AUTISM How Can the Right Classroom AWARENESS DAY About His Life with Autism Environment Aid Development? TODAY No

A SUPPLEMENT BY MEDIAPLANET DISTRIBUTED WITHIN THE INDEPENDENT Managing the condition Educational needs Artist David Downes talks WORLD AUTISM How can the right classroom AWARENESS DAY about his life with autism environment aid development? TODAY No. 3 / April ’12 SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AUTISM

WORK TOGETHER, MAKE A DIFFERENCE Community spirit: Why it is so important for those aff ected

PHOTOS: PROVIDED BY BRAINWAVE, RUSKIN MILL TRUST, ANNA KENNEDY, PRIVATE Registered Charity No. 800797 and SCO38972 Autism Spectrum Partners; providing a range of person centred support services to adults and children with autism. www.thedtgroup.org Email: [email protected] Tel. 01444 239123 2 · APRIL 2012 A SUPPLEMENT BY MEDIAPLANET DISTRIBUTED WITHIN THE INDEPENDENT CHALLENGES Autism is common, affecting around one in every 100 people. Yet despite increased awareness of the condition there are still misconceptions to combat, says Mark Lever, CEO of the National Autistic Society WE RECOMMEND Kate Williams Head of policy and public affairs, Ambitious about Autism

PAGE 8 ‘The evidence is that Understanding autism the earlier the child starts getting support, ifty years ago, a small out there about the condition and debate in the autism community group of friends met what living with it is really like. and beyond. the more progress in north London, frus- This is why supplements like this they are able to make’ trated at the lack of have a vital role to play in spreading Looking to the future understanding and the autism word and why the com- It’s very easy to think of autism Understand the spectrum p. 4 help available for munity is delighted to be working 3 as a condition just affecting chil- Know the signs and get a diagnosis them and their chil- with Mediaplanet on this edition. dren. But children with autism grow Childhood to adulthood p. 9 The challenges facing adults with autism dren with autism. Deciding to act for Autism is a spectrum condition, up to be adults with autism. As a com- Fthemselves, they started a process of meaning that it affects people differ- munity, and as a society, we should all transforming people’s understand- ently. However, most people with au- be thinking about what we can do to ing of autism and changing the lives tism will share a difficulty in making help young adults with autism make of everyone affected by the condition. sense of the world and experience the transition from school to college I’m very proud to lead the organisa- issues with social interaction and or from school to work and indeed We make our readers succeed! tion that has this inspirational group sensory integration. This can make childhood to adulthood as a whole. AUTISM, 2ND EDITION, as its founders — and to be part of an everyday life confusing and disori- We hope that you find this sup- APRIL 2012 active and engaged autism commu- entating and can lead to people feel- plement helpful, enlightening and Managing Director: Chris Emberson nity that comes together on days like ing alone and ignored. But with the above all inspiring. Autism doesn’t Editorial and Production Manager: Faye Godfrey today, World Autism Awareness Day, right support at the right time, peo- Mark Lever discriminate — it affects people no Business Development Manager: CEO, National Autistic Society to highlight this serious, lifelong and ple with autism can lead fulfilling, matter what their social background, Dominic Webber disabling condition. purposeful and active lives and con- useful help and advice. sexual orientation or gender. Responsible for this issue: Project Manager: Talia Levine tribute a great deal. We’ve come a long way since the As my organisation celebrates its Phone: 020 7665 4417 Misconceptions days when children with autism 50th birthday, the autism communi- E-mail: [email protected] There are currently over half a The debate continues were labelled as ‘psychotic’ or ‘un- ty is reflecting on the many changes Distributed with: The Independent, 1 million people in the UK with Understanding autism, As- educable’ but the debates around that have taken place over the years April 2012 2 Print: The Independent autism — about one in every 100 peo- perger syndrome and dealing autism and education contin- and the progress that we’ve made. Mediaplanet contact information: ple. The laws of probability mean that with a diagnosis can be daunting, ue. At the time of writing, we are But we’re never complacent and Phone: 0207 665 4400 Fax: 0207 665 4419 this is likely to include someone that whether you are a parent, a carer still waiting to see the govern- know that there is much more work E-mail: [email protected] you know, or love or care for. But for or the person with autism yourself, ment’s plans for special education to be done. We hope that you will Mediaplanet takes full responsibility for all the lives that autism touches there and we hope that this supplement needs (SEN); and the free school join us in helping more people with the contents of this supplement is still a great deal of misconception will bust some myths and provide programme has generated much autism lead the life they choose. Creating positive futures for special people Hillcrest is dedicated to helping children and young adults develop the Anna Kennedy - believing in a better future for those with ASC skills and confidence necessary to help them fulfil their potential. Our staff When her two sons were diagnosed with autism back in 1997 have great skill and commitment in delivering individualised and child Anna Kennedy responded in a remarkable way by simply not accepting that centred approaches to care and education, with the emphasis on long her children should be placed at the back of the class and effectively term goals and planning for the future. forgotten because they were too difficult to teach. She battled so hard that Hillcrest Autism Services offers specialist education for children with an she eventually had to create her own special school, Hillingdon Manor, autistic spectrum condition (ASC) and for individuals with learning which was to be the start of a great educational initiative for autistic children disabilities. We also provide residential care and day places at a specialist by Hillcrest. Anna has continued to fight for a better future for everyone with college for adults with ASC. Our specialist schools are: autism and three years ago set up Anna Kennedy Online, where parents, families and carers can get help and practical support to improve their lives. Hillingdon Manor - an independent special school catering for up to Anna’s enthusiasm and drive is seen in the number and variety of events 150 children aged between 3 and a half and 19 years of and initiatives she creates to raise funds for the charity. age. The school is based in the London Borough of Hillingdon and Autism’s Got Talent supports surrounding Local Authority On Saturday 12th May at the Mermaid Theatre, London, Anna Kennedy areas. All pupils at the school have a Online presents, with Pineapple Performing Arts, ‘Autism’s Got Talent’. diagnosis of an ASC. A wide range of The event will bring together a diverse group of people who are all on the ability levels may be expected along Autistic Spectrum to come and show everyone just how talented they are. with a diversity of challenging attributes. Step in the Right Direction www.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk A ground breaking dance and exercise DVD for children and young people with Baston House - situated in a beautiful 5 acre autism. Produced in association with the world famous Pineapple Performing Arts location in Hayes, near Bromley. The School in London and the students of Hillingdon Manor School, “STEP IN THE school provides specialist education RIGHT DIRECTION” demonstrates that making progress for those affected by for children aged between 5 and 16 autism through dance is achievable. years of age who have been Dance the day away on April 27th diagnosed with an ASC. On April 27th Anna Kennedy wants everyone to join in the event and hold a dance www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk literally anywhere! It could be a lot of fun and if you raise money for autism in the process it will be very worthwhile as well. Established in 1994 Hillcrest continues to grow and develop, and remains one of the UK's leading For details of all of these events and products visit: www.annakennedyonline.com residential care providers for looked after children. Meet Anna Kennedy at The Autism Show 15-16 June 2012, Excel, London

