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Autism Speaks’ 2008
Annual Review
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Autism Speaks worked alongside twenty UK autism charities to produce a special website (www.waad.org.uk). Here, people could find out about events in their region, upload a photo and message or watch our celebrity ‘Stand up for Autism’ YouTube campaign. There was much media awareness on the day, which included an advertisement in many of the UK national papers. Autism Speaks’ supporters helped to raise awareness and funds through a wide range of events, including non-uniform days, assemblies, collections and displays to benefit our charity. Special thanks go to Lauren Welden,Marie Thompson and the students at Newcastle College, Rev Cathy Pynn and the congregation of St Mary’s Church in Hungerford, Sandra Smith, Ashgrove School, Bowburn Infant School, Warriner’s School, Jacky Blaikie at Bolton-le-Sands library, Ann Fowler and Trinity Fields School, Janice House, Stokepark School, Scremerston School, Kennel Lane School, Strode College, the parish of Caerphilly, Parkside School and Nicole Haworth who all organised non-uniform days, assemblies, collections and displays on behalf of Autism Speaks. Students with Disabilities Officer at Trinity University College in Wales organised a number of fundraising events at the Uni, including a challenging and rain drenched Pen Y Fan mountain climb in South Wales. We are so grateful to Hannah and her fellow climbers
Nathaniel Burton, Jack Griffiths,
Jade Blakiston and Bethan
Moses, as well as to the other
students who took part in a
successful colouring competition
and who contributed to the
collection boxes. We are keen to make next year’s day bigger and better! If you would like to get involved or be kept updated about World Autism Day 2010, please click here. |
April 2nd saw the second Autism Bill
The Autism Bill got through its second reading in February, marking a victory for the thousands of people who lobbied their MP to vote at this important occasion.
Autism Speaks was one of 14 campaigning charities involved in pushing forward this bill.
Autism was debated for four hours in Parliament, with a full examination of the Government’s recent commitment to improving the lives of both children and adults with autism in England. At the end of the debate, the Autism Bill was voted through to committee stage by MPs. The committee stage is an opportunity for further detailed analysis of the Government’s landmark commitment and should take place around May and June.
Department of Health: Adult Autism Strategy
The Department is conducting research into the numbers
of adults with autism and transitions challenges for young people. If you would like to have your say in the consultation process, please go to their website.
The DoH is in consultation with individuals and will be producing a publication of its findings at the end of 2009.
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Autism (APPGA): Inquiry into Transition
The APPGA has launched its first ever inquiry into the transition from childhood to adulthood of young people. The report is due in June.
National Audit Office report: Supporting People with Autism through Adulthood
This study will consider the extent to which existing services meet the needs of adults with ASD, focusing particularly on the transition from adolescence and the subsequent provision of health, social care, education and employment support to adults across the whole autistic spectrum.
The study will also explore the longer-term health and economic impacts of failing to cater for adults on the autistic spectrum. It will examine the extent to which government departments responsible for care services, employment and benefits are working together with local authorities and NHS organisations to provide appropriate interventions for adults with ASD. It should highlight how the delivery of services for people with ASD could be improved, including the identification of ways to address the risk of individuals, particularly in adulthood, 'falling through the cracks' between current areas of service provision.
The report will be published at the end of May.
To read our non- |
In the largest genetic study of autism ever attempted, involving more than 3,000 participants from the international Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE), as well as nearly 8,500 other sources, genetic variations in a region of chromosome 5 have been identified, which may play a significant role in about 15% of cases of autism. This region of chromosome 5 regulates the gene-coding for proteins which suggests that autism is a disorder of brain connectivity. This fits well with other research, including imaging and post-mortem brain studies, which suggest autism is a disorder of poor connections in the brain. Ultimately, researchers could develop treatments to normalise these brain connections. Indeed, similar research into such treatment is currently taking place for Fragile X syndrome. |
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Marathons and Runs
Big Fun Run
Various locations in the UK
From
8th August to 11th October
The Big Fun Run is a
growing series of Fun Runs being staged across the UK.
Each venue has been carefully selected, they all take place exclusively within scenic parks that are both safe and pleasant running environments.
Visit our website for more details or ring Lynn on 01491 411569.
Visit the Big Fun Run website
Adidas Active Women’s 5K challenge
Hyde Park, London
Sunday 6th September
We already have a number of keen runners for this ladies-only run/jog/walk of 5K through Hyde Park and would like lots more!
Visit the Adidas Active Women's challenge website
Robin Hood Marathon
Sunday 13th September,
Nottingham
We have places available in both the full and half marathons.
Visit the Robin Hood Marathon website.
Great North Run
Sunday 20th September, Newcastle
This is so popular!!! We have just a few places left!
Visit the Great North Run website.
Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon
London, Sunday 11th October
We have a number of places left in this stunning run through the Royal Parks of London, but they are being snapped up fast! So get in touch with Lynn Hart as soon as possible. Visit the Royal Parks website.
Other Events
Lunch at
Cliveden House
Maidenhead
Tuesday 14th July 2009
We are thrilled that The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH has very kindly agreed to be our Guest Speaker at our lunch.
