learning disorders

UK Autism Foundation

The UK Autism Foundation (UKAF) is a charitable organisation which began in 2008. It has launched a £10 million fundraising program to realise its aims to build the first ever state of the art Autism Centre in London, build an autism school and to launch initiatives to help families dealing with autism who are poor. The UKAF developed from the work of the Autism Awareness Campaign UK founded in 2000 by parents and carers. The site provides access to the newsletter, and brief information about autism.

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is a registered charity in the UK and was launched by the autism campaigner and philanthropist, Dame Stephanie Shirley in 2004. It is the only charity which raises money for biomedical research into the causes of autism spectrum disorders. The website provides information about autism, including its causes and impact. Information is also provided on the research carried out by the charity, including collaborative research, UK research projects, grants and fellowships, and also details of news, resources and events.

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.

Pain management for older people with learning difficulties and dementia

In general, the pain relief needs of older people with dementia are not adequately met. The aim of this research was to determine whether the same unsatisfactory treatment also applies to people with learning difficulties who have dementia and, if so, to make recommendations for improving practice. The research team was based at the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, University of Edinburgh, and the Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling.

Where next for pupils excluded from special schools and Pupil Referral Units?

Report of a study which looked at routes, destinations and outcomes for pupils permanently excluded from special schools and Pupil Referral Units. The study arose out of concerns over the quality of educational provision for young people with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties in England voiced by the Steer Report.

Personalisation and learning disabilities: A review of evidence on advocacy and its practice for people with learning disabilities and high support needs

Review commissioned by SCIE to identify and consolidate the available evidence of progress and innovation in advocacy practice in relation to people with learning disabilities and high support needs.