For tickets visit www.autismshow.co.uk www.autismshow.co.uk http://www.hillcrestcare.co.uk/

www.intensiveinteraction.co.uk

Intensive Interaction helps people who have autism to learn some very basic but very important things: Intensive Interaction Institute eye contacts learning to connect facial expressions non-verbal communication vocalisations turn-taking enjoying being with others interacting concentrating & attending Find out more today Courses, information and publications at: www.intensiveinteraction.co.uk 4 · APRIL 2012 A SUPPLEMENT BY MEDIAPLANET DISTRIBUTED IN THE INDEPENDENT NEWS BE ALERT TO OLLY MURS WITH JACK MASKERY AND HIS FAMILY THE SIGNS

Phil Edge OF AUTISM CEO, Brainwave

■ Question: What is autism is that diagnosis is on the increase. Early diagnosis and how can it affect people? Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean The government’s 2009 Autism Act ■ Answer: It’s a lifelong that there is rise in the incidents of — the ﬁ rst ever disability-speciﬁ c PHOTO: TONY SALE PHOTOGRAPHY developmental condition that autism because, previously, chil- law in England — put a duty on the can affect people in a variety dren who may have had the condi- government to produce a strategy “It was great to meet some of I came down to visit the centre in of different ways — so it’s tion simply weren’t diagnosed.” for adults with the condition. “One the children on the Brainwave Essex, and am delighted to become important to be aware of of the key components of the act was programme as I got to see for myself a Patron of Brainwave. I am looking the signs. Common signs making sure that local councils and how the hard work, determination and forward to working alongside them Autism is a spectrum condition health authorities understood au- effort that’s put in can literally change and helping raise awareness of this Currently, it’s estimated that there which means that it aff ects indi- tism and would support more peo- their lives. I was very touched when fantastic charity.” are 500,000 people with autism — viduals diff erently. Some people ple with the condition,” says Edge. children and adults — in the UK. can live relatively independent Now, although autism is better Thankfully, there is now a greater lives, while others may have learn- understood by medical profession- ESTHER RANTZEN, PATRON OF HILLINGDON MANOR SCHOOL awareness and understanding of ing diffi culties, too, and need spe- als and local authorities, there are “Over the years, special needs schools this lifelong developmental condi- cialist support over their lifetime. still misconceptions among the gen- have been brutally phased out instead tion, which means that diagnosis is Not every child with autism eral public. “It’s wrong to think that of being expanded and developed and, generally made at an early age. will display the same signs, but all people with autism have a gift,” in many places, for children affected Phil Edge is CEO of Brainwave, a concerned parents should look says Phil. “That’s a particular kind of by autism, they simply don’t exist. charity which has designed home- out for the common ones. These autism which displays savant ability Hillingdon Manor School’s facilities and based therapy programmes for include an inability to play — and is actually quite rare. potential to help youngsters diagnosed children with disabilities. “No- with other children; diffi culty “But it’s important for parents with an autism spectrum condition is a one knows why autism occurs,” with social relationships and/ to know that early diagnosis can credit to what Anna Kennedy and her he says. “MRI scans appear normal or avoiding eye contact; a lack of certainly help a child with autism dedicated team have achieved over the and there are no chromosome dif- empathy; incessant interest in achieve their potential.” years. I am delighted to be associated ferences, for instance. There seems one topic; spinning objects; lack with helping children with autism to be no rhyme nor reason for it. of creative and pretend play and TONY GREENWAY achieve their full potential.” “What has happened, however, being upset by a break in routine. [email protected]

