#makeadifference

This is today's hashtag on twitter. What will you do today, on this extra day we get this year, to make a difference? We've lots of ideas over on Our Face Book page some little, some big, but all of which will make a difference to raising awareness of Autism across the land.

Much of the time, it's not easy when one or several of your family needs help with their ASD's. Often "lack of funding" is cited as folks are shunted of the ends of waiting lists into the sidings where they just have to make progress under their own steam. The stress an pressure this puts on families and carers is unbelievable and at times, unbearable. Have a look at this post from the Autismmumsanddads blog. It's a shameful story of how one family has to suffer due to 'issues' with Speech and Language therapy...

What sort of a country is it where Barclays Bank boss Bob Diamond is reported to have been awarded a £9million+ bonus and yet kids with autism can't access the medical interventions they need?


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Knowledge Share events from Scottish Autism

Scottish Autism will be running a series of 'knowledge sharing' seminars over the next few months. Disseminating our developing knowledge of autism and effective practice is a key organisational objective here at Scottish Autism. These Knowledge Share series of seminars augment the work we already do in training and at our national conferences throughout the year.
Chaired by Charlene Tait, the aim of the events is to create a forum where we can communicate with parents and professionals. We will deliver informed, practical information on a range of issues that directly impact on the quality of life and well-being of individuals on the spectrum and their families.

So who should attend these events? Parents, carers and all professionals working in the field of autism should all find them useful and informative. The events will be held in three locations across Scotland (West Coast, East Coast, and the North). Details are below. Participants will benefit from the opportunity to hear Scottish Autism’s professionals present case studies of real life situations from an education, autism service and family perspective providing delegates with the knowledge and practical strategies used to resolve situations. The event will offer a platform for sharing experiences and networking with other parents and professionals in the field of Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

These seminars look like being very popular. Networking and sharing experience is a great way to learn a little bit more about Autism, but also to hear how others are coping day in day out with the same or similar challenges. It's always good to know you're not alone, and hear strategies used by others for dealing with autism and the issues it presents on a daily basis.

If you want further details, ot want to book your place, please visit our website



Dates & Times
Supporting the Development of Personal Coping Skills and Strategies

24th April 2012, The Lothian Chambers, Edinburgh
15th May 2012, Laichmoray Hotel, Moray
29th June 2012, Notre Dame High School, Greenock

Supporting the Development of Skills for Independent Living

18th September 2012, Edinburgh City Chambers, Edinburgh
2nd October 2012, Laichmoray Hotel, Moray
6th November 2012, Notre Dame High School, Greenock

Supporting the Development of Understanding Relationships and Sexuality

19th February 2013, Edinburgh City Chambers, Edinburgh
5th March 2013, Laichmoray Hotel, Moray
19th March 2013, Notre Dame High School, Greenock


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

What a difference a day makes!

Wednesday 29 February - a whole extra 24 hours this year which you can use to do a little extra for autism. 

Follow this link to our website to discover how you could Win! Cycle! Make a Date! Catch Up! Blog! Run! Shop! Donate! Tweet! Raise!  Contact! Watch! for Scottish Autism...

So what are you waiting for? Please use the extra day this year to help us fundraise and raise awareness...

Arran sponsored cycle trip...

Cycle around the beautiful island of Arran spread over a Saturday and Sunday. Meeting to get the ferry over, the first day involved a 42 miles cycle from Brodick to Lochranza where we spent the night. On the second day participants had two options for cycling. The easier option is continuing onto Brodick for 14 miles and the harder option is a 22 mile cycle over the famous and challenging String road. Very positive feedback was received from the participants on this event.

For our cycle challenge, well, what is included is as follows:: • Cycle Ride Leader, First Aid qualified guides, support and encouragement from Sport Ecosse Events staff• Bed and breakfast overnight accommodation as appropriate• Lunch and dinner along with healthy snacks and drinks along the way• Luggage transfers each day• Any ferry travel• Support vehicles• Basic bike maintenance• Training plan and equipment list• All relevant insurances


Date of event is 29-30 sept
Target sponsorship is £480

It should be a fantastic experience, and a great way to raise much needed money for Scottish Autism. Get in touch for more details :-)