AutismGM Newsletter Spring edition 2013

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AUTISM GM NEWSLETTER

www.autismgm.org.uk 20th Anniversary Spring edition 2013

Autism and Apps

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IPads rule Okay! By Flo Longhorn

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KIDS launches free eLearning For parents of disabled children and Young people

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Book Review The Most Beautiful Thing

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TomTag

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Autism Friendly Film News

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NAS New and Updated Info Sheets

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DfE Indicative SEN Code of Practice

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NICE Draft Guidelines for management and support of children and young People with autism

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Research Report on Transition The University of York Social Policy Research Unit

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Let Loose Play Centre Stockport

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NAS Network Autism Anniversary

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MENCAP’s Breaking Point Report Family Carers Still at Breaking Point

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Forthcoming Events in the Region

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Greater Manchester Parent Support Groups

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W

elcome to the 20th Anniversary edition of AutismGM.

March saw the publication of a new draft Code of Practice to support the changes in SEND processes heralded by the Children and Families Bill. This is a very draft draft, and there is clearly more detail to come following the research and innovations of the Pathfinder sites. At the end of the month we also received the draft NICE guidance about interventions, treatment and management of autism in children and young people. Both documents are now open for consultation. In this edition we also have two articles about suitable apps for people with autism – a rapidly growing area of interest for many. If you would like more information on this theme, do contact our office as we have another article from a local OT we can send out on request. Thank you to Sara Teiger for her excellent review of the book, ‘The Most Beautiful Thing’. This is currently available on Kindle for £2.99. Wishing you all a good summer,

Debbie Waters and Mari Saeki Project Officers NAS Family Services Development Project


AUTISM AND APPS The two photographs on this page have been reproduced by kind permission of Rory Cellan-Jones, Technology correspondent of the BBC

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f like me, you have an interest and even an enthusiasm for all the exciting smart phone or tablet and computer technology, you may have a vague notion that technology could and does have a valuable role to play in supporting people with autism. However, this is where my enthusiasm is hampered by my basic lack of knowledge about computers and IT. Of course many people with autism have a great understanding of all things technology and their knowledge and capacity far outshines Neurotypicals such as myself! So it is under the guise of an enthusiastic amateur that I write this article and hopefully bring the insights of very knowledgeable people in this field to get you thinking about how some of the developments in this area might help people with autism.

I have also been greatly helped by an article by Flo Longhorn called “ My favourite Apps for Special Learners- part 3’ Flo recommends Apps from the Itunes Store because they are strictly controlled by Apple. However there are of course android Apps for use on android products as well. ********************

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nother useful starting point is an on-line article called Seven Tips for Using Ipads with kids with autism (and my favourite learning programmes) is www.ilearnproject.com/ seven-tips-for-using-ipads-with-kids-with-autism

I have been helped greatly in my research by Gill

Handy Hints for the Uninitiated You need to be online to go to the Itunes store.

Wilson, (SEN Consultant Medical and Mobility) who has a responsibility for supporting schools in the Trafford area to use technology to support pupils with special educational needs. Over a number of sessions Gill explained to me how Apps and technology can help. At this point I want to make it clear, I am certainly not saying that this is for everyone. One of the joys and challenges of working with people with autism is that there is no one size fits all solution. However, it may be useful to know how these Apps are being used to support some people. How Apps and technology can help seems to be broadly divided into 5 parts. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Apps to teach literacy and numeracy Apps to support sensory needs Apps to aid or facilitate communication Apps to help you learn social understanding Apps to organise ones life and prompt

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Itunes store should be listed in the left hand column on the screen of your device. Click on Itunes and then look along the top of the page to find Applications Store, click. Type in a search word or the app name you want to find out more about. If the app is free, you still have to ‘buy’ it for free before you can download it. Look for the free apps section and check out what is there, many apps are free for the first few weeks so snap them up.

(Continued on page 3)


One point to note is that many of the apps are from the USA. This may mean that the language is not quite right for a child in the UK. On many apps though the language can be reset to a different voice and on some you can even record your own voice and insert or add your own pictures. It’s this aspect of personalisation that I find particularly exciting as it can be so essential for people with autism to have material adapted for them to make it relevant and useful.

