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Understanding
AUTISM
There are over 500,000 people with autism in What Can Be Done? the UK – that's 1 in 100. Together with their Much can be achieved to make life less challenging with appropriate families that's over two million people whose education and support. It is crucial that there are services in place to meet the needs of the half a million people with autism in the UK lives are touched by autism every single day. today.
What is Autism? Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours. Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.
What Causes Autism? The causes of autism are still being investigated. Many experts believe that the pattern of behaviour from which autism is diagnosed may not result from a single cause. There is strong evidence to suggest that autism can be caused by a variety of physical factors, all of which affect brain development – it is not due to emotional deprivation or the way a person has been brought up. There is evidence to suggest that genetic factors are responsible for some forms of autism. Scientists have been attempting to identify which genes might be implicated in autism for some years. Autism is likely to have multiple genes responsible rather than a single gene. The difficulty of establishing gene involvement is compounded by the interaction of genes and by their interaction with environmental factors. For these reasons genetic testing to diagnose a predisposition to an autistic spectrum disorder is not, at present, possible.
The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for people with autism and their families. Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism, offering a wide range of services to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible. For more information about autism and for help in your area, call the Autism Helpline: 0808 800 4104 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday (local rates apply). The National Autistic Society’s Autism Services Directory is the UK's most comprehensive directory of services and events for people with autism, visit www.autism.org.uk/autismdirectory to find autism services and support networks in your area.
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UNDERSTANDING AUTISM
Recipe for a Perfect Lunch Whilst Jane Asher is a highly accomplished actress and successful cake maker, it isn’t widely known that Jane has also been campaigning hard for autism for 30 years. Today she is the Vice President of Autistica, the largest UK charity raising funds for research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of autism. Jane will be speaking on behalf of the
charity at a fabulous lunch being held at one of Britain’s finest country house hotels, Hambleton Hall in Rutland on Thursday, 17th May 2012. “I am extremely proud and honoured to be a part of Autistica” says Jane. “Autism is a potentially devastating and lifelong condition, which at worst can affect everything needed to function in the world. We know that the earlier the diagnosis, then the better the outcome for the individual affected. It can make all the difference between a life spent in isolation and fear and a life of dignity and fulfilment. Funds are needed to ensure that ground breaking research continues towards our ultimate goal of managing the symptoms of autism so effectively that all those affected have the life that they deserve.” Lynn Hart, Head of Events for Autistica says: “Jane is a wonderful speaker and an inspiration to everyone who meets her. We are thrilled that she has agreed to speak at our very first
fund-raising lunch at Hambleton Hall. It will be a memorable day and one that we are looking forward to immensely. We are very grateful to Tim Hart for his generous hospitality.” Guests can enjoy a champagne and canapes reception from 11:30am (lunch is at 1:00pm) on the magnificent terrace with views over the lakeside, a delightful 3 course lunch created by Michelin Chef, Aaron Patterson fine wine and good company. Tickets are £50 per person. A silent auction will run throughout the day and after lunch guests can enjoy the stunning grounds and relax in the luxurious surroundings of Hambleton Hall. To find out more details about the lunch and to purchase tickets, please contact Lynn at lynn.hart@autistica.org.uk or ring 01491 411569. Alternatively you can see more details and also book tickets at www.autistica.org.uk.
New Head for Hillingdon Hillingdon Manor School, the largest school in Europe for children with autistic spectrum disorders, proudly welcomes new Principal Akinyi Dulo.
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Akinyi was previously the deputy principal at the school, which first opened its doors in September 1999 and provides specialist education for 150 children on the autistic spectrum. When asked about her new position, Akinyi commented, "I am in the very fortunate position of being able to say that I love my job. There are many moments that make this job special; when a student initiates a conversation with you for the first time or tells you what fun they had experiencing something new. When you are shown a piece of work that speaks volumes about the progress made
by an individual, watching the wonder on their faces as they discover something new in the sensory garden or the science laboratory; seeing them holding their nerve during formal examinations; taking the bus to town and just learning to cope with the numerous anxieties that autism presents. My underlying feeling is always one of pride, and I feel privileged to be working at Hillingdon Manor School."
