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Welcome to issue 9 of Network News from the Scottish Autism Service Network. Thank you to all
those who submitted information for this issue and remember if you have information or articles to
submit we would be pleased to receive them.
The network is all about sharing information and good practice in ASD. We know that across Scotland
there is a great deal of ongoing good autism practice improving the daily lives of individuals and
families living with an ASD. Well done everyone – but we cannot become complacent. We need to
continue increasing our knowledge and understanding as well as sharing ideas for progress to
continue and the network is an ideal place to do that. If you have any ideas or topics relating to autism
that you would like the Network News to write about then let us know.
The focus for this newsletter is assessment and diagnosis of ASD in Scotland and we hope that the
information published in the pullout centre section will be helpful to you.
We continue to have a number of active Networking groups which, as a member of SASN you are
welcome to join. If you wish more detail regarding any of these groups please contact us for
information.
SASN is going through a period of change moving from the very active development phase into
working as a more established resource. As with any change there are associated challenges however
the network membership continues to grow and we thank you for your continued input and interest.
The Network will be taking a summer break although work will continue on the funding strategy.
SASN has recently received a number of enquiries about respite and short breaks therefore that will be
the special interest topic of the next Network News. If you have information or articles relevant to this
topic please let us know.
If you require more paper copies of the Network News for distribution in your workplace then we would
be pleased to send them to you. You can also access this and all previous SASN Newsletters from the
website at www.scottishautismnetwork.org.uk/newsletter.
Contact details for the Network are:
Telephone 0141 950 3072
email
.
Have a great summer.
Best wishes from the SASN Team.
Saying Goodbye Again, Lindsey Watson – Network Secretary
It hardly seems possible that we have benefited from Lindsey’s skills for as long as 18
months – time has just flown by. We couldn’t have wished for a more capable
addition to our Network Team! Lindsey has made it her business to know who people
are, to learn about autism and to take initiative whenever this is needed. Working with
someone who can anticipate our needs makes Lindsey a hard act to follow: she says
she is writing it all down on the back of a postage stamp so we can pass it on to her
successor – has anyone seen the latest giant sized postage stamps?! Seriously
though – a very warm thanks to Lindsey – her contribution to the success of the
Network has been significant. We’re so much into virtual links now that maybe she
will be able to join in with us even though she will be in Cyprus!
Building Capacity: Promoting Networks and Networking in Autism
Earlier this year The National Centre for Autism Studies (NCAS), in conjunction with SASN held a
conference focusing on Building Capacity: Promoting Networks and Networking in Autism Services,
Research and Practice.
The conference attracted over 200 delegates and both NCAS and
SASN were privileged to be able to present Professor Tony Attwood
(2nd from the right) who delivered a keynote speech focusing on the
wellbeing of people with Asperger’s Syndrome. Professor Roy
McConkey (far left) from Northern Ireland, spoke about experiences
in developing a regional training strategy for ASD and David Moat
(2nd from the left), Integrative Psychotherapist, spoke about
psychotherapeutic approaches to ASD.
The feedback for the day was very positive and lively. The keynote speakers were very well received
with many people agreeing how knowledgeable and informative they were. For many people it was the
first time they had the opportunity to hear Tony Attwood speak in person and the word inspirational
was used a lot in the delegates’ evaluation comments.
The showcase speakers, Charlene Tait (left) from NCAS, Anna
Robinson (right) from CETA, and Laura Alexander (centre) from the
ARC Glasgow were also well received with many interested and
positive comments noted. As usual we received feedback on the
uncomfortable chairs!
Following on from the success of this conference there are plans to
hold another in November 2008. This conference will be ‘Building
Capacity: Talking about Autism' with keynote speakers, Professor
Colwyn Trevarthen and Professor Tommy McKay. It will feature a
practice showcase, exhibitors, lectures, and an opportunity to
network with others working in the field of autism in Scotland. To
reserve a place or request further details please visit http://www.strath.ac.uk/autism-ncas, telephone
Margaret Ritchie on 0141 950 3234 or e-mail
StartHere
http://www.starthere.info/nas01/welcomenas01.htm
The StartHere information service is a self-help facility that links people to a wide range of services
that could help when faced with everyday issues including health, caring, families, education,
employment, benefits, well being and welfare rights. The service gives a brief summary of the topic
and signposts people on to hundreds of national organisations.
The idea behind StartHere was simple: at some point in our lives everyone will need help with
something. At times there are often lots of organisations available to help but it is a question of
knowing where to find them and exactly what services they provide. StarHere provides, as the name
suggests, a starting point for this information.
It was established after research highlighted the gap in the information chain between those needing
help and the support that is available. In short the help is out there but for many, especially in times of
distress, it can be difficult to find.
StartHere aims to bridge the gaps that can exist in the information chain gap between those needing
help and the support that is available by providing an online self-help service that connects people,
quickly and easily, to the information and services they need.
The StartHere Scotland service is provided in partnership with the National Autistic Society.