Always play with the apps and find out:what they can do (or ask a child to do this whilst you watch!) they do so much more than you think. Make sure that if it’s a free app, it does not pop up with free offers or annoying adverts every time you use it. Not worth the trouble. Delete. If it is a good introduction to the app, go ahead and buy the full version.

So with advice from some experts I have gathered a few recommendations for apps below and also will direct you to places where you can get more detailed info/choices of apps so this list really is the tip of an iceberg.

Sometimes names or icons change for apps so you have to chase and find them.

APPS TO TEACH LITERACY AND NUMERACY

Handy hints for the uninitiated Reproduced by kind permission of Flo Longhorn.

******************* THE WEBSITES BELOW ARE ALSO USEFUL REFERENCE POINTS:

Often your child’s school will have access to the latest software such as clicker 6 it may be worth having a conversation about whether you can also look at what your child is doing using such software and ask advice about apps that may build on that. There are two Ipad Apps that have been designed by Clicker called Clicker Sentences and Clicker Docs. At £14.99 and £17.99 respectively they are not the cheapest apps but have been highly recommended to me.

An article written by Sally Millar, Specialist Speech & Language Therapist with CALL (Communication, Access, Literacy and Learning Scotland entitled iPads, apps and autism can be found on www.nasen.org.uk www.autismpliggedin.com review new apps regularly though they seem to be mainly American apps. www.acecentre.org.uk Ace Centre North has a wealth of experience and advice about the application of assistive technology as do Inclusive Technology www.inclusive.co.uk. PIPS Stockport tweeted a link www.smartappsforkids.com/2013/4/free-anddiscounted-autism-awareness-month-apps-11thapril-edition-.html If you are a local parent or support group the posts from this are all very useful!!

APPS TO HELP SENSORY PROBLEMS

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Flo Longhorn mentions many in her latest document . One is Tumble Vision (free) which she describes as a kaleidoscope that uses natural images. Another one she mentions is Jiggle Balls (free). Most of the sensory apps have a calming function and I can say from experience can be mesmerising! There are a number of Bubbles apps (variety of prices) as well as fire works (variety of prices) also widely available. Something some people find calming is white noise and there are a variety of apps that can also reproduce that. I have had a very comprehensive document kindly shared with me by Tina Woods a Specialist OT from Stockport (tina@therapy-in-motion.co.uk) on apps for this issue which I am happy to email to anyone who is interested. There is so much here I would not do justice by summing up. (Continued on page 4)

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(Continued

Ipad called Timer pro for Ipad (£.069) which is

from page 3)

APPS TO SUPPORT OR AID COMMUNICATION

For this section I sought the views of the Manchester Speech and Language Special Interest Autism group. They, and many others, mentioned Proloquo2go www.assitiveware.com/product/ proloquo2go. This is an augmentative and alternative communication solution and indeed is quite costly at around £130 but has been mentioned by so many people (including by Wendy Lawson in a talk I once heard her give) that I think it needs a mention. It can be bought at the app store as well. The group also mentioned that if buying apps at home it’s worth checking if the Speech Therapist involved with your child is also using them. Other apps the group mentioned were, Splingo Language Universe (£1.99). Pictello (£13.49) is a talking photo album that lights up the words spoken so can help with literacy.

APPS TO HELP YOU LEARN SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING

designed to help identify when time on the Ipad is up! Other timers might assist in timings for cooking or for turn taking. It can even time contractions or help you to manage periods! Also useful for many adults (with or without autism) are the apps that help organise our tasks and remind us how to be on time and prepared. There are a number of these apps at varying prices but start with the free/very cheap ones. The list is very, very far from comprehensive and you can easily lose a day or two looking at all the apps out there, many of which may not be of any use. The people who have shared their expertise with me have really opened my eyes to the possible creative uses of technology. However, a note of caution, especially when we are supporting people who are often already incredibly socially isolated, I don’t think that technology can ever replace human contact and interaction. I think its best use is to be used to complement support. In the meantime, happy exploring but it might be as well to set the IPad timer before you start! We are very grateful to Flo Longhorn for her contribution to this special 20th edition of AutismGM which you will find on Pages 5-8. I’m sure you will find it really helpful with lots of suggestions of suitable apps as well as an invitation to readers of AutismGM to subscribe for free for the first year to her new Info Exchange Magazine.