Supporting children and adults with autism across the East Midlands

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SAMANTHA CAMERON WITH ANNA KENNEDY The Prime Minister’s wife, Dealing with Samantha Cameron, officially QUESTION & ANSWER opened Baston House School Sandy Teal, in Bromley. The new centre has Independent consultant, been specially designed to help diagnosis Asperger support children aged from five syndrome and high-functioning to16 who are affected by an autism, S J Teal autism spectrum condition (ASC), ANNA KENNEDY Consultancy including asperger syndrome. ■ Is there an overlap between “I am delighted to open Baston House When their child is “because even though he or she is Asperger’s and high-functioning School. I have great admiration for diagnosed with autism, the same child you’ve always had, autism? Anna Kennedy’s determination to parents deal with the news they now have a ‘label’. On the other It’s interesting. There is a help people affected by autism and in different ways. But it’s hand, some people might not have ! controversial proposal to I’m pleased to celebrate this landmark an important step because even heard of the condition. Oth- change the diagnostic criteria and opening with her.” getting an early diagnosis ers might think all children with put Asperger syndrome under the can have a positive effect autism have a special talent, which umbrella of the autistic spectrum ADRIAN DERBYSHIRE WITH THE WANTED AND OLLY MURS on a child’s development. they don’t.” conditions. In which case, diag- nostically, the term ‘Asperger syn- If you think your child is display- Find support drome’ will cease to be. ing signs of autism, it’s crucial that Kennedy suggests you obtain in- ■ What is the difference you get a diagnosis, says Anna Ken- formation from someone who between Asperger’s and nedy. Kennedy is mother of two sons knows what they’re talking about: high-functioning autism? with the condition, a campaigner “Join a support group, look online, As with autism, Asperger syn- and a founder of special schools and post questions. And by talking to ! drome is a social communica- annakennedyonline.com, a website people you can ﬁ nd out how to nav- tion difficulty. With Asperger’s, designed to help increase an under- igate the system because it can be language is typically developed, standing of autism. quite daunting.” whereas with high-functioning “Some parents put diagnosis off ,” After diagnosis, it’s tempting to autism there is usually a delay in says Kennedy. “It’s a scary thing to think that support will automati- language. Asperger’s has been do. But if you suspect your child has cally fall into your lap. “That’s not called ‘a mild form of autism’ yet symptoms, you have to go to your GP.” the case,” says Kennedy. “You do plenty of the people with the con- have to speak up for your child. But dition I’ve spoken to have said Dealing with a diagnosis early intervention is crucial for there’s nothing mild about it. The diagnosis itself is complicated. children with autism — and I can’t ■ Why is Asperger’s often called Each child will be assessed by a mul- stress that enough, having two sons ‘a hidden disability’? ti-disciplinary team, including a clin- of my own with the condition. It’s much harder to diagnose. Adrian Derbyshire is a wheelchair focusses on autism, cerebral ical psychologist and a speech and “If you intervene early, there’s so ! It is also thought by some fencer, gold medalist and currently palsy and developmental delay language therapist. much you can do — and it can help that people with the condition training for the Paralympics in children. Above, he poses If a diagnosis of autism is given, your child so much later on in life.” cope easily. Yet the eff ort and ex- 2012. He is an ambassador with boy band The Wanted and people deal with it in diff erent ways. pectation to be social can raise anx- for Brainwave, a charity that popstar Olly Murs. “It’s almost as though you go through TONY GREENWAY ieties and be exhausting. a mourning process,” says Kennedy, [email protected]