For information about school admissions, events and open days telephone 01895 813679 or visit www.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk.
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Autism Specific Education in Bromley MISSION STATEMENT:
“Baton House School will strive to provide effective specialist education and support to pupils on the Autism Spectrum and to their families, enabling pupils to achieve their full potential in education and in life outside school.”
Admissions now being taken for Primary and Secondary School entry A centre of excellence in education and development, Baton House School is a day facility for children aged between 5 and 16 years, who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition. We accept referrals from Local Authorities.
Open Days for Parents, Carers and Professionals 10.45am - 1pm 22nd March 2012 17th May 2012 For admissions and information about upcoming events call 020 8462 1010 or visit www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk Baton House School Baton Road • Hayes Bromley • Kent BR2 7AB
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Autism’s GOT TALENT! On Saturday 12th May at the Mermaid Theatre, London, Anna Kennedy Online will be presenting with Pineapple Studios ‘Autism’s Got Talent’. This promises to be a great event not only for those in the audience but also those who are coming to join us on the stage. We are bringing together a diverse group of people who are all on the Autistic Spectrum to show everyone just how talented they are.
what someone on the Autistic Spectrum can be capable of, not just a night to celebrate a small section of people, but a celebration of EVERYONE that is on the Spectrum. As ever, in a bid to keep reaching out far and wide across our nation, we have performers that are coming to us from right across the country and even across the sea! Especially for My Family readers, here is a sneak preview of some of the extremely talented performers that will be appearing in the first ever showing of Autism’s Got Talent . . .
All too often many people in society make the mistake of thinking that anyone with a disability is capable of very little . . . HOLD THE PRESS . . . on this evening we will be showing everyone just what all these great people really are capable of and just how good they are at it!!
Emma
Nine-year-old Emma loves to sing, dance, act, make up and likes drawing. Emma didn’t talk much until primary year 1 but she did enjoy singing. When she was four she won a karaoke comp on holiday and a local radio singing competition when she was eight. She entered Britain’s Got Talent in 2011 and got to the last 120. That year she also won the Northern Ireland heat of festival 4 stars and went on to sing at numerous events across Northern Ireland.
Talent comes in many forms so, as you would expect we will be covering many different genres ranging from performers with instruments to singers and dancers. We have some great performers who will not only be participating as soloists but also be coming together to perform in a group, something we are all too often told is too difficult for people with Autism to do! Talent stretches way beyond the field of performance so on the night we will also be hearing from, and championing, people that have done other amazing things, showing great skills in such areas as writing, art and even extreme physical endurance. There will also be informative displays for the audience to view in the foyer beforehand. Doors will be opening at 6pm so we do encourage people to come along at that time and take advantage of the displays in plenty of time before the grand performance starts. This night will surely open the eyes of those who previously didn’t realise just
Alex
Alex loves anything that involves music . . . Dancing, singing, pop/boy bands etc. She loves to run and enjoys colouring, making things and drawing. Her dislikes include travelling, fairground rides and school. Alex was nominated for the Take a Break family hero award, where she was one of the 2 finalists for the East Midlands region. She has helped to organise a number of fundraisers for Heart Link and has been selected as a runner for Newlands Primary School where she will hopefully go on to represent the county.
Nathan
When Nathan Pilgrim was younger he used to watch a lot of videos of music and dancing, particularly of Michael Jackson. People thought this was a kind of obsession typical of a child with autism. Since moving to the performing arts section of Sybil Elgar School, not only has Nathan learned ballet, tap and modern but learns all his literacy and numeracy through performing arts. Nathan has danced in Leicester Square, in the National Autistic Society’s National Day for Autism, also at St James's Palace, for the Countess of Wessex and the BBC is due to make a short film about him.
