You know something's a bit different about you. All your life you've been perpetually anxious about the simplest everyday things...you know, will you catch the bus, will you be at the station or airport early enough to make your train or flight. Will you get a decent seat, will it be crowded, will you make it through to your hotel on time, will you get a parking space near your work, will you get the dinner cooked, or get the housework done, a seat at the cinema..????? The list gies on and on. You dread social occasions or networking meetings, or going out with work colleagues. You've never made friends easily, preferring your own company, collections, obsessions even. Everything has to be in it's proper place, desk has to be ordered with everything arranged just so... Routines are very important and fear of the unexpected is ever-present. Socialising on line is easy, but meeting those online friends face to face at conferences or social meet-ups is nerve wracking and fear-inducing. Folks think you are unhappy because you hardly ever smile, and find social chit-chat impossible. Failed relationships characterise your personal life and you end up being scared to get close to anyone for fear of rejection.
Anxiety takes you along to your GP eventually. It affects your life in a huge way. Or problems with relationships takes you down a counselling route. Either way, anti-anxiety drugs or anti-depressant medication gets prescribed and a referral to community mental health is made. This leads to an appointment with a CPN or Psychiatrist. Each stage of this involves long discussion reaching back over whole life experiences and things start to slowly fit into place rather like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. Because we understand a lot more about certain developmental conditions now than we did even ten or twenty years ago (let alone thirty years ago when you were growing up and at school where you were just that weird kid who did strange things with her hands, collected the strangest stuff, had an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of music, couldn't keep still, dropped things or griped over her own feet and just wanted to be left alone) and this is no truer than with Autistic Spectrum conditions.
You get a referral to an adult Autism diagnostic service, and over the course of two or three meetings, your whole life comes under the microscope, and you finally discover that at least there's a reason for all this, and that you're not just weird or strange, anti-social or depressed. Being given a diagnosis of Autism or Aspergers is not the answer to your problems, but it makes it just a little easier to deal with knowing it's not your fault that you behave in sometimes strange ways...in fact, a diagnosis is just the start, not the end, of another journey.
Now, that's just my story, but there are thousands like me out there in the world. Undiagnosed, struggling with the things in life that most folks don't even think about. We find ways of dealing with our lives and at least accept those things about ourselves we don't understand. Some of us are lucky and have people in our lives who are prepared to accept the differences, the rigid thinking and quirky obsessions and behaviour, but many are not so lucky and spend their lives alone and unfulfilled. Most of us manage to get by, modelling behaviour and using intelligence to develop ways of reflective thinking and an ability to rationalise unfamiliar situations (indeed, high intelligence is a common factor amongst adults who have undiagnosed Autistic Spectrum Disorders and manage to lead fairly successful lives). We develop strategies to help us function. I used to arrive for meetings and conferences just a couple of minutes before the start to avoid the registration and coffee beforehand, and lunch breaks would often be spent catching up on work rather than socialising or networking. Strange staff rooms could be a nightmare scenario, but there is always somewhere to disappear to.
With current funding cuts, adult autism diagnosis and support services are threatened ironically at a time when they are more necessary than ever before. An uncertain future lies around the corner. Autism service providers and charities need support to satisfy an increasing demand for their intervention and support, not just for those diagnosed but for their extended families as well.
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Scottish Autism - Enabling people living with autism in Scotland through the whole life journey
Monday, 19 December 2011
Friday, 25 November 2011
Glasgow to Vietnam: Inspirational Fundraising for Scottish Autism
Alison Hood from Glasgow, has been fundraising for Scotland’s autism charity, Scottish Autism since 2002, and to date has taken part in 5 overseas events to places as far afield as Malawi, China and Everest’s Base camp in Nepal. Alison also spends many weekends in Glasgow fundraising at supermarkets, shopping centres and venues such as Hamden, Ibrox and Celtic Park. Over the last nine years Alison has raised many thousands of pounds and encouraged and inspired many other colleagues and friends to get involved.
Alison said “I started fundraising for Scottish Autism because my friend’s two children were diagnosed as being on the spectrum. I saw first-hand how the charity helps her and her family and also how desperately Scottish Autism needs funds to support the helpline, advisory and information services they offer.
This November I am off to Vietnam to do a 400 km bike ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia. Next year I am doing a husky trail in Lapland and a cycle challenge in Cuba. The challenges have allowed me to experience cultures in some of the remotest parts of the world, and the challenging physical and mental aspects combined with the satisfaction of raising money for such a worthwhile cause make the experiences second to none. If anyone would like to join me on any of the up and coming adventures please visit Scottish Autism’s fundraising page at www.scottishautism.com”.