There are a number of apps which help you identify emotions such as Calm Counter, (£1.99) Emotions App (free) and Autism Emotions (free). I also found a number of interesting apps which deal with issues such as conversation starters and the behaviour text book. I have no specific recommendations for those but at £0.69 and free I think they maybe worth a look.

APPS TO ORGANISE ONE’S LIFE AND PROMPT

There are a number of apps to help time certain tasks including one designed for the Page 4

Mari Saeki Project Officer


KIDS launches free eLearning for parents of disabled children and young people

On the 8th April 2013 KIDS launched a new eLearning package for parents and carers, aimed at explaining the key points about personalisation, personal budgets and how they may impact on their family life. KIDS is a charity that works with disabled children, young people and their families. As part of the ‘Making It Personal’ project, sponsored by the Department for Education, KIDS has created an eLearning suite aimed at parents and carers of disabled children and young people.

Anyone wishing to access the free eLearning can do so by creating an account at:-

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he government is committed to their decision that by 2014, all families with disabled children and young people will have the option to use a personal budget. For many families, the concept of having a personal budget, over which they have complete control, to spend on services that meet the needs of their child, is new and often very daunting. ‘Making it Personal’ is a project funded by the Department for Education to provide support and advice to for parents and carers of disabled children and young people and also to commissioners, about personalisation and personal budgets.

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http://elearning.kids.org.uk/login/ index.php The Parent’s Handbook is still freely available in long and short versions for ease of use. You can download it from the KIDS website:-

http://www.kids.org.uk/ information/100347/106207/106214/106217/ for_parents_and_carers/


BOOK REVIEW THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING Fiona Robyn Woodsmoke Press

The Family Services Development Project Officers recently appealed to our newsletter readers and local parent support groups for Book Reviewers We had a terrific response and in this our 20th Anniversary Spring Edition Sara Teiger kindly agreed to review The Most Beautiful Thing by Fiona Robyn. Thank you Sara.

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ourteen-year-old Joe is emotionally immature, obsessed with meteorology and troubled by sensory sensitivities. He loves the band the Cocteau Twins and is partial to a five finger shuffle in the mornings. We meet him as his mother’s precarious mental health starts to deteriorate and he is packed off to Amsterdam for the summer holidays, to stay with his mum’s younger sister.

Fiona Robyn cleverly never pigeonholes him with a diagnosis. But parents of children with high functioning autism might well recognise aspects of their offspring in the oftenbewildered Joe, who seems to find life harder than most others around him. The book deals very honesty with many difficult themes, including family secrets and dysfunction, alcoholism, mental illness, abusive relationships, unconventional relationships, first love, identity and belonging. I was hooked on geeky Joe and the non-conformist Nel from the very start, relishing both characters, flaws and all. Despite dealing with myriad tricky subjects, The Most Beautiful Thing is never a heavygoing read. Robyn furnishes her protagonists with a buoyancy and sparky humanity that kept me rooting for them page after page.

Joe remembers very little of his ‘dippy’ Tante Nel and despite her very best efforts – “Your mum has sent me a list of the food you like…I’ll make sure I’ve got the right things. I know you’re choosy” – he struggles through the first few days in her bohemian artist’s apartment. His morning routine is all wrong with no mum to awaken him with a cup of tea, his room had a funny petrol smell, the cornflakes are too thin and the margarine on his toast, nasty-tasting. But then his 29-year-old aunt’s colourful and chaotic lifestyle starts to take over, shifting Joe’s hyperfocus outside of himself. A loud bang in the middle of the night and Joe catches Nel dragging a bleeding body across the floor of her trashed apartment. Time spent with an alcoholic grandfather and ‘nice enough’ grandmother fails to reveal a reason behind his aunt’s intense hatred for her mother. Joe attempts to deal with this unfamiliar disorder with his own brand of logic and reason and sets himself the improbable task of solving Nel’s troubles with pencil and paper. The Most Beautiful Thing is not a book about autism. Though Joe shows many Aspie traits,

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Book Reviewed by Sara Teiger


COOL TOOL HELPS PACK FOR SCHOOL

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t can be hard for children, especially those with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), to remember what they need to take to school each day. TomTag from Orkid Ideas is a brand new product invented by a Greater Manchester mum to make things so much easier for her autistic son, Tomas. TomTag (named after Tomas!) is a colourful daily checklist that’s practical and fun to use. It clips to a child’s school bag so they always know what to take to school and what to bring home again. TomTag uses fun pictures, not words, so it is especially appealing to children with ASD.

