Issue 84 December 2014/January 2015

Welcome to the December/January issue of News

• Indoor Climbing in Walton - page 3 If you are about to embark on doing some (or even all) of your • Dads’ group (after) Christmas shopping online, please consider joining Christmas get- easyfundraising.org and raising money for the Branch – together – page 3 without it costing you a penny! Just sign up at the web site, • A round-up of relaxed http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/nassurrey, then, panto performances – whenever you buy anything online such as Christmas presents, groceries, clothes, books, train tickets, hotel rooms, page 3 etc from companies like Amazon, John Lewis, eBay – and • Meeting Report – thousands more – you will raise a free donation for NAS Michael Barton “And Surrey Branch. Just remember to go to easyfundraising.org now for something first every time before you start your shopping. completely different..” - page 5 If real shopping is more your thing, please can you spare an hour or two to help at our collections at Squires Garden NAS Surrey Branch talks Centre in Cobham, every weekend between now and – page 4 Christmas. We still need extra volunteers in addition to the • Guildford Thurs 22nd kind folk who have already offered to help. January – Surrey Parent Partnership Don’t forget there is a guide to a stress-free Christmas on the NAS web site http://bit.ly/120dIsi . If you have some tips that (NB NEW VENUE) you have found have made Christmas better for anyone on

th the spectrum in your family, please do share them on our • Redhill 12 February online forum. – Mark Brown on supporting teens with Wishing you a Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year. ASDs and teenage siblings Emma Emma Whitfield • News and information Branch Officer (volunteer) for adults with ASDs – NAS Surrey Branch pages 6 & 7 Tel: 07423 435 413 Email: @mugsy.org Web site:www.mugsy.org Twitter: @NASSurreyBranch Donations: www.justgiving.com/nassurreybranch

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NAS Surrey Branch Contacts Other Useful Contacts Unless stated, organisations not endorsed by the Branch officer: NAS Surrey Branch or the NAS Emma Whitfield 07423 435413 NAS web site: www.autism.org.uk. For [email protected] personalised information go to www.autism.org.uk/signpost.aspx Treasurer: NAS Helpline: Tel: 0808 800 4104 (10am – Haywood Drake 01483 457646 4pm), or email [email protected] [email protected] (replies within14 working days) NAS national membership: 020 7903 3563. Information officer/web site: Email [email protected] John Muggleton 01483 872683 [email protected] Education Support NAS Education Rights: 0808 800 4102 Branch Membership: Surrey Parent Partnership: 01737 737300 Nancy Rowell 01252 514708 http://www.surreyparentpartnership.org.uk/ [email protected] SOS!SEN charity to support statementing, tel: 020 8538 3731, Web: www.sossen.org.uk Events: Sarah Mead 01483 454245 Family Support & Representation NAS Family Support worker - for families [email protected] with at least one child in mainstream education Emma Searle 07816 127630. [email protected], tel: 07436 261163. [email protected] NAS Parent-to-Parent line 0808 800 4106 Portage – support for children with additional Deputy Branch Officer / Adults: needs under 3.5 years 0300 200 1004 Sara Truman 01483 822630 Family Voice Surrey [email protected] www.familyvoicesurrey.org

Branch libraries: Activities for children and young people West: Haywood Drake 01483 457646 NAS Resource Centre, Godalming Tel: [email protected] 01483 521743 East: Jenny Lawson 01342 314801 [email protected] [email protected] interAKtive, Epsom-based charity for children with ASDs and other communication difficulties North Surrey 07876 762178, www.interaktive.org.uk Eileen Bruce 01932 225379 SID (Social Information on Disability) [email protected] useful information site www.asksid.org.uk/fab

Local parent support / classes South East Surrey: Redhill CAMHS group for parents of children Helen Trenaman 01737 360069 with ASDs, tel: 01737-287002 [email protected] Early Bird (under 5) / Early Bird plus (5- 8yrs) developed by NAS, delivered by trained Parents of Girls' Group staff from Surrey CC. Tel: 0300 200 1004 Rachel Pearson 01483 727378 [email protected] Adult Services Surrey Adult social svcs: 0300 200 1005 Fathers' Group: NAS Surrey Service Tel: 01483 861600, Martin Trenaman 01737 360069 email: [email protected] [email protected] Employment Support Employability for people with learning Parents of Adults’ Group disabilities/ASDs tel: 01483-519690, email: Hilary Dyce 01276 66032 [email protected] [email protected] Benefits advice Fundraising Carers Support http://www.carers.org/carers- Sarah Mason 07973 379131 services/find-your-local-service [email protected] NAS Tips page – via autism.org.uk Cerebra DLA guide: 0800 328 1159

