The government has made £1.2 million of funding available to improve local autism services and increase awareness. The funding is available as part of Think Autism, the update to the 2010 Adult Autism Strategy for England. Read more »
A new range of books to help young people improve their health and happiness are now available through the Books On Prescription scheme in Somerset. Read more »
The community website at www.diversityvoice.com includes an interactive forum for children and young people, teachers and parents. Read more »
Safe Places is a community safety scheme in Somerset which aims to help vulnerable adults with learning disabilities deal with any situation that makes them feel scared, threatened, at risk or confused when they’re out in the community. Read more »
The Royal College of General Practitioners have appointed Dr Carole Buckley, a GP with a clinical practice in Bristol and mother to a son with autism, as their Clinical Champion for Autism. Read more »
This video shows staff from the National Autistic Society having fun in their challenges to do something amazing for autism. Why not sign up to have an Amazing Day for Autism this year? Read more »
An important debate about the Autism Strategy took place in Westminster on Wednesday 5th March as the Government is finalises the Adult Autism Strategy. Read transcipts and commentary on the debate.
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Mark Lever, Chief Executive, National Autistic Society, provides a Christmas update on the Push for Action campaign and offers his gratitude for all the work that local people have contributed to make it such a success. Read more »
Responses to the recent Autism Diagnosis Survey in the UK highlight the need for improvements in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders within the NHS. Read more »
Exeter Corn Exchange is hosting a ‘relaxed’ performance of Cinderella on Friday 3rd January 2014, making the pantomime more accessible to some people with autism and other additional needs. Read more »
Follow ‘Jenson’ the travelling Push For Action button on his journey across the country to raise awareness for the National Autistic Society campaign, Push For Action. Read more »
Mind in Taunton and West Somerset aims to promote good mental health and encourage greater understanding of mental health issues. Read more »
Autism policy leads from the four UK nations will be participating in an online discussion about the way the UK has led the way in providing better services for people. Read more »
David Fothergill, Chairman of Somerset County Council, has chosen the National Autistic Society as one of his two chosen charities to support during his period in office. Read more »
Local MP Tessa Munt joined Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg and the Care Minister Norman Lamb on World Mental Health Day last week to support Mind, the leading mental health charity’s ‘Time to Change’ campaign. Read more »
The National Autistic Society (NAS) Autism Professional Awards 2014 recognise and reward cross-discipline professionals who are leading the way in innovative autism practice. Read more »
Gary Maule, a local police community support officer (PCSO), has won the Public Sector Hero category in the Heart of Somerset Community Awards for his work with young people with Autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Read more »
The Five Ways to Wellbeing app, developed by Somerset Public Health, helps people improve their well-being through everyday activities No rules, no regulations. Read more »
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is seeking to recruit for senior clinicians to provide clinical leadership for autistic spectrum disorders, health inequalities and perinatal mental health. Read more »
The Autism Alliance is the UK organisation for specialist autism charities which supports many thousands of adults and children with autism across the UK. Read more »
A Bournemouth University student is looking for people with lived experience of autism to participate in a documentary about the struggles and successes faced by those with autism. Read more »
Autistic intelligence is a loosely affiliated not-for-profit educational social enterprise comprised of worldwide experts in aspects of autism dedicated to a global recognition and accommodation of autistic intelligence. Read more »
Over the next few months Mencap will be starting a new campaign which aims to stop people who use words like ‘retard’ in the media. Read more »
‘Despicable Me 2’ and ‘Sammy’s Great Escape’ are the two different Autism Friendly films being shown in June and July. Read more »
Mental Health charity Mind have launched a campaign calling for national standards on the use of restraint, accredited training and an end to face down restraint. Read more »
This resolution published by the World Health Organisation brings formal commitment to action on developmental disabilities by more than 50 countries Read more »
Around 700,000 people may have autism, or more than 1 in 100 in the population. Read more »
Somerset Total Communication have recently published their Summer 2013 Newsletter that includes details of what’s on and networking dates for 2013. Read more »
Ambitious about Autism is a national charity for children and young people with autism. Read more »
3D’s Sensory Newsletter covers topics such as play, support and training as well as accessible space for local carers and families affected by Autism. Read more »
Oska Bright is the original award winning international film and digital media festival that features work made by people with a learning disability. Read more »
If you weren’t able to take part in the web chat with Mark Lever, Chief Executive, National Autistic Society, on World Autism Awareness Day you can read the transcript of the questions and answers. Read more »
‘The Boy on the Edge’ play has been used in some counties as part of a specific training programme and awareness raising regarding attitudes towards and issues around autism. Read more »
‘TinkerBell and the Secret of the Wings’ Monsters and ‘Oz The Great and Powerful’ are the two different Autism Friendly films being hosted in March. Read more »
This article explores current diagnostic criteria and prevalence rates for autism spectrum disorders and stresses how important it is for primary care professionals to be familiar with this information. Read more »
Matt Trerise, a specialist trainer who has 10 years of experience in supporting people with autism. He offers a one day course aimed at professionals and carers supporting people with autistic spectrum conditions and aims to increase participants practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding of autistic spectrum conditions. Read more »
Even more choice as Monsters Inc and Wreck it Ralph are the two different Autism Friendly films being hosted in February. Read more »
Somerset County Council in parternship with Preston Academy is to open a brand new autism base in the grounds of Preston Academy, where a full-time teacher in charge of the Autism base is being sought for September 2013. Read more »
View a selection of recent films about autism on your computer and screenings will be followed by a live online Q&A with the director of the film. Read more »
Disney Theatrical Productions are “so proud to now be presenting the first dedicated autism friendly performance in the West End, enabling new audiences to enjoy the thrill of musical theatre.” They thank their creative staff, the National Autistic Society and the Ambassador Theatre Group, whose hard work and dedication helped make it all possible.” Read more »