TES HOSTS THE MIDLANDS’ FIRST DEDICATED SEN EVENT See up to 2,500 of your peers and meet 100 exhibitors all under one roof Hear from renowned experts at the A BRAND NEW MULTISENSORY inspirational seminars dedicated to SEN Ma king fundamental EXPERIENCE... Touch, try, and buy all the latest SEN resources and products available on the market changes for children Friday 29 and Saturday 30 June 2012 Visit our website Sniff out exclusive show offers, competitions with autism of all ages. NEC Birmingham to register for free and free giveaways and book inspiring Providing individual, Taste the atmosphere of a buzzing SEN seminars by 30 April community, all joined together at comprehensive www.tes.co.uk/senmidlands to save 30% the show and research based programmes utilising applied behaviour analysis (ABA).

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QUESTION & ANSWER Meeting educational needs Wayne Chodosh with his son ■ Question: Can the right when it’s appropriate. Jake school environment aid Support in a mainstream school jakes-voice.com development, increase potential doesn’t necessarily need to be one-on- and, ultimately, help access to one. “A mainstream school needs to further education for people have a good, strong behaviour policy with autism? and learning policy, where teachers ■ When was your son, Jake, ■ Answer: Yes. More want to be able to meet the needs of diagnosed with autism? funding to train staff within the whole range of young people with- At the age of four — he is now schools including teachers, in the community — including those ! 18. Jake’s autism means he canteen staff, caretakers and with autism,” says Vaughan. “Often, has limited verbal understanding receptionists to understand the when you see good teaching practice and very limited language. Com- condition is crucial. for young people with autism, it’s just munication has always been a good teaching practice — fullstop.” challenge — but my wife and daugh- After diagnosis of autism, many par- ters are fantastic with him. ents wrongly feel that the condition Financial strains will be a barrier to their child’s edu- At primary school, one teacher over- ■ How do you communicate? cation. “It’s a frightening time,” says EDUCATION NEEDS It is vital that children with autism get the right support at school sees the whole curriculum for the We use words and pictures Jane Vaughan, director of education PHOTO: RUSKIN MILL TRUST year and children stay in one class- ! and Jake is great at picking up at the National Autistic Society. “But room — but, at secondary school, that what we are trying to say. There with the right support at the right Good teaching practice because many young people leave continuity disappears. Secondary were two occasions when I realised time, young people with autism can It is vital to choose the right school their communities to attend them.” school education for children with a better form of communication reach their aspirations.” for your child. “At the moment, the However, specialist schools can autism is, therefore, often more diffi- was necessary: once when Jake The individual needs of a child will government has a real drive to keep bridge this gap by ensuring that they cult to implement. was crying in pain and couldn’t ex- have a bearing on the school they will children local and engaged in their have a strong a link to the schools “It’s then not just about training plain where it hurt — that was hor- be able to attend, be it a mainstream community,” says Vaughan. “That’s in a child’s local community, so one teacher to understand autism,” rible. Also, I took him on a day trip school with special education needs quite difficult for specialist schools, that a transition can be made if and says Vaughan. “It’s about training all and had difficulty explaining to support, or a specialist school. “After of them. When I speak to teachers, him where we were going etc. diagnosis, professionals should be FACTS however, they are all desperate to learn able to tell you how the autism is pre- about autism. The problem is ﬁnance ■ What has been the outcome of senting in your child, the needs they ■ Approximately 88,000 school- needs are almost nine times more — there’s no budget for them to train those experiences? will have and the next steps to take,” aged children in England have autism likely to be excluded than children — and they are dealing with a range of We’ve developed a communi- says Vaughan. with the vast majority attending with no identiﬁed special education different needs in one classroom. ! cation tool — a low-cost app mainstream school. (NAS) needs (DfE, 2010) “Yet there’s no doubt: getting the called Jake’s Voice, which is easy to Jane Vaughan Direcor of ■ 43 per cent of young people ■ In March last year, the government right education for your child im- use for both the parent/carer/teach- education, National responding to a recent National published a Green Paper on SEN and proves the chances of them accessing er as well as the person with autism. Autistic Society Autistic Society survey felt that their Disability which sets out plans for further education.” It has the facility to instantly add teachers don’t understand enough the future of services and support for photos taken on the iPhone and and about the condition. (NAS) children with SEN. Campaigners are TONY GREENWAY construct sentences using them. ■ Children with special education watching outcomes intently. [email protected]

