To increase the size of the newsletter text in your browser simply select "View" from the menu bar at the top of the screen, scroll down to Text Size and select the appropriate size
Welcome to the bumper Christmas edition (issue 3) of Network News, the newsletter of the Scottish Autism Service Network.
We are pleased to include the latest updates and information about ASD and related topics and in this edition, you will find reviews, research particulars, details about forthcoming events and activities, examples of good practice from those who are involved with the Network and information about consultations and report reviews.
We would like to thank all those who have submitted information for this issue and encourage Network members to submit information for future editions of Network News.
The focus of the Network for the following year will be about bringing together professionals working in the field of ASD through networking groups and forums, and to collate and impart information on good practice. You will find information about some of these in this edition of Network News.
Please note that you can also access this and previous editions of Network News on our website at www.scottishautismnetwork.org.uk/newsletter or phone us for more paper copies to be sent to you on 0141 950 3072. If you know someone who would like to subscribe to Network News or become a member of the Network, please see our contact details on the back page.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Network News and wish you a happy Christmas and New Year!
Dawn Larman, SASN Manager
Feedback from the Scottish Autism Service Network 'Promoting Good Practice for ASD in Scotland Conference'
The Scottish Autism Network held its 2nd conference on 30th November 2006 with a focus on providing an opportunity for those working in the field of ASD to share good practice and for practitioners to meet with others from the professional sector across Scotland.
The conference was a huge success and over 30 organisations and services from across Scotland displayed examples of their work and good practice in the field of ASD. There were also a range of interesting workshops and forums, some of which it is hoped that we at the Network will be able to develop into ongoing Networking opportunities.
Dame Stephanie Shirley, the IT entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist and UK Chair of Trustees for the charity Autism Speaks gave an inspiring talk about her life with a son with autism and her aim since his death to fund enough quality research into autism. She was joined on the programme by Hugh Morgan, the Chair of Autism Cymru, who spoke about examples of how working together has improved support services in Wales.
The Scottish Autism network team would like to thank all those involved in making the day a success, especially those workshop speakers and forum facilitators from across Scotland who gave their time and expertise on the day.
ASD Sexuality working group
During its development, the Network has had contact from various experienced professionals expressing an interest in developing resources and training regarding ASD and sexuality. Following discussions regarding this, we have decided to set up a working group of interested professionals with experience of working with young people with ASD or their family members regarding sexual health, sexuality, personal relationships etc.
The group will aim to collate and create good practice guidance, resources and training that could be utilised by themselves and other professionals. They will also benefit from visiting speakers who are experienced in working with individuals with ASD around these topic areas.
If you are a professional with experience of working with individuals with ASD or their families regarding the persons' personal relationships, sexual health and/or sexuality and would like to be involved in the group, please contact Dawn on 0141 950 2071 or e-mail . It is hoped that the first meeting will take place towards the end of January 2007 (date TBC).
Forum Group for Individuals with ASD
Are you an individual on the autism spectrum who has an interest in guiding the practice of professionals working in the field of ASD and raising awareness of ASD across Scotland? If so, you may be interested in joining our forum group.
Following various forum events over the last few months where people with ASD have come to give their views to the Scottish Autism Network, we have decided to build on what they have said by developing a regular forum group. The forum will initially focus on 3 areas:
- Creating good practice guidance for professionals working in the field of ASD from the viewpoint of those with first hand experience of ASD
- Helping to develop a post diagnosis pack for newly diagnosed adults with ASD based on personal experience of those on the autism spectrum
- Looking at ways of positively raising awareness of ASD across Scotland from the person with ASD's point of view and consider planning events and awareness raising for Autistic Pride day in June 2007.
An initial meeting will take place in Glasgow in early 2007 (date to be confirmed), but the location of future meetings will consider where those involved live and so may be held in different locations across Scotland (to be advised). If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Dawn at or telephone 0141 950 3071.
nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;
The Publicity Register and Touchbase
The Publicity Register is a mailing list of advisers, intermediaries and other professionals who want to receive updates and information about changes in benefits, allowances, legislation and other relevant information about Government services from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Those signing up to the Publicity Register will receive regular copies of 'Touchbase', a magazine containing information about benefits, pensions, the New Deals, employment issues and tax credits, in order to assist people in their work with clients. They aim to provide information about changes, signpost people towards further information and alert people to future developments. It is mailed free of charge to anyone who joins the Publicity Register.
To register telephone 0845 602 44 44 or visit here