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Jack
James
At the age of three-and-a-half Jack was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. He didn’t respond to strategies such as visual timetables and further assessments reclassified him as having Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome and ADHD. Jack’s love of music and dance was evident from an early age. He began attending some street dance classes from the age of five and then developed his own style, based on Michael Jackson's music videos which he watches endlessly on You Tube!
James Hobley discovered his passion for dancing when he was eight years old, he has since gone on to win a number of awards and trophies. His success story was filmed as part of the BBC3 documentary ‘Autism, Disco and Me’ and in 2011 James wowed the nation with his dancing on Britain’s Got Talent. James features in a unique DVD for young people with autism ‘Step in the Right Direction’, and has worked with Anna Kennedy Online, the NSPCC and Childline. James wants to be a ballet dancer in a big company when he gets older and describes dancing as the beginning of his new life. A video about how he overcame bullying to become a highly talented performer can be viewed at childline.org.uk/autism.
Martin
Martin Finn is 19 years old and lives in Atherton, Wigan. He has severe Autism and is none verbal, but loves to sing; music is Martin’s passion. He appeared with fellow performer Carly Ryan in the BBC 3 documentary 'Autistic Superstars' and is also an ambassador for Autism Radio UK, the only Autism Radio station in the UK.
Scott
Scott James was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at the age of 13. He appeared in X Factor in 2009 both to raise awareness about Autism and to do something for himself. In 2010 Scott released a charity Autism awareness single, 'Through My Eyes', which has been played on TV and radio stations in several countries, downloaded and purchased around the world, and has been hailed as the 'anthem for Autism'.
Andreas
Andreas Lopez-Munro is 16 years old and attends Hillingdon Manor school. His favourite subjects are Art, Mathematics, Science and Music. Andreas has been playing the piano for three years. His interest in music began when a friend who was a grade four pianist introduced him to the piano. This made Andreas eager to learn the instrument and he taught himself how to play the piano during break and lunchtimes at school. He soon got his own keyboard to play at home and has since began writing compositions and developing his improvisation skills.
He has helped raise thousands of pounds for local and national charities including Help for Heroes, Cancer Research UK, various Autism support charities and groups both in the UK and abroad as well as fundraising to send a young boy with Cerebral Palsy to the US for pioneering treatment.
Hillingdon
Manor
The Autism’s Got Talent audience can look forward to a performance by pupils from Hillingdon Manor School, the largest school for children with autism in Europe. The pupils, who feature in the unique dance and exercise DVD for young people with autism ‘Step in the Right Direction’, will be performing on the stage of the Mermaid Theatre alongside Pineapple Dance Studio’s Jade Flannagan.
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Luke
Luke Dicker has a talent for talking and his loud voice is perfect for public speaking. He has always been able to explain his autism and alternative behaviour, with a great sense of humour. He adlibs and prepares very little but can happily address 2000 people. He is a great mimic who can talk in any accent and often does, all day!
Carly
From the age of six, Carly Ryan began performing in school shows, singing and acting, something which she enjoyed immensely, and her ability to sing became evident to all who witnessed her perform. A member of two choirs, she has appeared in many charitable events. Carly performed in ‘The Spectrum’, a commissioned work by the composer Andy Whitfield which explains the fears, anxieties, difficulties and struggle that people with autism encounter. She appeared in BBC3’s series ‘Autistic Superstars’ and performed at the annual ‘Genius of Autism’ event at the world famous Carnegie Hall, New York. Pitch perfect, Carly comes alive when performing, but she does not like to practice!! Carly is also an Ambassador for Autism Radio, which she helped to launch in 2010.
Luke has been invited to Buckingham Palace, and has spoken at the House of Lords, House of Commons and at No10. At a charity auction with speaker John Bercow, he helped raised £209,000 for autism. Luke has been to the Arctic and this year he is going to the Sahara.