The lunch will be held at the Cliveden Hotel in Berkshire, with its breath-taking views and stunning rounds. Champagne is served from 11:30am, followed by a delicious three course lunch with wine included. Tickets are £95 per head and a 5% discount is given for a table of 10.
Tickets are selling fast. To secure your place please contact Lynn Hart on 01491 411569.
Visit the Cliveden House website
'Bright Young Things’
Channel 4 looking for young people with autism for documentary series.
Channel 4 has commissioned the production company ‘Love Productions’ to make a ground breaking series of documentaries entitled `Bright Young Things’, which will give young people with autism the chance to take part in a unique artistic project encompassing music, dance and drama.
The documentary, to be broadcast in early 2010, will follow a cast of people with autism, aged between 11 and 25 years old, their families and professionals, as they devise and stage a brand new show, to be performed in London’s West End in January 2010.
Channel 4 believe that this series can raise awareness and understanding of ASDs in an intelligent and accessible way. The project will enrich and celebrate the unique skills and talents of people with autism; it will be positive and life-affirming and we hope it will show what it is like to live with this complex condition.
If your family would like to be involved, please contact Nonie Creagh-Brown at 'Bright Young Things' Love Productions, 43 Eagle Street, London, WC1R 4AT. Email Nonie Creagh-Brown.
Paris Marathon
We were thrilled when Fiona Glasspoole contacted us about running the Paris Marathon for Autism Speaks last year. Fiona was inspired to do this for her 8 year old niece, who was diagnosed with autism two years ago and is non verbal. Fiona says:
“There’s so much about autism that’s not understood yet. Autism Speaks funds research into all forms of autism. They think they can make real inroads in about ten years time – that’s when Iona turns 18, so it could start to have an impact when she reaches adulthood, which could be very important to her.”
We are delighted to report that Fiona completed the run in April and raised a fabulous £1644. Thank you Fiona!
Royal Shakespeare Half Marathon
Stratford, Sunday 26th April
Dharmender Rai ran for us and completed the run in 1 hour 49 minutes, he came 497 out of 1800!!!
Dharmender has raised over £500 – thank you and well done!
Reading Half
Marathon
Sunday 29th March
Thanks to our runners Dan,
Susie, Lynn, Cikka, Paul,
Arif, David, Clive and Nathan
who have raised a whopping
£3,400 so far! Thank you
too to the volunteers who
got up so early on a cold,
grey Sunday - John,
Philippa, Ellis,Hilary,
Liz and Gerda.
Bath Half Marathon
Sunday 15th March
Our four runners raised a fabulous £726 – so far! Thank you to Nikki, Kate, Massimo and Chantal for your supreme efforts.
Visit the Bath Half Marathon website.
Rhodes & Robson’s Blue Dragon Ramble
South Shields, 29th March
Autism Speaks supporter Kirstey Rhodes organised this special event to raise funds for us. A fabulous and beautifully sunny day, Kirsty was pleased that turnout was good. With sponsorship and a raffle, a fantastic £2,000 has been raised. Well done Kirstey and a huge thank you to all walkers!
If you would like to run, walk or organise an event for us, please click here.
Berkshire Local Group News
by Kirsty Thompson, Chair
"The beginning of this year has been a busy one for the Berkshire Autism Speaks Group.
Waitrose Community Matters Scheme has raised just over £1000 for us and Kennel Lane School held a fun day on World Autism Awareness Day raising a further £200. There are many more fund raising and awareness activities in the
pipeline although due to numbers there is only so much we can do. If anyone would like to join our group we are always grateful for new
members.
After being postponed 3 times due to the weather, amid clear skies, my parachute jump finally went ahead on Sunday 29th March. I think it is evident to see that I was absolutely terrified and the bumpy landing was used as an example to others as 'how not to land'! Needless to say the extended pub lunch afterwards certainly helped to soothe the nerves as did the support of the other members of the group: Jayne, Karen, Shelly and Carole. We raised £900 from the jump so many thanks to all those who contributed. Would I do it again? ....... Absolutely!"
Explaining autism to infants
We have produced a leaflet aimed at 4 – 7 year olds, which attempts to explain autism and research to this age range.
If you would like a copy, please contact us
Autism Speaks on Facebook
You can make friends with us on line on Facebook, where you can meet with over 3500 people affected by autism in some way.
International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR)
Dr Simon Wallace, Autism Speaks Director of Scientific Development – Europe and Dr Jenny Longmore, Fundraising Consultant for Autism Speaks attended the annual International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) in May. We will be producing a report on the latest autism research news which will soon be available on the web.
Reception at No.11 Downing Street
Maggie and Alistair Darling kindly hosted a
reception at No.11 in May as a platform for the charities who worked together for World Autism Awareness Day. With a guest list of individuals committed to providing resources and support for people with autism, key speakers included Autism Speaks’ President, Dame Stephanie Shirley, Arlene Cassidy of Autism Northern
Ireland, Maggie Bowen of Autism Cymru, Jim Taylor of the Scottish Society for Autism, Mark Lever of the National Autistic Society and Bob & Suzanne Wright from Autism Speaks US.
