The final programme in the series are called Autistic Superstars and will be broadcast on Thursday 13th May, 9pm BBC3.

All programmes can be currently viewed on iplayer

Keep an eye on the TV guide, but we will let you know when we find out when they will be broadcast. All episodes will also be available on the BBC iplayer if you don’t get to watch them live.

Living with Autism

To read the full article published in The Guardian (22.09.09)  click here

Firstly we have our Thomas the Tank Engine fun day at Sausmarez Manor on Sunday 7th June which is set to be an entertaining day out for the whole family.

This will be followed with an evening talk by visiting speaker Stephen Cornwell on Monday 15th at 7.30pm at Les Cotils.  Stephen will talk about his experiences of living with Aspergers Syndrome in a neurotypical world! This is sure to be incredibly interesting for anyone with a connection to autism.

Later that week help! and help! 2 training courses will take place for parents of children with autism.

More details of all of the above are available on our events page on the main website.

A study of schoolchildren in Cambridge has found that for every three children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder there are around two who have the condition but have not been given a formal diagnosis.

It is estimated that around one in 100 children between five-years-old and nine-years-old have autism, meaning there are around 500,000 in the UK. But when researchers carried out more detailed assessments of 11,700 children, they found the true prevalence could be as high as one in 64.

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society, said: “This is important research, which for the first time gives us an estimate of the number of people who don’t have an autism diagnosis but may be in need of support. Getting the right support at the right time is vitally important and access to appropriate diagnostic services is crucial.”

To read more click here to be directed to The Telegraph.co.uk

Click here to read the article in full

Autism Alert Wallet (available from NAS)

Autism Alert Card

The autism alert card can be carried by people with autism and presented in a difficult situation where they may find communication difficult.

The Autism Alert card is designed to tell people about the condition, and asks them to show respect and tolerance. The card comprises a wallet which contains a leaflet of key facts about autism, and a credit-card style insert where people can write emergency contact details.

Many young people have explained how carrying such a card has been very useful in various situations where they have found themselves confused or unable to explain themselves properly.

Some police forces across the UK are supporting the scheme as it helps officers identify when an individual may need extra help and can avoid misunderstandings occuring - for example arresting a young person on suspicion of being drunk or disorderly when in fact they have been a very stressed person with an autistic spectrum disorder.

The card is available in a range of languages - which may make it useful when travelling abroad.

The wallet is available from the NAS for £2.50 plus post and packaging.

As an alternative for younger children, you could make a badge or card which can be attached to their clothing.  Translations can be put on if you are travelling to a foreign country.

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I’m Not Naughty- I’ve got Autism T-Shirts

These t-shirts are available from the NAS shop priced £6 and not only raise awareness of autism, also act as a way of informing people about your child’s diagnosis in a way of hopefully illiciting understanding and support.

Click on the photo to be linked.

Badges are also available with the same message

The NAS also produce information cards on autism and Aspergers Syndrome which can be carried by individuals and famillies and handed out to the general public as necessary - very useful for giving to those with disaproving stares!

Child Safe Zones is a company which supplies special wrist bands for your child and costs £15 per year. If a child gets lost, the finder calls the number printed and the company will then contact you using the information you have supplied.

Also, there are now numerous ‘Safe Zones’ across the UK including airports, amusement parks and shopping centres where you can get free wrist bands. If your child gets lost you call the number and the local security team will immediately begin a search for your child.

This may make trips out to public places just a little less stressful - feel free to add your own suggestions  !

The DNA changes, which affect genes involved in early brain development, are together involved in up to 15 per cent of autism cases, the most extensive study of its kind yet conducted has found.

The findings significantly deepen scientific understanding of the genetic origins of autism, offering insights into the condition’s underlying biology that could eventually lead to new treatments.

While it has long been established that autism has a strong inherited component, previous research has failed to reveal any common DNA variants that were involved.

Click here to read the rest of this article

Published in The Time, Wednesday 29th April 2009

To read the whole article published in ‘Children and Young People Now‘ click here