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About the NAS Surrey Branch Indoor rock climbing The Surrey Branch of the NAS is a We are once again running two indoor volunteer-run parent-to-parent support group climbing sessions for children and young for families in Surrey affected by Autism people with ASDs and their siblings aged 6 Spectrum Disorders. It’s FREE to join - 16 at High Sports climbing, Xcel (although a small donation is appreciated) Leisure Centre in Walton-on- and we have around 1,400 members. Thames. The one-hour sessions are at The branch holds regular meetings to which 2pm and 3pm on Sunday 22nd February. non-members are also welcome. It also Each session caters for up to 10 organises social events, local coffee youngsters, who will learn how to put on a mornings and special interest groups, and climbing harness safely and be introduced represents parents in meetings with health, to the basics of rock-climbing. Siblings are education and social services. We host an also very welcome. active Yahoo! online forum, and produce this newsletter every two months. Places are available for a suggested To join, email [email protected] for a donation of £7.50 per child (subsidized membership form or go to rate). BOOKING ESSSENTIAL - please www.mugsy.org/membership. complete the enclosed application form. For more details contact Emma Whitfield. If you are a member of the NAS at national [email protected] tel: 07423 435 413. level, you can nominate us as your branch by emailing [email protected], which Dads’ Group means we receive a percentage of your The NAS Surrey Branch Dads’ Group annual subscription. “Christmas meal” will be taking place on Friday 16 January 2016. The group We’re part of The National Autistic provides an opportunity for fathers of Society, a national charity founded by children and adults with ASDs to get parents in 1962 which runs a wide range of together socially a few times a year, usually services such as schools, clubs and adult in each other’s homes on a Friday evening. centres. It has over 20,000 members, 100 It is a chance to find out from each other branches and works in partnership with more what works and what doesn’t, to share than 50 local autism societies. The NAS contacts, and to support one another. It is exists to champion the rights and interests of also an enjoyable evening out with good food, and the odd drink with others in a all people with autistic spectrum disorders similar situation. To join the group, contact and to ensure that they and their families Martin Trenaman on 01737 360069 or receive quality services appropriate to their email [email protected] needs. Relaxed Pantos National Autistic Society, There is a good choice of autism-friendly 393 City Rd, London EC1V 1NG ‘relaxed’ plays in Surrey this Christmas: www.autism.org.uk. The National 12th Dec - Snow White and the Autistic Society is a registered Seven Dwarfs at Yvonne Arnaud, charity, number 269425. Company Guildford. Tel: 01483 44 00 00 limited by guarantee number http://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/ 1205298. th 13 Dec – Peter Pan at the Polka

Theatre in Wimbledon. The views expressed in Surrey News are not http://www.polkatheatre.com. necessarily those of the National Autistic 18th Dec – Aladdin at the Secombe Society, and reference to specific services or Theatre in Sutton. Tel: 20 8770 6990 approaches to autism does not imply www.suttontheatres.co.uk endorsement. All material is copyright 3 rd January 2015 Snow White and Surrey NAS and cannot be reproduced the Seven Dwarfs in Old Woking. Tel: without permission. 07711 322 512

http://www.pepperjellyproductions.co.uk/

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Forthcoming Talks & meetings Our meetings start with coffee at siblings who are having to contend with 7.45pm and the talks begin at their own issues of fitting in whilst 8.00pm, lasting around one and ‘coping’ with the extra struggle of a a half hours including Q&As. sibling with autism. As such, there is a There is no charge to attend, but need for both sets of teenagers to have we welcome a small donation - their own individual support in looking meetings are open to non- at this situation. Mark Brown will use members. Please contact Emma his extensive experience of working Whitfield if you are planning to with families that include a teen on the come along to give us an idea of spectrum to help start that journey for numbers [email protected]. the teenagers and their families

