartshorn 07770656628 aspergers@bbdpl.co.uk
Autism Sharing & Caring (ASC) Sue Ebbans parentpartnership@walsall.gov.uk 01922650330
Whits End 07757246633 whits-endlichfield@hotmail.co.uk NAS Tamworth Parents Group Sharlene Davies 07500 089 529 sharlene.davis@nas.org.uk
Wolverhampton Support group for adults Contact Vanessa Frost 01902 652933 or email supportaas@hotmail.co.uk
Staffordshire ASD Parent Support Group Caroline Heath 01283 521 408 or 07855 276 566 chocolatecaz@talktalk.net
Group for Children with Autism Contact Laura Plant 01902 877550 lplant@spurgeons.org
Harmony Group Tracey Holmes 07941015497 tracyholmes@harmonygroup.co.uk
Shropshire Spectrum Jeannette Griffiths netgriffiths@gmail.com 07852691774
West Hill Primary School Marguerite Gleave 01543 5122 00 office@westhill.staffs.sch.uk
STACS (Asperger Syndrome) Barry Brown 01952254594
Peton First School Sarah Alford Sarah.louise.alford@googlemail.com
Telford Group Tina Bentley Rogers 07521295591
St Nicholas ASD Parent Supprt Group Donna Parker 01902 434 126 office@stnicholas.staffs.sch.uk
Autonomy (Young people/adults with AS) autonomyshropshire@yahoo.co.uk 01743 821363
Lifeworks Staffordshire 01782 615 222 lifeworks1@btconnect.com
Staffordshire Stafford Saturday Play club Mandy Binns mandy.binns.uk@googlemail.com 01785 665232 or 07944001606
NSAAA (North Staffs Asperger/ Autism Association) 01782 627 002 info@nsaaa.co.uk
Stafford AWM support group Sarah Jane Winch sarah-janew@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 0121 4507582
Warwickshire Nuneaton and Bedworth AWM Support Group (Parent/Carer) Katie Oliver katieo@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 0121 4507582
Jigsaw support group Machita Denny machita_denny@btinternet.com 07882 823954
Coleshill AWM Support Group Katie Oliver katieo@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 0121 4507582
North Staffs Asperger Autism Association 01782 627002 info@nsaaa.co.uk www.nsaaa.org.uk
Coventry Coventry Support Group Mary O’Hagan cafag@yahoo.com 02476222958 Coventry Support Group Phillip James phillip.james70@ntlworld.com 02476222958 Get Together - for people with autism/ aspergers and their families Claire Vyse info@gettogether.uk.com 02476367479 Coventry Asperger Group (Adults) Colin White rayrichmond@yahoo.com 07953151665 Solihull Solihull ASPire Support Group (adults) Joanne Gumbrell joanneg@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 0121 4507582 SASSI - Autism Parent Support Group Katie Oliver katieo@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 0121 4507582 Solihull ASD Siblings Support Group Kerry Purnell purnellkerry@hotmail.com 07734734907 Worcestershire Spectrum Club (Young People on the spectrum 13-19) Tina Mason-Williams t-masonwilliams@btinternet.com 01323762024 WaASP (Adults) David Thain davethain@gmail.com 07518365212 Bromsgrove & Redditch Support Group Charmain McCrossin charm.bluebell@blueyonder.co.uk 07981011362 AS Active Francis Musgrave info@asactive.org
Leamington AWM Support Group Katie Oliver katieo@autismwestmidlands.org.uk 0121 4507582
Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society 01782 617088 or 07751 223065 infosaas@ntlworld.com www.saas.uk.com
Registered Charity Number 517077 Registered Company Number 1953344 (England & Wales)
www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk 24