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 issue 6 of Network News, the newsletter of the Scottish Autism Service Network. Thanks to
all those who submitted information for this issue. We are pleased to have articles and information from
our members, including from those on the autism spectrum in this edition. However, we are keen to gain
more of these from SASN members and Network News readers for future editions and ask that you
please send us your articles, reviews and information. 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 email e-mail .
For more paper copies of Network News to be sent to you phone 0141 950 3072. You can also access
this and previous editions on our website at
www.scottishautismnetwork.org.uk/newsletter
I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Network News
Dawn Larman, SASN Manager
Network
New ASD Clinical Network and Commissioning Network
Two new Networks met for the first time on 15th August 2007. Professionals from areas of clinical
health, such as speech and language therapy, paediatrics, diagnostics and psychology, came together
for the first meeting of the ASD Clinical Network. Also, Commissioners and Development Managers
from different areas of Scotland, met for the initial meeting of an ASD Commissioning Network
The Clinical Network decided to meet quarterly to consider, amongst other matters: post diagnostic
information, joint working between clinical/education teams, Learning Disability and Community
Adolescent Mental Health Service models, clinical pathways, finance, resource sharing, models of
practice and sharing what does and doesn’t work. The Commissioning Network are interested in
gaining more information about ASD, commissioning ASD friendly services and models of service
provision. They will meet on a quarterly basis to focus on areas such as joint funding, assessment,
service specifications, what makes a good ASD service, accreditation and person centred services.
The next meeting of the Clinical Network will take place in Perth on 14th Nov at 1.30 – 4.00 and the next
meeting of the Commissioning Network will take place in Stirling on 28th Nov at 10.00 – 12.30.
ASD Transitions Network
The first meeting of the ASD Transitions Network will take place on Tuesday 30th October in Dundee. It
will be of interest to those working in the field of ASD who are involved in the area of transitions from
child to adult services such as practitioners in secondary education provision, further education,
educational and occupational psychology, careers, social work, and employment sectors.
The Network will aim to provide better links to others working in similar roles, share information about
transitions initiatives and models around Scotland, assist in interdisciplinary working in transitions,
provide opportunities for collaboration, and facilitate sharing of information and resources in this area.
The transitions network will be supported by a secure virtual network for sharing information, consulting
on documents and gaining mutual advice and support in-between meetings. It will also provide a
means of participation to those unable to attend due to constraints on distance, finance or time.
If you wish to attend any of the above Networks or find out more about them please contact Lindsey
Watson at or telephone 0141 950 3072.
Autism SIGN Guidelines
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) published a clinical guideline (number 98) on
the management of children and young people (up to the age of 18) with autism spectrum disorders
(ASD) in July this year.
The guideline, entitled ‘Assessment, diagnosis and clinical interventions for children and young people
with autism spectrum disorders’, covers the following areas:
Recognition, Assessment and Diagnosis, Principles of Intervention, Non-Pharmacological
Interventions, Pharmacological Interventions, Service Provision and Information for Discussion with
Children, Young People, Parents, and Carers.
The guideline addresses the need for multidisciplinary and multi-agency working at all levels of
provision (primary, secondary and tertiary care) and will be of particular interest to practitioners such as
GPs, paediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists, clinical and educational psychologists, practice
nurses, health visitors, commissioners of children’s services, speech and language therapists,
occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and dietitians, but also social workers and teachers.
The guideline addresses the need for multidisciplinary and multi-agency working at all levels of
provision (primary, secondary and tertiary care) and will be of particular interest to practitioners such as
GPs, paediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists, clinical and educational psychologists, practice
nurses, health visitors, commissioners of children’s services, speech and language therapists,
occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and dietitians, but also social workers and teachers.
For a copy of the guideline visit http://www.sign.ac.uk/pdf/sign98.pdf or phone SIGN at 0131 718 5090
Would you like to help children with autism and their families by providing telephone advice?
Would you like to gain an in-depth knowledge of Scottish Education Legislation?
The National Autistic Society's Advocacy for Education Service has been running in Scotland for over a
year now and our trained volunteers have supported a growing number of parents and carers, with
many experiencing successful outcomes for their child’s education.
Volunteers for the service provide home-based telephone advice for which full training, support and
expenses will be provided. Significant resources are invested in your training and we would anticipate
around 4 hours per week and a minimum commitment of a year. Standard disclosure/References will
be required. For more information please email AdvocacyScotland@nas.org.uk or telephone 0141
221 8090
Parents and carers who require information and support on their rights and entitlements can contact the
service on 0845 070 4002. The NAS also has a number of information sheets for parents and carers
on educational issues available from www.autism.org.uk
Autism Services Directory
www.autismdirectory.org.uk
The Autism Services Directory is the most comprehensive database of autism services in the UK.
Provided by the National Autistic Society, this free on-line service is aimed at people with autism
spectrum disorders (ASDs), their families/carers and professionals working with them. 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 Scottish services:
Autism Rights Group Highland (Advocacy)
Caledonia Youth (Family Support and Information Services, Training)
Richmond Fellowship North East (Outreach, Residential, Supported Living)
NAS Inverness Social Group (Social Groups)
All Grown Up and Nowhere to Go: ASD Transitions (Conference)
The NAS and the Scottish Autism Service Network are working in partnership to update Scottish
information on the Directory, and there are currently over 794 Scottish services listed. If you know of a
relevant service not already listed on the Directory please contact Chris Hunter (Autism Information
Officer Scotland) -
Email:
/
Telephone: 0141 221 8090