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Prior’s Court School, Hermitage, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 9NU Registered charity no 1070227 L VS Hassocks

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*LYLQJDYRLFHWRSHRSOHZLWK For every pupil in a school who has a label of Asperger’s Syndrome, there will be many more with similar needs – with “Asperger’s type” needs. So OLWWOHRUQRDELOLW\WRVSHDN leading a school to become “Asperger’s Friendly” has potential benefits for the management of behaviour and learning for a range of vulnerable pupils, touching all who need a calm and predictable learning environment which respects their preferred ways of receiving, processing and presenting their knowledge and skills. Interestingly the attributes of outstanding schools are an almost exact match for leadership best practice for pupils with Asperger’s type needs. They include:

t3JHPSPVTNPOJUPSJOHPGQSPHSFTT which leads to early intervention t3FMFOUMFTTNPOJUPSJOHPGJNQBDU – is the progress made good enough? t5FBDIJOH for learning - where the progress of each pupil is monitored during each lesson through creative approaches to assessment for learning t#FIBWJPVSfor learning – where lesson planning is flexible, personalised and needs driven. t'MFYJCMFPVUDPNFT – a policy driven expectation that all staff will demand and mark a range of alternative evidence of achievement and select learning tasks which reflect the preferences of individual pupils. During its 38 year history From a leadership perspective, placing an imperative on the effective inclusion Toby Churchill Ltd has of pupils with Asperger’s type learning needs offers opportunities to tweak current practice. designed and manufactured Lightwriters for over 100,000 people across the world. Classroom is an established recruitment services provider, providing exceptional levels of service throughout London and the Home Counties. Our dedicated ,I\RXUORYHGRQH¶VVSHHFKLVDIIHFWHGE\ teams of consultants have a wealth of teaching expertise and education recruitment experience. DXWLVPZHPD\EHDEOHWRKHOS

For more information about our range of services or to find your next role in Education, contact our expert SEN Team today (T) 0207 299 7447 www.classroomteachers.co.uk ZZZWRE\FKXUFKLOOFRP Ref ID0412 8 · APRIL 2012 A SUPPLEMENT BY MEDIAPLANET DISTRIBUTED WITHIN THE INDEPENDENT NEWS THE VALUE

Kate Williams Head of policy and public affairs, Ambitious OF SUPPORT about Autism

■ Question: Which support exclusion from schools with spi- can find change very difficult to systems are available for children ralling costs. The government cope with, so careful transition and young people with autism? must therefore beware of short- planning is vital — especially be- ■ Answer: It depends on where termism, says Williams, and in- cause it can take a long time to you live — but more investment is vest in more research to show build a package of support post- needed to ﬁ nd out which types of which interventions and types of school. “The most common sto- support work best. support work best. And while sup- ries we hear are of young people SHARON HODGSON WITH ANNA KENNEDY port services should, in theory, be whose lives are suddenly sent Children and young people with available in most areas. Ambitious into turmoil around their 18th Sharon Hodgson MP, autism need support. And al- about Autism has anecdotal evi- birthday when schools and chil- shadow education though needs diff er from individu- dence which suggests that cuts dren’s services stop being re- minister, visited Anna al to individual, this could include have made access more diffi cult. sponsible for their support,” says Kennedy’s Hillingdon speech and language therapy, be- Williams. This is why the chari- Manor to see the haviour support and teaching staff ty is calling for more and better progress that its pupils that understand autism so they ‘The evidence is educational options through its are making, from primary can spot potential diffi culties and that the earlier Finished at School campaign. school to college level. employ possible solutions. Yet there are examples of col- “The evidence is that the ear- a child starts leges and other FE institutions “Anna gave me a great tour lier a child starts getting support, getting support, that are developing a very good of the different settings within the more progress they are able to package of post-school education Hillingdon Manor, and we had make,” says Kate Williams, head of the more and support. a detailed discussion on the policy and public aff airs at the char- progress they “Our plan is to keep promoting history of the school as well ity Ambitious about Autism. “It’s and sharing those good practice as how it strives to get the Sharon Hodgson MP, shadow essential to gain the basic skills are able to make’ examples,” says Williams, “and best for children with special education minister (left) with Anna Kennedy (right) that underpin learning: the abil- to get the government to extend educational needs and the ity to concentrate, listen, under- Good practice legal rights to support, and im- challenges it and parents stand instructions. Without sup- Planning for transition to adult- prove funding structures to allow often face in doing so. ideas on helping children port in place, children with autism hood should begin around the age more colleges to be accessible for “I will take that experience on the autistic spectrum to can struggle to gain these skills and of 13 (government’s guidance says young people with autism.” and knowledge back to achieve as much as they can make progress in their education.” it should begin around Year 9); but Parliament, where it will help in education and go on to live This can lead to underachieve- in practice, says Williams, this TONY GREENWAY guide the Labour Party’s full and happy lives.” ment and often starts a cycle of is rare. Yet people with autism [email protected]

