autistic spectrum disorders

Autism in Mind

Autism in Mind (AIM), based in England, provides support and information to parents, carers, young people and families living with autistic spectrum disorder, and aims to make a positive difference to the lives of families living with autism. It has set up several on-line support and information groups for parents and carers to access. The AIM DIET highlights the issues within Diagnosis – Intervention – Education and Training, needed to be addressed by the government.

Autism Initiatives UK

Autism Initiatives UK is a charitable organisation established in 1972, providing support for individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families in locations throughout the north of England, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Ireland. It exists to enable persons with ASD "to be fully included, participating members of their community through advocacy, public awareness and education."

Autism Education Trust

The Autism Education Trust (AET), launched in November 2007, continues to be funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. It is a collaboration between The National Autistic Society, TreeHouse and The Council for Disabled Children, and others working in the autism field in England.

First Impressions : emotional and practical support for families of a young child with a learning disability

First Impressions was commissioned in early 2004, in order to look at the emotional and practical needs of families who have a small child – aged up to five – with a learning disability. This report looks at the support needed by these families, including the way in which parents are informed about their child’s learning disability. The impact on the family is examined and practical and strategic recommendations that can improve emotional and practical support for families with a young disabled child are detailed.

Having your say? : the same as you?

'The same as you?' review of services for people with learning disabilities was published in 2000. It set out a 10-year programme of change that would support children and adults with learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders (including Asperger’s syndrome) to lead a full life, giving them choice about where they live and what they do.

Make my day! : the same as you?

'The same as you?' review of services for people with learning disabilities was published in 2000 and set out a 10-year programme of change that would support children and adults with learning disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger’s Syndrome) to lead full lives, giving them choice about where they live and what they do.

This report was produced by the Day Services Group, a subgroup of the National Implementation Group, which was set up to look at how day services in Scotland are putting the recommendations of The same as you? (SAY) into practice.

The same as you?: a review of services for people with learning disabilities

This review of services for people with learning disabilities began by looking at services, especially in social and healthcare, and their relationship with education, housing, employment and other areas. It also focused on people’s lifestyles and wider policies including social inclusion, equality and fairness, and the opportunity for people to improve themselves through continuous learning. The review also recommends that for all but a few people, health and social care should be provided in their own homes or in community settings alongside the rest of the population.