NAS backs calls for better autism planning

The National Autistic Society (NAS) is backing calls from the Autism Alliance UK for health and social care commissioners to plan better services for people with autism.

NAS director of services Neil McConachie said:

"Lack of efficient planning and poor commissioning practice presently leads to people with autism either receiving services which may not meet their needs, or no services at all. Government needs to work in partnership with the voluntary sector, and greater funding is vital if people with autism and their families are to have access to the support and services they need.

"Autism is much more common than people think, affecting an estimated one in 100 people in the UK. It can have a profound effect on individuals and their families. Every day the NAS helpline takes calls from people affected by autism who cant access the appropriate support and much more needs to be done at a local level to provide the necessary services."

The Autism Alliance UK is launching a campaign on 1 October to encourage those responsible for local services to design appropriate services and demonstrate effective commissioning plans for those people with autism and their families who live in the communities for which they are responsible. For more information about the campaign, visit www.autism-alliance.org.uk

Stars Shine for Autism fundraising gala evening

With a special performance by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Date: 29 April 2008 Venue: One Whitehall Place, London Tables of ten cost £2,500 and individual tickets are £250. There is also an opportunity to support our event through advertising and sponsorship.

We are proud to present our first Stars Shine for Autism Gala Dinner. This glittering event is hosted by our President, Jane Asher, on 29 April 2008, in the stunning venue of One Whitehall Place, London. After a sumptuous dinner, guests will be entertained by the world-acclaimed soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, with an exclusive performance put together especially for our evening.

This Gala dinner promises to be an unforgettable evening of champagne, music and fabulous food. You will be wined and dined in a beautiful river view setting, overlooking some of London's famous landmarks. There will be an opportunity to meet fellow NAS supporters and celebrity friends, enjoy some special entertainment and bid for some extraordinary auction prizes. Help us make this a memorable evening and raise valuable funds for the NAS join us and see the stars shine!

To reserve tickets, or for further information, please contact Yolanda on 020 7923 5789 or email yolanda.sze@nas.org.uk

The Autistic Community mourns the death of Genevieve Edmonds

Washington, DC - 2/18/08 - The autistic community mourned the loss of Genevieve Edmonds, a UK-based advocate and author on the autism spectrum who committed suicide this past week. Genevieve was a leader in advocating for increased visibility and support for adults on the autism spectrum. She authored four books: The Asperger Social Guide: How to Relate to Anyone in any Social Situation as an Adult with Asperger's Syndrome, The Asperger Personal Guide: Raising Self-Esteem and Making the Most of Yourself as a Adult with Asperger's Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome And Employment: Adults Speak Out About Asperger Syndrome and A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome. Her work with the ASPECT group at Sheffield Hallam University resulted in numerous strides forward in autistic representation and a comprehensive study on the needs of adults with Asperger's Syndrome in the United Kingdom.

Genevieve will be remembered for her contributions to our community and commitment to improving the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum. Her death is a tragedy and we mourn the loss of one of our own. Those wishing to express their condolensces to the Edmonds family can direct their thoughts to http://www.blackpooltiggers.co.uk/contact.pl

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The NAS West Midlands Regional Office Opens in Solihull

The National Autistic Society has opened a new Regional Office in the heart of Solihull.

The West Midlands Regional Office will cater for the Greater Birmingham area and the West Midlands. Over the next few months the NAS will begin establishing links with education authorities, statutory and non statutory organisations throughout the region.

Jonathan Harris the West Midlands Regional Officer has hopes for the future:

“ It is an exciting time for the NAS as we make links with professionals and service providers such as Autism West Midlands who have already developed a successful presence in the area. We look forward to working with them to achieve our shared goal of raising awareness and providing better services for those who have autism in the area.”

The opening of the new office at Westbury House, Warwick Road coincides with the NAS national launch of their adult awareness campaign I Exist.

The campaign highlights the impact of the lack of support on adults with autism, and the action that is needed to bring real improvements to people's lives.