Positive Transitions ,re just Working together every step “We of the way normal teens”

WE Specialist schools, transitions & community support services for young people & adults KNOW with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, learning disabilities & complex needs. THAT! / Up to 52 week residential placements / Dedicated respite provision So we will design / Day placements / Specialist Outreach support your support to explore your options, try out new Specialist Schools AALPS Services Adult Residential Services activities, build your For young people aged 8-19 Transitions Services for 16+ For young adults aged 18+ skills and to plan for Barton School - AALPS North - Watermill - a future of increasing North Lincolnshire North Lincolnshire North Lincolnshire independence. Higford School - AALPS Midlands - The Thicket - Shropshire Shropshire West Yorkshire Kinsale School - AALPS Cymru - United Response supports young people and adults with learning Flintshire Flintshire disabilities, mental health needs and physical disabilities to live the life they choose. If you would like to ﬁnd out how we could For further details and upcoming training dates please call support you or someone you know, you can contact us on: 08442 487 187, email [email protected] or visit 0800 0884 377 [email protected] www.optionsgroup.co.uk. www.unitedresponse.org.uk/get-support Reg Charity No: 265249 A SUPPLEMENT BY MEDIAPLANET DISTRIBUTED WITHIN THE INDEPENDENT APRIL 2012 · 9

Moving from QUESTION & ANSWER

Kathy Lette, childhood to author of The Boy Who Fell to Earth Dr Claire Royston and friend of The Medical director, The Disabilities Trust adulthood Huntercombe Group

“The challenges facing “An early diagnosis and the devel- adults with autism can opment of a proper understand- include communication ing of the impact of autism for an difficulties, lack of individual can go a long way to- understanding of social wards preventing the type of cri- ■ What’s the best thing about being situations and problems ses that result in admission to a a parent of someone with autism? with sensory processing,” specialist hospital. Getting to see life from the says Dr Claire Royston. “Moreover — although an ex- ! other end of the telescope. “These can be difficult treme example — in the case of People with Asperger’s have a in, for example, a adults with autism who have com- literal, lateral, tangential logic workplace environment.” mitted crimes, understanding and which is original, hilarious supporting their condition appro- and inspirational. priately will make it less likely CHALLENGES they will reoffend.” ■ And the most difficult? Dr Royston is medical director of The fact that you have no The Huntercombe Group, an inde- The need for support ! owner’s manual. Mother- pendent healthcare organisation. Aged 18, people with autism trans- ing a child with Asperger’s is like In partnership with the NHS, it offer to adult support services, with trying to put together a puzzle fers a range of services — includ- different support staff and fund- without the beneﬁ t of having ing specialist hospitals and care ing streams. “There’s a tenden- the coloured picture on the box. homes — for people whose behav- cy to put people in neat little age iour as a consequence of their au- boxes that take no account of an ■ If I could change the public tism is so challenging they cannot individual’s immediate and long- perception of autism I would… be cared for in the community. er term needs,” says Dr Royston. Destigmatise the condi- “We believe it’s very important to ! tion. People with Asper- Early diagnosis have dedicated services running ger’s may not contribute in con- ROYAL APPROVAL Despite the benefits of early inter- between the ages of 15 and 25, so ventional terms, but that Prince Charles visited the Ruskin Mill Trust and vention, there are still people with that people with autism can be doesn’t make them less valua- showed great sincerity autism who are not diagnosed un- supported through what is a very ble and it’s up to us to support and understanding of the importance of working with til later in life. “A significant mi- difficult transition period.” them, starting with stamping craftwork and practical skills as an educational method for nority of people we see are only di- out the bigotry that excludes student development agnosed on admission to our ser- TONY GREENWAY people with disabilities. PHOTO: RUSKIN MILL TRUST vices as adults,” says Dr Royston. [email protected]

We helped Conor and his family to cope after he was diagnosed with autism.

The National Autistic Society has been supporting people with autism and their families with practical advice, information and pioneering services for 50 years.

We are proud to have made a difference to so many people, but there still is much more we could do. If you need our help or would like to support us, please get in touch today.

Visit www.autism.org.uk or call our helpline on 0808 800 4104 (Mon-Fri,10am-4pm).