To find out more visit www.orkidideas.com or call 01904 213123.

AUTISM FRIENDLY FILM NEWS Autism Friendly Screenings at over 100 Cinemas What makes the screenings autism friendly? The lights will be on low The volume will be turned down There will be no trailers at the beginning of the film You'll be able to take your own food and drinks You'll be able to move around the cinema if you like** **Guests are reminded not to run inside the cinema and children are to be supervised at all times.

To find out which Odeon Cinemas are participating in the scheme visit Dimensions website at:Page 7 www.dimensions-uk.org


NEW AND UPDATED INFORMATION SHEETS

The following Information sheets have been updated:♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Advocacy and autism Autism: books and DVDs for children and young people Autism spectrum disorders: a resource pack for school staff A GP's guide to adults with Asperger syndrome Anxiety Bullying in the workplace Care and support services for adults with autism Care services: complaints and remedies (England) Carer’s rights Counselling Death, bereavement and autism spectrum disorders (formerly known as Death and bereavement; also formerly known as Death, bereavement and autistic spectrum disorders) Diagnosis: the process for adults Driving Education and autism: a selective guide to resources Education: Meeting the needs of students in FE and HE (formerly known as The needs of students with autism or Asperger syndrome in further and higher education) Employment and Support Allowance and the Work Capability Assessment Holidays: autism-friendly venues Person-centred planning Self-directed support Self-directed support: myths busted Social skills for adolescents and adults The abolition of Adult Disability Living Allowance University: choosing and applying University: starting The following Information Sheets are NEW from the Autism Helpline: Permanent exclusion www.autism.org.uk/29649 Fixed Term Exclusion www.autism.org.uk/19716

The following Information Sheet has been updated from the Autism Helpline in website format only. There won’t be a corresponding PDF for this as it’s temporary information while waiting for changes:Blue Badge Scheme www.autism.org.uk/12229

Copies of the above Information Sheets are available from:-

Autism Helpline Tel: 0808 800 4104 Email: autismhelpline@nas.org.uk Page 8


DfE PUBLISH INDICATIVE SEN CODE OF PRACTICE

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n Thursday 14th March the Department for Education published an indicative draft of the (0-25) Special Educational Needs Code of Practice. This was published to help Parliament consider the SEN Clauses in Part 3 of the Children and Families Bill, which is currently being considered at Committee Stage in the House of Commons. The draft that has been published is a "work in progress" and the Department has committed to providing a subsequent draft for formal consultation later in 2013 and before the Code is formally laid before Parliament. The NAS will be working with parents, young people and professionals to inform our response to the formal consultation later in the year. However we will use the space in between to shape the version of the Code that is put out to public consultation. Education minister Edward Timpson sent a letter to the Council for Disabled Children setting out the next steps in the process, including reassurance that the current statutory provisions remain in place until the Children and Families Bill receives Royal Assent in 2014 (subject to Parliament).

The NAS welcomes the inclusion of timescales for assessments in the indicative draft regulations. It is vital that the Government carries over all existing protections for parents into the new system. As is currently the case, Local Authorities will have to let people know whether they will be undertaking an Education Health and Care needs assessment within 6 weeks of receiving a request. Under the new draft regulations, the overall timescale for the assessment and planning process, from responding to a request to sending out a finalised Education, Health and Care plan, would be reduced from 26 to 20 weeks. If you have any questions please email policy@nas.org.uk

The Department have also published draft indicative regulations to accompany the legislation. The draft Code of Practice and Regulations are published on the Department for Education website http://www.education.gov.uk/

SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS HELPLINES The National Autistic Society 0808 800 4102 IPSEA 0800 018 4016 Contact A Family SEN Advice 0808 808 3555 Page 9


NICE DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH AUTISM

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n the 28th March the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published draft guideline for the management and support of children and young people with autism. The recommendations are provisional and may change after consultation. The deadline for responses to the consultation is 10 May. The guideline makes recommendations on the most effective ways that health and social care professionals can provide support, interventions and help for children and young people with autism and their families and carers, from the early years through to their transition into young adult life (up to 19yrs). The NAS particularly welcomes NICE's recommendations on adapting mental health interventions for children with autism and the central role for local autism teams in the delivery and management of care. 71% of children with autism have at least one cooccurring mental health problem, while 40% have two or more.

Recommendations vary in strength, from interventions that must (or must not) be pursued, which professional are under a legal obligation to follow, to those which professionals should follow as best practice.

NICE have said the following interventions for children and young people with autism must not be used in any context: secretin, chelation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy. They also rule out using psychiatric medication (anti-depressants,anticonvulsants, anti-psychotics) and exclusion diets for treating the core features of autism. Please send comments or questions to policy@nas.org.uk

The need for more autism specialist intervention was a key recommendation in the NAS You Need To Know campaign on improving mental health services for children and young people with autism. Clinical Guidelines apply to England and Wales but may also be taken up in Northern Ireland after being reviewed. Once NICE guidance is published, health professionals (and the organisations that employ them) are expected to take it fully into account when deciding what treatments to give people.

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The draft guidance can be found online at:http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG/ Wave25/4/Consultation/Latest


RESEARCH REPORT ON TRANSITION TO ADULT SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH ASC

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he Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York has published a report on transition to adulthood and adult services for young people with autism spectrum conditions. It highlights concerns for young people with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome who did not qualify for support from adult social care but need support to move successfully into adult life. The Implications of this study re-confirms the need to address the support needs of young people and adults with ASC and their parents/ carers. It also provides evidence which can inform and support the change and developments in services required by the Autism Strategy and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

Social Policy Research Unit

Voluntary work placements in settings where ASC was understood and accommodated were consistently viewed very positively by the young adults who participated in this study. Further consideration of the strategic and planned use of such placements, and their impact on longer-term outcomes, may be productive. Some parents found themselves acting as key-workers for their adult child. They typically felt unskilled and unsupported in this role, particularly in terms of encouraging their son or daughter to become more independent and to maintain positive mental health. Whilst greater direct support to young adults is clearly one solution, it remains that the majority of parents want to support and nurture their adult son or daughter. Addressing parents’ support and information needs is therefore important.

It demonstrated that service models can be developed which ensure continuity of support to all young people with ASC as they leave school and become young adults.

The Report and Summary can be downloaded from the website at:-

It highlights the need to develop systems by which young people ineligible for support from children’s services and without a statement of SEN, are ‘visible’ to local autism strategy groups and commissioners of adult statutory services.

h t t p: / /p hp .yo r k . ac .u k/ i ns t / sp ru / pubs/2398/

It reiterates the need for autism-specific services, delivered by autism-trained professionals.

The National Autistic Society has produced an online toolkit to help people with autism and their families prepare for the transition from school to adult life. It contains information and resources to support people when they are making important decisions and planning for the changes ahead.

It describes the types of services valued and endorsed by young adults with HFA and Asperger’s syndrome, including opportunities to meet and spend time with others with the same diagnoses, help with facing, and planning for, adult life’ and specialist, and ongoing employment support. Peer support was viewed very positively by many of the young adults we interviewed. It suggest that developing, and evaluating, such provision would be worthwhile.

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www.autism.org.uk Click the ‘Living With Autism’ tab at the top of the front page. This gives you the link to Education and Transition page.

