"Like everyone else, I was deeply upset by the BBC Panorama investigation into abuse of vulnerable adults living at Winterbourne View, a private hospital in Bristol. Over 6,000 of you signed our petition calling on the Government to take action. Thank you. Simple actions such as this really do help to change things for the better for people with autism.
On 27 June we are launching our new campaign, Great Expectations, to highlight the huge challenges and frustrations that parents and children face within the current education system. The Government's special educational needs (SEN) and disability reforms will shape the future of a generation of children with autism. This is our opportunity to make sure they get it right".
You can support the campaign on 27 June by telling your MP why they must take action. For this, and other great ways to get involved, visit www.autism.org.uk/campaign
With my best wishes as always,
Jane Asher
President, The National Autistic Society
For the price of a £9 ticket you can access a huge range of in-depth discussions, practical workshops, interactive seminars, professional one-to-one consultations, as well as over 50 suppliers of specialist products and services.
Highlights will include:
- The Autism Matters theatre, which will feature presentations from leading professionals, advocates, clinicians and people on the autism spectrum. Highlights include talks from Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, Jane Asher, President of The National Autistic Society and Anna Kennedy, founder of Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support and the Daily Mail Inspirational Woman of the Year. Topics will include Transitions in Education, Autism in the Workplace, Navigating the Statementing Process, Sensory Perception Difficulties and Demystifying ABA.
- The Workplace theatre, offering interactive sessions covering issues such as Supporting People to Reach Their Full Potential, Managing Challenging Behaviour, State Benefits and Allowances, Transition from Residential Care to Supported Living, Promoting Vocal Communication and Ensuring Proper Provision at a time of Cuts.
- Autism Talks, in association with ARM, hosting enlightening presentations from people on the autism spectrum.
- The Autistica Research Zone, where you can learn about the latest research developments in autism and discover how you might be able to help.
- The Communication Matters Zone, where you can discover methods of communication which can be used to supplement the more usual methods of speech and writing. Suppliers belonging to the Communication Matters organisation will be exhibiting in this dedicated area.
- One-to-one clinics where professionals including Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Behaviour Analysts, Occupational Therapists, State Benefit Advisers and Legal Advisers will be available for 20-minute consultations.
A special photographic exhibition called One in Ten will be showing at the event. This exhibition will display ten photographs of people with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism. Each image is accompanied by text written by their parents describing how they came to be diagnosed and how their autism affects them. The photographs were taken by Katye Brimacombe who has a 15-year-old son with Down syndrome and autism.
The Autism Show has been specifically designed around the needs of visitors on the autism spectrum, with fast track entry, extra wide aisles, high ceilings, dimmed lighting, clear signage, and a sensory room and quiet room specially created by Mike Ayres Design.
NAS members receive a discounted advance ticket price of £8. Contact our membership team to become an NAS member and receive the discount code. Please note tickets are not available directly from the NAS membership team.
Group discounts are also available for bookings of 10 people or more.
Book your ticket today and save 25% off the door price.
You can get the full newsletter by contacting newsletter@nas-autism.org.uk
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The National Autistic Society, registered office: 393 City Road, London, EC1V 1NG, United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 2299, Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9666, Email: nas@nas.org.uk