The National Autistic Society is registered as a charity in England and Wales (269425) and in Scotland (SC039427). 10 · APRIL 2012 A SUPPLEMENT BY MEDIAPLANET DISTRIBUTED WITHIN THE INDEPENDENT INSPIRATION Debby Elley and Tori Houghton

How we made it: Debby Elley and Tori Houghton are on a mission to make reading about autism “less dry, less-po-faced.” Working together to make a difference Debby Elley’s twin sons, Bobby says Houghton. “But given the But there were classic signs. “Because a diagnosis of autism and Alec, were diagnosed with right conditions they fl ourish. Bobby and Alec would spin is like having the slate wiped autism, aged three, in 2006 — So Aukids was the perfect name.” any object they could fi nd, and clean,” she says. “As a parent which is when she fi rst met To- The magazine is distributed neither was speaking or had any there’s suddenly a whole new ri Houghton, a speech and lang- to parents of children with understanding of ‘pretend play’. learning curve ahead of you. uage therapist. “We both shared the condition, and, to mark During diagnosis, the boys we- “Some people even think it the same perspective and were World Autism Awareness Day, a re given a play-based assessment. means they don’t know their always bouncing ideas off each Starter’s Special edition is being “They were laughing and everyo- child anymore. But that’s rub- other,” says Houghton. “Then I sent free of charge to diagnostic ne seemed to love them,” says El- bish. You do know your child — found out that Debby was a jour- centres around the UK. ley. “So I thought: ‘They can’t ha- and that’s the message we keep nalist, so we thought ‘let’s get ve autism.’ But they did. So there repeating in Aukids. In fact, what we know down on paper’.” Experience and expectations are real misconceptions about you’re the best expert there is.” In 2008, they did just that, Elley has personal experience of what autism means.” launching a magazine called some of the issues Aukids covers. ! Read more IN IT TOGETHER Aukids to present essential in- “When you don’t know, you think A new beginning on the web: Debby Elley with her twin formation to parents of young that someone with autism is go- Elley wishes she could have www.aukids.co.uk sons Bobby and Alec who children with the condition in ing to be antisocial,” she says. known back then how rewar- were diagnosed with TONY GREENWAY autism at the age of three. an upbeat way. “People think “Yet my two were always very ding her life with the twins PHOTO: PRIVATE that orchids are hard to grow,” giggly, very interactive.” would ultimately become. [email protected] David Downes

My life with autism: David Downes, an artist who was diagnosed with autism when he was in his thirties tells of his experience living with the condition. ‘Every year things tend to get better for me’ David Downes, a graduate of the Roy- he says. “But I had considerable speech After the diagnosis, he expe- al College of Art in London, is a former and learning diffi culties, I was behind in rienced a mix of emotions, but it artist-in-residence at the BBC, whose writing and I struggled socially. In those did explain why he was such a later landscapes and architectural drawings days, my condition didn’t have a ‘label’.” developer. “And now — at the age of and paintings have been exhibited in At school, David didn’t fi t in and 41 — I know, roughly, what kind of UK galleries and exhibition spaces. He found it diffi cult to pass exams. At strategies I need to implement to has also worked on commissions for sixth form, however, he passed an art A cope with my condition,” he says. big companies such as Goldman Sachs. Level: “my heart wasn’t anywhere el- David believes his gift is con- In 2002, when he was in his thirties, se,” he admits, and was accepted on- nected to his autism. “I’m not a ‘sa- David was diagnosed with high-fun- to a HND Course at Anglia University. vant’,” he says. “But I can put a lot ctioning developmental autism. “My From there he went to Brighton Uni- of feeling into my art and can draw condition shows itself in subtle ways,” versity and, fi nally, in 1994, the Roy- from memory to a point. And I says David. “And, because it’s develop- al College of Art. “I thought the Roy- can elevate myself above things mental, every year things tend to get al College of Art was a massive long as though I’m looking down on better for me.” shot,” he says. “But I was accepted.” my subject from a balloon. “I feel very good about my Support in difficult times Positive outcome work. I think, as an artist, the- Above: a selection of David was born in 1971 and showed a By this time, David was developing re have been a lot of positives to ! David Downes’ art prodigious gift for art at a young age, social skills but, after graduation, had my condition.” Read more but he struggled academically. problems adapting to life outside col- on the web: “My parents were incredibly sup- lege. Ultimately, this led to him see- TONY GREENWAY www.daviddownes.co.uk portive and encouraged me in my art,” king a diagnosis. [email protected] www.gofi gurative.com Action for Asperger’s offers a counselling, Action for Asperger’s can offer: emotional support and befriending t0OFPOPOFTVQQPSUJO0VOEMF OFBS service for lives which have become Peterborough. adversely affected by the experience of t&NBJM UFMFQIPOFBOE4LZQFTVQQPSU Asperger’s Syndrome. Perhaps you have facility (nationwide). Asperger’s Syndrome? Perhaps you do not t0VUSFBDITFSWJDFEFQFOEBOUVQPO have the Syndrome, but someone close to individual circumstances. you does? Action for Asperger’s caters for Action for Asperger’s is a charitable all ages, and promises understanding on concern as recognised by HMRC and is both a professional and experiential level. EPOBUJPOMFBE