Provides information about the transition process that is useful to professionals and parents/carers. Also has a young people’s section.

www.transitioninfonetwork


NEW PLAY CENTRE IN STOCKPORT

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ere in the project office we have heard good things about the Let Loose Play Centre based in Hazel Grove, Stockport. They currently run a session on Mondays during term-time from 4pm—6pm for children with additional needs which is proving to be a great success. The cost is £3.50 per child. The facilities available include an awesome play frame, toddler town, sports pitch, gokarts, sensory zone, café and even a hair salon! Let Loose Play Centre 1 Pepper Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport SK7 5DP Tel: 0161 457 4510 Email: info@letlooseplay.com www.letlooseplay.com

NETWORK AUTISM is celebrating its first anniversary

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ver 3,000 professionals from 90 countries have joined Network Autism in the last year. With exclusive articles from leading autism professionals including Professor Tony Charman and Dr Judith Gould, Network Autism offers a wealth of information and a variety of ways for people to engage with content. These include:

receive a quarterly e-newsletter, Autism in Practice, edited by Dean Beadle, Journalist and Autism speaker. Each uniquely themed newsletter contains four comprehensive feature articles ranging from case studies to interviews, providing you with an in-depth look at current and emerging issues facing everyone working in the field of autism.

reading the latest autism research and good practice joining or setting up specialist interest groups collaborating in open discussions keeping up to date with the latest autism news reading exclusive articles from autism specialists

Over 2013 Network Autism will be introducing a number of new exciting features, including: a news section where you can keep up to date with relevant autism news from across the UK a tailored section of the website for each individual member providing information and resources specific to their own interests and sector.

In addition, all Network Autism members

Join the growing Network Autism community for FREE at www.networkautism.org.uk Page 12


FAMILY CARERS STILL AT BREAKING POINT MENCAP’S LATEST REPORT

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More than half of councils have cut spending on short breaks for families.

In 2006, the follow up report, Breaking Point – Families still need a break, found that 7 out of 10 families were still at, or being pushed to, breaking point.

Over half of family carers have given up, or are considering giving up, work.

n 2003 Mencap launched the Breaking Point report. This showed that 8 out of 10 families surveyed had reached crisis through not getting enough short breaks.

Now, 10 years on from Breaking Point, Mencap has released a follow-up report which finds that the situation has not improved: 8 out of 10 family carers have reached, or are close to reaching, breaking point as a result of not getting the help and support they need.

In 2010, the government invested £1.2 billion in short breaks for carers. However, the money was not ring-fenced – research outlined in Mencap's latest report shows that the money has not been spent on short breaks services. In fact, councils across England have cut short breaks services. This is despite evidence from Carers UK, which shows that families who care for disabled people save the taxpayer £119 billion every year.

9 in 10 family carers report high levels of stress.

8 out of 10 family carers claim that a lack of short breaks has had a negative impact on their family life. Mencap is urging the government to ring-fence the money intended for short breaks, so it is actually spent on these services. Mencap is also calling on councils to intervene early, to ensure that no family carer is left to reach breaking point due to a lack of short breaks. Jo Davies, Campaigns & Policy Officer at Mencap, said: 'Our latest report into the short breaks support available for people with a learning disability and their family carers shows that, 10 years on since we originally highlighted this critical issue, no progress has been made. 8 out of 10 families are still at breaking point due to a lack of short breaks. In fact, the situation is getting worse as local councils across England make more and more cuts to these vital services. This is despite over £1.2 billion of Government investment in the last few years alone and, supposedly, much weight given to the fantastic job that family carers do, not only in caring for their loved ones but also in saving the state huge amounts of money. The Government and local authorities must act now to ensure that families get the support that they need to be a family. They must not be failed for another decade.' The full report can be downloaded from MENCAP’s website at http://www.mencap.org.uk/short-breaksreport

Findings from the report also include: More than 8 in 10 families of adults with a learning disability did not receive any short breaks whatsoever in the last year.

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN THE REGION Hirstwood Training Ltd

MENCAP, Leonard Cheshire & National Family Carers Network

iPads in SEN 10th May 2013 Manchester

Rights to Social Care Services & Benefit Support

The use of iPads in SEN is a powerful tool—but keeping up to date with this quickly changing technology can be difficult. This conference will examine the key issues, challenges and opportunities that will influence the implementation and effective use of this new platform.

Wednesday 5th June 2013 10am—3pm London Scottish House 24 Mount Street Manchester M2 3NN

Cost – £225 plus VAT per place, including refreshments & lunch, and access to our ‘Introduction to iPads in SEN’ on-line training, as well as the conference portal.