Thurs 22nd January GUILDFORD ******************* **NB CHANGE OF VENUE** Thank Yous The Guildford Institute , Ward Street, We have once again been lucky Guildford GU1 4LH enough to receive some very kind http://tinyurl.com/ln55yvg donations recently. Our thanks go to:

Trish Francis and Helen Fox from Mr & Mrs Eldridge for a donation of Surrey Parent Partnership will explain £499.91 raised from a family birthday. the changes that have been implemented following new legislation Sarah Mason and the staff at and Code of Practice. They will outline Sainsbury’s in Dorking for running SEN support in schools, the new EHC a Halloween cake sale. The total raised needs assessments and plans, parents since we were selected as their charity and young peoples' rights, together of the year is now over £1,000! with a brief update on Surrey's Local Offer, Personal Budgets, Health and Hinchley Wood Primary School for Social Care roles in the new EHC donating £562 raised at their Harvest Plans. Festival in October.

PLEASE SUBMIT QUESTIONS IN Amba, a pupil at St Joseph’s ADVANCE by emailing Specialist School and College in [email protected] by 2nd January Cranleigh who raised £112.50 through 2015. Please be aware that the team a cake sale at school. from SPP will not be able to discuss individual cases at this event, but if you have outstanding issues, they will A local writer has offered to donate takings from sales of her self-published answer by email. novel to the Branch. A Constant Feeling of Not Knowing, written under Thurs 12th February REDHILL the pen name Sofia Lake, is a St Joseph’s Church, 122 Ladbroke psychological study of how a young girl Road, Redhill RH1 1JX copes with the challenges of her For map, see page 11 or go to childhood and adolescence, http://tinyurl.com/o4st4nx overcoming the difficulties she faces with Asperger's syndrome. Mark Brown from Special Help 4 Special Needs You can order copies from The onset of teenage years is a www.amazon.co.uk or rollercoaster of emotions and needs for www.barnesandnoble.com. Please all involved, but add autism into the mix remember to order through and this ride becomes far from plain easygiving.com if you can (see p1). sailing. This is not just for the individual with autism, but also teenage

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Meeting Report Woking Branch 13th November of Surrey for students with additional And now for something completely needs. different… Michael Barton, author of It’s Raining Cats and Dogs and A His advice for families is to focus on the Different Kettle of Fish. autistic person’s strengths and give lots of positive reinforcement. Michale Barton is a recent physics Having a routine, joining clubs related to graduate who has high functioning special interests, allowing more time to autism and gave us an entertaining process things and encouraging physical personal account of living with autism. activity can all help people with ASD feel more comfortable and aid He explained that as a scientist with communication. insight into the autistic and the neurotypical worlds he aims to build Michael ended with a reflection on bridges between the two. He quoted genetics: since autistic brains are built to Tony Attwood’s remark that people be good at science, and more females don’t suffer from autism, they suffer are becoming scientists and meeting the from the ignorance of others. Michael males, perhaps autistic people will one believes that once we realise that day become the majority and we will be people on the spectrum are just diagnosing neurotypical people! He different, we can relax and see their finished with a demonstration of one of strengths. his interests - playing the spoons – at which he is extremely skilled. He stressed that what matters is how ************* autistic traits affect people, rather than Tony Attwood in Reading the label itself and added that rather Berkshire Autistic Society is hosting a than autism being a ‘disorder’, people Conference with Tony Attwood at with ASDs tend to be very logical, so Reading Town Hall on Weds 7th and perhaps we should think of other Thurs 8th January 2015 from 9.30am to people who are disordered! He quoted 4.30pm. The event is suitable for both Simon Baron-Cohen’s analogy that it is parents and professionals. Tickets are like being left-handed in a world from £71 for low waged/ unwaged, £150 designed for right-handed people, or for parents and £240 for professionals. like living in a foreign country. We need This includes all refreshments as well as greater understanding if we are to copies of Professor Attwood's slides. For recognise the positive contribution that more information, contact Berkshire people with autistic traits can make. Autistic Society on 01189 594 594, email [email protected] Michael believes that special interests, Or see their website: attention to detail and a strong ability to http://www.autismberkshire.org.uk/ focus are positive traits as they can help the autistic person make friends, improve their confidence and social Celebrating Carers Event skills and even achieve great things like Celebrating Carers is an event for carers Einstein, Alan Turing or Bill Gates. of all ages who care for somebody with a mental illness or a learning disability and Michael described how university was the person they care for on Tuesday 9 good for him as he met like-minded December from 1.30 – 4.00pm at people and joined clubs to pursue his Princes Hall, Princes Way, Aldershot, interests in music, judo and rock climbing Hampshire, GU11 1NX. It is designed to – all of which helped improve his social offer carers a chance to meet with skills. He also benefitted from the special community carer services across Surrey induction programme and learning and Hampshire. To book call 01372 216 support offered by The University 158 or email [email protected]

