Network News Issue 4

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Welcome to issue 4 of Network News, the newsletter of the Scottish Autism Service Network!

We are pleased to include updates and information about ASD and related topics and would like to thank all those who have submitted information for this issue and encourage others of you to submit information for future editions of Network News.

The focus of the Network for the coming months is to develop our networking groups, some of which will be highlighted here in Network News. The networks are about bringing those working in the field of ASD together either regarding specific topics, within certain sectors, or in specific geographical areas. For instance, apart from those featured in this newsletter, we are also looking at the possibility of developing ASD specific networks in Early Years, Higher Education, Further Education, Training, & Commissioning. I would encourage you to join these networks to share good practice, information and gain support.

If you are interested in any of these networks, please contact us, letting us know which you are interested in. Also, if you have an idea for a network, either sector specific, for a certain geographical area, or concentrating on a specific area, please contact us to discuss.

Please note that you can also access this and previous editions of Network News on our website 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.

Best wishes,
Dawn Larman,
SASN Manager

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Social Workers Network
Following the Forum at the SASN Conference last November a group of Social Workers came together in February to explore the possibilities of forming a network for Social Workers working with people with ASD and their families across Scotland.

Those who attended were from both children and adult services and covered a number of local authorities and health areas. The consensus was that a network, which could be both physical and virtual, could address some of the issues that workers were being faced with e.g. child protection and ASD, risk assessment, attachment, criminal justice, mental health. The group also felt that there would be great benefit in being able to exchange information and share resources. The next meeting has been planned for Thursday 3rd May.






ASD Co-ordinators Network
The Public Health Institute for Scotland (PHIS) report recommended that each local authority/health board area should appoint an ASD coordinator to audit local practice in health, education and social work against published national standards. The role of ASD co-ordinator has developed differently in different areas and in some areas there has been no appointment.

SASN facilitated a meeting for those who have the title of ASD coordinator to come together to share information and discuss these roles. The meeting took place on the 22nd February and it was agreed that a questionnaire would be circulated to collate information on the roles and remit of each of the co-ordinators and funding issues with a view to producing a report. The next meeting is planned for Tuesday 24th April.

If you are interested in either of the above networks then please contact Gill West at or phone 0141 950 3070.

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ASD Primary and Secondary Teachers Networks
Are you a primary or secondary school teacher providing education and support to students with ASD? Would you like better links to teachers working in similar roles or positions?

If so, you are invited to join the ASD Primary or Secondary Teachers Networks to...

  • connect with a network of teachers interested in ASD
  • link together to share ASD information, good practice and strategies
  • network with practitioners across Scotland through Virtual Networks
  • gain mutual advice and support from colleagues
  • receive regular updates, information, and newsletters

What will you gain from joining the ASD Primary or Secondary Teachers Network?

  • a forum for teachers to share information & experiences about ASD
  • details of innovative ideas and methods for ASD in primary education
  • help in meeting the challenges of interdisciplinary working
  • support in improving and updating your knowledge, practice & skills
  • opportunities for collaboration to develop and share solutions
  • links to other relevant existing national and regional networks

The ASD Teachers Networks are free to join! To find out more contact the Scottish Autism Service Network at or on 0141 950 3072 and state which network you are interested in.

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New Network Developments for Counsellors & Transitions!
Following discussion with various members of the Network and contacts, we plan to develop possible new networks focused on specific specialised areas of interest and sectors.

Two of these will potentially be an ASD Counselling Network, bringing together those with interest/expertise in counselling people with ASD and/or their family members, and an ASD Transitions Network, for those with an interest/expertise in post school transitions for people with ASD.

Each of these networks will have a focus upon enabling professionals within specific sectors or areas of interest to:

  • connect with others in a similar position to share information, good practice, policy and strategies regarding ASD
  • enable communication and networking with others across Scotland through our Virtual Networks
  • help professionals to meet the challenges of interdisciplinary working
  • enable professionals to gain advice and support from colleagues
  • provide opportunities for collaboration to develop and share solutions
  • link to other relevant existing national and regional networks

All networks are free to join, but those participating must become members of the Scottish Autism Network and sign up to our principles of participation. To register your interest in any of these networks contact us at , or telephone 0141 950 3072 and state which network you are interested in.

Information Sharing Network
Are you in a role specifically focused upon passing over information about ASD to others (people with ASD, family members and/or other professionals)? If so, you may wish to join our Information Sharing Network. Members of the group from various organisations have had two informal meetings, an on site visit, and have developed guidance on seeking good ASD related information. The group aim to develop ways to share information to save time, effort and replication and assist one another with developing good information and resources relating to ASD. The group is open to those working in positions where they focus primarily on provide information specifically in terms of ASD as part of their role. For more details contact Dawn at the Scottish Autism Network on 0141 950 3072 or at .

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