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Welcome to issue 5 of Network News, the newsletter of the Scottish Autism Service Network
We recently requested feedback from some of our members regarding the newsletter and are grateful
to those of you who responded. We have tried to address some of the feedback in this edition and will
try to focus more on some of the suggested topics in future editions. The majority of members
preferred this A4 booklet style newsletter and thus we will use this format from now on. We have
additionally tried to include articles which focus on personal views and practice as suggested.
Members also felt that more reviews of books and events, local news, and examples of successes and
good practice would be appreciated. We will also be sending a copy of the newsletter to all schools in
Scotland and aim to include more biological information in future issues. We would also like to
encourage researchers and doctorate students to pass on details of their research.
Therefore we are keen to gain more of these type of items from SASN members and Network news
readers for future editions and ask that you please send us your articles. If you would like to send an
article for inclusion or discuss what might be included, please contact our secretary Lindsey, on
telephone 0141 950 3072 or e-mail .
Thanks to all those who have submitted information for this issue and we advise that you can also
access this issue and previous editions of Network News from 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
Dawn Larman, SASN Manager
New Network Developments
A main focus for SASN over the last period has been the development of our network groups. Various
Networks have been established and we are pleased to be developing groups for the following:
- A transitions network for practitioners working in the area of post school transitions
- A teachers network
- A commissioning network for those involved in commissioning ASD services
- A clinical network for those involved in clinical health services
Each of the networks will have a focus on enabling professionals within specific sectors or areas of
interest to share information, good practice, policy and strategies regarding ASD, and to communicate
and network with others across Scotland.
All networks are free to join, but participants must become members of SASN and agree to our
principles of participation. To express interest in any of these networks phone 0141 950 3072, or email
us at
, and state which network you are interested in.
We are also pleased to announce that our Virtual Networks are now in place and will be available to
members from June 2007. We will be contacting all members regarding the Virtual Networks, how
they work and how to sign up for them in the very near future.
Terminology
In previous editions of Network News we have used the terminology ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)’
throughout to refer to people with autism, Asperger’s syndrome and those with related neurological
differences collectively. However, following comments at our recent forum meetings with individuals on
the autism spectrum a majority of them advised that they preferred the term ‘autism spectrum condition’
due to what can be seen as negative connotations with the word ‘disorder’.
In order to respect their views we are bringing this important topic to the forefront again to gain views of
other people on the spectrum and their families, carers and professionals working with them.
Many of us believe that using a ‘label’ is not necessarily a positive thing but do see the need for
collective terminology to allow generic information about autism to be passed on and appropriate
services to be developed. We are also very aware that the way a specific individual is treated is the
most important matter. However, terminology is very important to some of those on the spectrum and
we thus feel it is important to consider this.
Following these recent discussions and debate with our development group the terminology ‘individuals
on the autism spectrum’ and/or ‘autism spectrum conditions (ASC)’ has been suggested as most
appropriate.
Before finalising this we would like to seek opinions from our members and in the interim will continue
using the term ASD as we do not wish to jump into making changes without further consultation.
Therefore we would appreciate it if you could take the time to choose one of the options in the survey
on our website homepage at www.scottishautimnetwork.org.uk or contact us with your views at
or Room D002 – David Stow Building, University of Strathclyde,
76 Southbrae Drive, Glasgow, G13 1PP.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter and we will feedback to SASN members and Network
News readers in our next edition.
Autism Services Directory
www.autismdirectory.org.uk
PARIS (Public Autism Resource and Information Service) has been relaunched as the Autism Services
Directory. The Directory holds detailed information about a range of local and national services
including schools, residential and day services, respite, diagnosis, and support groups. The Directory
also supports professionals by providing information on training and conferences, networks and
statutory organisations. See below for some examples of recently added services:
Young People’s Advocacy Scheme - Tayside (Advocacy)
Asperger Support Project - Fife (Play and Leisure, Respite)
Achievement Bute - Argyll and Bute (Family Support and Information, Play and Leisure)
PUSH – Perth and Kinross (Family Support and Information, Social Groups)
Momentum – Fife (Employment Services)
Richmond Fellowship – North East (Outreach, Residential, Supported Living)
The National Autistic Society has also introduced a new on-line service. Signpost has been designed to
give parents and carers and people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) personalised information
relevant to their situation. After completing a brief profile, the website will offer information relevant to
the person’s age, diagnosis and locality, such as: an introduction to autism or Asperger syndrome;
information on transition; outlines of different benefits and entitlements; and results of searches in the
Autism Services Directory for key services in your area. To view Signpost go to:
www.autism.org.uk/signpost
To tell us about a service which is not in the Directory, or for further information, please contact:
Chris Hunter – Autism Information Officer Scotland
Email addresses:
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Telephone: 0141 221 8090