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News for Adults Supported Internship Project ASPire forthcoming dates in Surrey The NAS Aspire social group for over- The EmployAbility supported 18s meets in Godalming on alternate Thursdays from 18.00 to 21.00. employment service in Surrey, working th with the NAS Surrey Branch, has Meetings run up until December 11 received funding through the Department and re-start in January 2015 – contact of Health for a supported internship pilot Howard Childs for details 078 999 355 project for adults with ASDs. 18, email: [email protected].

The project, called Employment Works Learning Disability Services for Autism, will support 12 individuals Assessment who want to work but need help to get The government has asked all local into employment. After a short work authorities to assess how well their skills course, the individuals will be given services for adults with learning the opportunity to apply for part-time disabilities (LDs) are working, and unpaid internships (work experience) in people who use the services are being roles suited to their individual interests asked to give their views. and abilities. Employment support workers will assist the individuals as Surrey County Council has produced required throughout the project, and an Easy Read questionnaire for people travel costs or other reasonable with LDs asking questions about issues expenses will be paid. such as health services, care and support, housing, transport, daytime The aim is for the individuals to do two activities and employment. The 10 week internships (unless it is questionnaire can be completed online considered better for someone to just do or printed off and completed by hand, one). Through these internships it is with the help of family members or hoped that the participants will gain skills carers where needed. and confidence which will help them For more information, and to see the succeed in finding paid employment (or questionnaire, go to: voluntary work if more appropriate). http://www.surreypb.org.uk/Our_current Towards the end of their time on the _work.html or call Mary Hendrick on project, the interns will have access to a 01483 517953 for a printed copy. job club to assist them in looking for ongoing work. Parents of Adults groups Applications for places on the The Branch has two groups for anyone Employment Works for Autism who has a son or daughter on the project are now invited. autistic spectrum who is 18 or over. They meet for an evening meal once a There are only 12 places available, and it month in West Surrey, rotating between is expected to be oversubscribed, so not Guildford, Weybridge, Camberley and all applicants will be offered a place. Farnham, and every 3 months in Priority will be given to those who are not Reigate for those in East Surrey. eligible for other supported employment Are there people out there who would schemes such as those funded by social like to meet up with others in similar services, and applicants will need to be situations, but would rather not have a committed to finding work. Applications meal? We would love to hear from you should be received by 3rd December. and find out your preferences: perhaps meeting for a drink in the evening or a For more information and application coffee in the daytime would suit you forms, email better? If so, please email Sara Truman [email protected] [email protected] or Hilary Dyce [email protected]