WLCC
West London Community College is a wellestablished Independent Living Skills provision for adults with an Autistic Spectrum Condition or Asperger Syndrome. On the evening of Saturday 12th May 2012, the students of West London Community College will be performing an extract from their very own version ‘The Wizard of Oz’ for the Autism’s Got Talent audience.
Jake
Jake Lynch has Tourette’s syndrome, ocd, adhd, dyspraxia and Asperger syndrome. On the receiving end of some really nasty bullying as he went through school . . . there were times when Jake wanted to hide away from everyone and everything. The thing that got Jake through these dark days was his imagination and his ability to tell stories. Story writing became an escape for Jake, who immersed himself in his fantastic tales of good versus evil.
Sam
Sam Burton is age 18 and attends Hillingdon Manor School where his favourite subjects are Music and Art. Sam also has keen interest in photography. He started playing the guitar at the age of 13 because he wanted to be able to play the theme song to his favourite TV show, ‘Drake and Josh’. Sam has since learned to play the theme song and can play music by the ‘Plain White Ts’ and ‘The White Stripes’. He also enjoys writing his own compositions for both guitar and piano.
Jake regularly contributes to online writing forums where he has quite a following. A self-published author, Jake is planning on becoming a full time writer and spends much of his time working on his main story idea ‘The Zirisian Princess and the Shrine of the Serpent’.
We have a great team putting this evening together and there have even been rumours of a red carpet and possibly a few wellknown faces . . .we could tell you more but surely it’s better to come and see for yourselves! Tickets are £10 but we will obviously help any concessions where we can. Everyone is welcome – this will be a very understanding and Autism Aware Audience. We really do want this to be a mixed audience of those on the spectrum and those that aren’t.
Tickets are available now by calling 01895 619734 or email lisa.robins@thevines.org.uk
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A Step in the Right Direction for Children & Young People with Autism Step in the Right Direction is a unique dance and exercise DVD for children and young people with autism, which is designed to develop skills such as listening, timing, use of imagination, spatial awareness and discipline.
Talent sensation, James Hobley and a host of famous dance teachers including Pineapple Dance Studios founder Debbie Moore, Maggie Paterson, Jade Flannagan and Andrew Stone.
The DVD helps children with autism connect and interact with each other by going through carefully structured dance and exercise routines. Every child is different, but experts agree that early intervention helps with development, and dance aids children with autism. Research suggests that autistic children need multiple types of stimulation to process information. Music and dance help the brain to organise itself while hearing, listening, processing and repetition helps children with autism build new learning pathways. Anna Kennedy, founder of Hillingdon Manor School, Middlesex, and Baton House School, Kent produced ‘Step in the Right Direction’ in association with the world-
James Hobley
Debbie Moore, founder of Pineapple dance studios commented, “This is a truly wonderful and highly imaginative dance production. It is a must-have DVD for parents, carers, mainstream and special schools, after-school and youth clubs.”
famous Pineapple Performing Arts School in London. Anna, who herself started dancing at 8 years old, came up with the idea of the DVD after seeing what a positive impact dance had on the pupils of Hillingdon Manor School. Step in the Right Direction features pupils from Hillingdon Manor School, Britain’s Got
With a recommended retail price of £7.99 ‘Step in the Right Direction’ is available from www.annakennedyonline.com and www.amazon.co.uk.
Step in the Right Direction’s
Autism Dance Day On Friday April 27th we are organising the Step in the Right Direction Autism Dance Day when we are planning to get large numbers of special needs and mainstream schools to organise dance events to raise funds for Autism. We all know the positive benefits of dance for those with Autism and this has been demonstrated in the DVD Step in the right Direction . So we thought we would take one-step further and ask you to join in a nationwide dance festival to raise funds for Autism. It’s easy to organise – someone brings the music and the invitees provide the moves – and if we all get behind the occasion we think it will really capture the imagination of children with Autism, their parents, carers, friends and family, as well as local press and communities. Anyone can join in whether they are touched by autism or would simply like to have fun and raise money for this great cause – to register simply visit
www.annakennedyonline.com