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Temple Grandin’s NEWEST book brings inspiring stories of achievement from ESPA College

successful adults with autism, Asperger’s ESPA College provides resi- All students have individual and ADHD! dential and day education programmes of study based for young people between on their specific needs and ´,W·VSRVVLEOHWRÀQGIXOÀOOPHQWLQOLIH3HRSOHRQWKH the ages of 16 and 25 with interests. We use a range of autism. Many students have varied teaching strategies DXWLVPVSHFWUXPDOZD\VNHHSOHDUQLQJµ additional learning difficulties to meet the unique needs of ²7HPSOH*UDQGLQ3K' or disabilities. every student. Day and residential places are available ´7KH VH VWRULHVRIDFKLHYHPHQWZLOOEHHQFRXUDJLQJ We provide a high quality au- and students may study for IRUSDUHQWVRID\RXQJFKLOGZLWK$6'DQGHVSHFLDOO\ tism specific educational ex- up to 3 years across our sites perience enabling learners to in Sunderland and Newcastle. LQVSLUDWLRQDOIRUDGROHVFHQWVDQG\RXQJDGXOWVµ maximise their potential for ²7RQ\$WWZRRG3K'DXWKRURIAsperger’s Syndrome their future lives.

Further information can be obtained from Mike Smith $YDLODEOHLQERRNVWRUHVDQGWKURXJK on 0191 510 2611 or email:[email protected] ZZZHXURVSDQERRNVWRUHFRP or www.espa.org.uk. AUTISM-FRIENDLY SCREENINGS AT PICTUREHOUSE CINEMAS Picturehouse Cinemas run regular Autism-Friendly Screenings especially for people on the autism spectrum or with other special communication needs and their families, friends and support workers, incorporating advice and information from the NAS. These screenings are adapted in a variety of ways to reduce anxiety, create an inclusive environment and ensure a safe, enjoyable cinema experience. t -JHIUTBSFMFGUPOMPXBOEUIFWPMVNFJT reduced to ease the sensory impact t *UJTåOFGPSUIFBVEJFODFUPNPWFBSPVOE NBLFB noise or take a break from the screening if needed t "UNPTUDJOFNBTUIFSFJTBEFEJDBUFEDIJMMPVU[POF t 5IFTUBGGBSFXFMDPNJOHBOEBQQSPBDIBCMF t :PVDBOSFRVFTUB7JTVBM7JTJU"JEUPIFMQQSFQBSFGPS your visit to the cinema and become familiar with the surroundings and situation t 5JDLFUTBSFbQFSQFSTPO BMMUJDLFUTBSFSFEVDFEJO price rather than having free tickets for support XPSLFSTUPBMMPXGPSHSPVQTPGBMMTJ[FT 5PåOEXIBU"VUJTN'SJFOEMZ4DSFFOJOHTBSFDPNJOHVQBUZPVSMPDBM1JDUVSFIPVTF$JOFNBFach month, to book tickets or to join the mailing list, visit www.picturehouses.co.uk/Autism 'PSGVSUIFSJOGPSNBUJPO QMFBTFDPOUBDU-FBI#ZSOFBU[email protected] Screenings take place at all of the 20 Picturehouse Cinemas around the UK.

Correspondence address: FFA Mail, PO Box 3169, Eastbourne, BN21 9NZ

Families for Autism was founded in August 2010 and is a charity working within East Sussex supporting autism within the local community. Founded by parents and individuals who all have a connection to children and young people on the autistic spectrum. We are a passionate caring organisation who experience autism on a daily basis and have a total understanding of how to meet the needs of all our children and young people.

Each Saturday on alternate weeks we run a Saturday club or Youth club.

At our clubs we aim to provide:

t Activities for children and young people on the autistic spectrum such as cooking, art andcraft, soft play, multi-sensory play and outdoor play, board games, music, computers andindoor and outdoor sports. t Activities and support for siblings. t Social and life skill support. t Behaviour management support and advice. t Working towards an appropriate level of adult independence. t Opportunities to meet other parents and carers t An Autism friendly environment with a highly trained and experienced staff team.

If you would like to make a donation or find out more about our services including costs please visit our website at www.familiesforautism.com or alternatively contact 07908 314102 or 07415 137887.