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Important consultation on Draft Statutory Guidance on the revised Adult Autism Strategy Earlier in the year the government can just comment on the topics which published the revised Adult Autism are particularly important to you, rather Strategy, “Think Autism”, which updated than all nine topics. Alternatively you the “Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives” adult can look at the Easy Read version, autism strategy which was first produced which is much quicker to read though in 2010. They have now published the doesn’t have all the detail of the main draft Statutory Guidance that is designed version. to accompany the revised strategy. The Statutory Guidance covers the Statutory Guidance tells local authorities following topics: and health bodies what they must do to - Training of staff implement the government’s strategy. - Diagnosis and assessment - Transition planning (from children’s The draft version is out for consultation, to adults’ services) so this gives us all another chance to - Planning of services and local influence how adults with ASDs are leadership supported. A link to the consultation - Preventative support and document is given below. There are Safeguarding several welcome changes in the new - Reasonable adjustments draft guidance, for instance, it includes a - Adults with complex needs chapter on “Preventative support and - Employment safeguarding”, which requires local - Criminal justice system authorities to provide services such as befriending or social groups for people If you would like any more information with ASD who do not meet eligibility about the consultation, please contact criteria for traditional social services. Sara Truman on [email protected]. On the other hand, although local authorities are required to include ************ employment support needs in their Resource for people looking autism planning, the guidance does not require them to provide employment for work support services. Also it often says The South East Employment Network authorities “should seek to” do (SEEN) is a large group of people something instead of saying they must. guiding jobseekers with additional needs on their journeys to find and You can send your comments direct to keep paid employment. SEEN is the Dept of Health, by Friday 19th completely free to join and offers December. This can either be done in fortnightly bulletins about the latest an email to news and opportunities in the sector. [email protected] or by completing an Answers booklet downloadable from: Within the site’s regional information https://www.gov.uk/government/consultat section, there is a plethora of resources ions/adult-autism-strategy-guidance- including details of training courses, update funding news, job vacancies, sector This page includes the draft Statutory news, a message board and regional Guidance and the Answers booklet, in events. There is also a local info several different versions including Easy section, including one for Surrey: Read. The main document may seem http://www.theseen.uk.net/surrey/intro- long, at 57 pages, but the important bit is work-support-orgs.php from page 11 to 47, and if you prefer you

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NAS Surrey Branch Calendar Dec 2014 – Feb 2015 Our local support group meetings, talks and activities are a great place to meet other people - please always phone/email ahead of time to make sure it’s still on before you go. For up to date news and events, do join our online forum at http://www.mugsy.org/contact.htm#Form

December January 2015 /cont’d

Weds 3rd 7.30pm Weybridge Thurs 22nd 7.45 for 8.00pm Guildford PARENTS OF ADULTS GROUP NB CHANGE OF VENUE – see p4 Hilary Dyce 01276 66032 Talk on SEN changes by Surrey [email protected] Parent Partnership Emma Whitfield th Fri 5 10.00am Guildford [email protected] 07423 435413 SUPPORT GROUP Sara Truman 01483 822630 Weds 28th 10.00am Redhill [email protected] SUPPORT GROUP Helen Ruffhead 01737 212043 th Sunday 14 Woking [email protected] Children’s Christmas Party BOOKING ESSENTIAL – for availability Thursday 29th 7.30pm Reigate contact Sarah Mead PARENTS OF ADULTS GROUP [email protected] Sara Truman 01483 822630 [email protected] Wed 17th 10.00am Dorking SUPPORT GROUP Friday 30th 10.00am Cranleigh Sarah Mason 07973 379131 LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP [email protected] Lucy Tosh 07968 948513 [email protected] January 2015 February 2015 Thurs 8th 7.30pm Farnham PARENTS OF ADULTS GROUP Weds 4th 7.30pm Camberley Sara Truman 01483 822630 PARENTS OF ADULTS GROUP [email protected] Hilary Dyce 01276 66032 [email protected] Friday 9th 10.00am Guildford SUPPORT GROUP Friday 6th 10.00am Guildford Sara Truman 01483 822630 SUPPORT GROUP [email protected] Sara Truman 01483 822630 [email protected] Thurs 15th 9.15am Chertsey SUPPORT GROUP Monday 9th 9.15am Frensham Emma Whitfield 07423 435413 SUPPORT GROUP [email protected] Christine Malik 07941 121395 [email protected] Thurs 15th 10.00am Woking PARENTS OF GIRLS GROUP Thurs 12th 7.45 for 8.00pm Redhill Rachel Pearson 01483 727378 Talk by Mark Brown, Special Help 4 [email protected] Special Needs on supporting teens with ASD and teenage siblings th Monday 19 9.15am Frensham Emma Whitfield SUPPORT GROUP [email protected] 07423 435413 Christine Malik 07941 121395 [email protected] Sun 22nd 2pm / 3pm Walton-on-Thames

st Indoor climbing activity Weds 21 10am Walton-on-Thames BOOKING ESSENTIAL SUPPORT GROUP Emma Whitfield Tessa Patel 01932 886578 [email protected] 07423 435413

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