This event is FREE A solicitor from Irwin Mitchell will be speaking about legal rights to community care services as well as National MENCAP presentations on benefits changes and social care cuts.

Special negotiable rates available for parents Book online at www.multi-sensory-room.co.uk/room/ Or email lois@hirstwoodtraining.co.uk Or Tel: 01524 42 63 95

For further information contact: Email: campaigns@mencap.org.uk OR Tel: 0207 696 5577

Shortbreaks Network Spring Conference

The National Autistic Society

Quality in Practice: how does the SEND reform agenda support quality in Short Break Services?

Autism and relationships, puberty, sex and sexuality Thursday 11th June 2013 Marriott Renaissance Hotel, Manchester

Tuesday 14th May 2013 Premier Inn, Old Trafford, Manchester Since 2011 twenty ‘pathfinders’ across the England have been testing out the different objectives of the Special Needs and Disability (SEND) reforms. With the introduction of the Early Intervention Grant (EIG) and Individual Budgets the funding and structure of Short Breaks is changing. What does this mean for the providers and users of Short Breaks services? How has practice been changing in response to the suggested reforms and how will this impact on the quality of services in future?

This conference will provide you with tools and strategies to help you talk confidently and competently about relationships and sexuality with children and adults with autism. Featuring:

• Dr Wendy Lawson, Autism Consultant • Dr Elizabeth Laugeson, UCLA PEERS Program • Dean Beadle, Journalist and Autism Speaker • Lynne Moxon, ESPA (Education and Services •

Short Break Network members - £195 Non-members - £250 We have a limited number of subsidised places at £75 available for volunteer and contract carers who are family based befrienders or who provide sitting services. To check if you are eligible, please call our training and events team on 01749 689 259 or email training@shortbreaksnetwork.org.uk

for People with Autism) Phoebe Caldwell, DSc., Intensive Interaction Practitioner

As well as keynote presentations discussing inappropriate behaviour and sexual awareness and identity, the conference will feature interactive seminars focused on key issues such as keeping safe, sexual health, puberty and the legal framework for teachers and support workers. Delegate rate n

n £225 + VAT

NAS members n

£175 + VAT

Individuals on low income*

£75 + VAT

To make a booking:www.autism.org.uk/conferences/ relationships2013 Email: conference@nas.org.uk

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OR Tel: 0115 911 3367


FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN THE REGION

Embracing the culture of autism: The TEACCH approach Managing Transitions Seminar Disabled children and their transition adulthood: the law and good practice

3-day introductory course 8th, 9th and 10th July 2013

into

Tuesday 25th June 2013 9.30—3pm Exchange Chambers 7 Ralli Court West Riverside Manchester M3 5FT The session, facilitated by Camilla Parker from Just Equality, aims to provide attendees with an overview of the legal responsibilities of local authorities and NHS bodies to ensure that the social care, education and health care needs of disabled children are fully addressed – and sustained – as they move into adulthood. This session will also provide attendees with updates concerning relevant legal and policy developments.

One-day advanced course 11th July 2013 Both courses will be led by Professor Gary Mesibov, former Director of Division TEACCH and has extensive experience of working with people with autism spectrum conditions. A unique opportunity for professionals, carers and parents working with children and adults with autism spectrum conditions to learn the TEACCH approach. TEACCH is a broad-based approach which takes into account all aspects of the lives of people with autism and their families. It emphasises the strengths of people with autism. The programme building on existing skills and interests and stresses the importance of structure and the development of independence.

Above all this is a forum where attendees will have the opportunity to discuss practical problems they have experienced and how these can be resolved, as well as share information on "what works" so that they can develop strategies on how to manage the transitional process successfully.

Cost: 3-day Introduction to TEACCH (non-residential) Professionals £395.00 Carer/Parent £95.00 Vol Organisation £295.00

Cost £10 for parents and carers £25 for professionals (non-returnable)

1-day Advanced TEACCH Professional £170.00 Carer/Parent £35.00 Vol Organisation £95.00

To find out more and to book your place please contact Melanie Dean at melanied@cerebra.org.uk OR Telephone 01267 242 556

To book online visit www.togethertrust.eventbrite.co.uk OR telephone Mel Richardson on Tel: 0161 283 4801

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ASD PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS BOLTON

OLDHAM/continued

STOCKPORT/continued

Hyperactivity And Euro Developmental Family Unity Link (H.a.n.d.f.u.l.) Tel: 01204 794979 Contact: Michelle Daubney Email: handfulhelp@yahoo.co.uk

A.S.C. (Autistic Spectrum Condition support group) Contact: Natalie Hughes (Treasurer) Tel: 07825899658 Email: paash@live.co.uk

BURY

ROCHDALE

Stockport Carers for Adults on the Autistic Spectrum Meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month 7.30-9pm at The Newbridge Centre Contact: Rayonette Jude Tel: 0161 439 0627 Email: stockportCAAS@gmail.com

Bury Autism/Asperger syndrome Support Group Contact: Chris Parkinson Tel: 0161 763 4867 Email: burycarers@yahoo.co.uk

Littleborough Autism, Aspergers syndrome and ADHD Support Triangle (L.A.A.A.S.T.) Tel: 07980 983872 Contact: Liesl Beckles (Telephone support only)

Hurdles Family Support Group Contact: Geraldine Greene Tel: 0161 797 0082 Email: buryhurdles@gmail.com Website: www.hurdles.org.uk

Rochdale Circles Support Group Tel: 07901 854741 (will be answered by a member of the Rochdale Parent Forum Email: parentforum@hotmail.com

Bury Autism Parent Society Contacts: Joanne and Tony Moran Tel: 761 0132 Email: mail@baps-online.org (Telephone support only)

MANCHESTER The Autumn Group Contact: Sue Broaderst Tel: 07581 103 771 Email: autumngroup@live.co.uk P.O.S.Y. (Parents of Special Youngsters) Contact: Leslye Vaughan Tel: 0161 436 4043 Email: leslye.posy@yahoo.com Grange Parents Group Contact: Anne-Marie O’Reilly Tel: 0161 947 9270 Email: annmarieoreilly63@yahoo.com

OLDHAM OSCA Tel: 07913672175 Contact: Cathy Williams, or Maria Aspin Email: osca@bigfoot.com Website: www.fdk.org.uk/osca.html

SALFORD Salford Action for Autism (SAFA) Tel: 0796 3024759 Carol Gray or Barbara Berry Website: www..salford-action-forautism.com Autism and Friends Contact: Sandra Moore Tel: 07544649696

TAMESIDE TASCA (Tameside Action for social communication & Autism support group) Tel: 07754873480 (Mon-Fri 9.3.30pm only) Contact: Valerie and Neil Bayley Email: tasca4u@ntlworld.com Website: www.tasca.org.uk Tameside Asperger’s syndrome Support Group Tel: 716 3600 Contact: Julie Scrymgeour@nhs.net Autism Support for Parents & Carers Contact: Dan Redfearn or Holly Turton Tel: 0161 342 5197 or 5194 Email: d.redfearn@nhs.net Email: hollyturton@nhs.net

TRAFFORD

Sensory Stay and Play Tel: 0161 778 0051 Email: belvedere.childrenscentre@salford.gov.uk

ADHD/ASD Family Support Group Tel: 07969 459523 (Jess)

WIGAN

STOCKPORT Stockport ASD Partnership Project Support Group Offering monthly sessions with invited speakers. Tel: 249 4474 Contact: Cheryl Salt cheryl.knupfer@stockport.gov.uk

Love Autism Support Group Contact: Emma Harvie Tel: 07730 582487 Email:

OTHER SUPPORT GROUPS IN GREATER MANCHESTER The Autistic Society Greater Manchester Area (ASGMA)

Cygnet Springside ASD Support Group

A group for parents of children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome. For further information regarding dates and times please contact the ASGMA Information Officer Tel: 0161 866 8483 Email: information@asgma.org.uk Page 17

Organises events for parents, carers and individuals affected by ASC. Professionals are also welcome. Contact: Peter Lawson Tel: 0161 443 4060 Email: peterlawson@cygnethealth.co.uk.


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