To acknowledge and celebrate Alison’s efforts she is being awarded with Honorary Membership of Scottish Autism at their AGM on 29 November 2012 and presented with a gift made by Art Opportunities. Also receiving this award is Elizabeth Neilson, who has been raising funds for Scottish Autism for 18 years by selling their Christmas Cards in Perth Library and organising events at her local golf course. Carolyne Nurse, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Scottish Autism said “Without the remarkable efforts of fundraisers, Scottish Autism’s Support Team would not be able to provide invaluable information and advice to the many hundreds of families and individuals who contact them. We are indebted to Alison and Elizabeth who devote such a lot of time and effort, helping us to enable those living with autism in Scotland through the whole life journey. Between them they have raised over £30,000, and hopefully this award goes some way towards saying thank you.”
For further information go to www.scottishautism.org
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Alison said “I started fundraising for Scottish Autism because my friend’s two children were diagnosed as being on the spectrum. I saw first-hand how the charity helps her and her family and also how desperately Scottish Autism needs funds to support the helpline, advisory and information services they offer.
This November I am off to Vietnam to do a 400 km bike ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia. Next year I am doing a husky trail in Lapland and a cycle challenge in Cuba. The challenges have allowed me to experience cultures in some of the remotest parts of the world, and the challenging physical and mental aspects combined with the satisfaction of raising money for such a worthwhile cause make the experiences second to none. If anyone would like to join me on any of the up and coming adventures please visit Scottish Autism’s fundraising page at www.scottishautism.com”.
To acknowledge and celebrate Alison’s efforts she is being awarded with Honorary Membership of Scottish Autism at their AGM on 29 November 2012 and presented with a gift made by Art Opportunities. Also receiving this award is Elizabeth Neilson, who has been raising funds for Scottish Autism for 18 years by selling their Christmas Cards in Perth Library and organising events at her local golf course. Carolyne Nurse, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Scottish Autism said “Without the remarkable efforts of fundraisers, Scottish Autism’s Support Team would not be able to provide invaluable information and advice to the many hundreds of families and individuals who contact them. We are indebted to Alison and Elizabeth who devote such a lot of time and effort, helping us to enable those living with autism in Scotland through the whole life journey. Between them they have raised over £30,000, and hopefully this award goes some way towards saying thank you.”
For further information go to www.scottishautism.org
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Thursday, 17 November 2011
QR codes
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Scottish Autism Announces Fresh Approach to Charity Partnerships
  Cargo Nightclub, Fountainbridge, Edinburgh Edinburgh’s popular venue, Cargo Nightclub, has chosen Scottish Autism to be its charity partner for 2011/12 to mark the start of its new ownership. Cargo are keen to support Scotland’s autism charity to help raise awareness of autism and are planning all kinds of events at the club. First off is a St Andrews Day Pre-Supper and Quiz on Tuesday 22 November and a Student Night on 23 November. Situated in the heart of the student & corporate district, Cargo Nightclub’s fundraising effort will be supported by a team of students from Napier University as well as its team of staff.
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Monday, 14 November 2011
Sainsbury’s new Biggar Store chooses Clannalba as their charity of the year
We're delighted to announce that staff at Sainsbury’s new store in Biggar has chosen Scottish Autism's Clannalba Respite Centre as its Charity of the Year.
The store’s manager, Craig Kelly, recently visited Clannalba based near Biggar, which is a 'home from home' for children and young adults with autism. On offer are residential short breaks, specialist support, team weekends and opportunities for leisure activities which are often inaccessble for people with autism.
Craig is looking forward to a variety of fundraising events over the next year and will be presenting Scottish Autism with its first donation of £500 at the stroe's opening launch, on Friday 18th November at 9.30 am in Biggar.
Clannalba’s Regional Manager, Adam Brodie said, “We are very grateful to Sainsbury’s staff for supporting us in this way, and helping us to provide a unique autism respite service for children and adults. Clannalba’s holistic approach allows our staff to focus on both the service user and carer. We are able to offer advice to families on specific difficulties and to work on developing certain skills. The support of individuals and companies within our local community such as Sainsbury’s is very important to us.”
Wonderful news, and thanks to Sainsbury's who are great friends to Scottish Autism with their fund-raising support :-)
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The store’s manager, Craig Kelly, recently visited Clannalba based near Biggar, which is a 'home from home' for children and young adults with autism. On offer are residential short breaks, specialist support, team weekends and opportunities for leisure activities which are often inaccessble for people with autism.
Craig is looking forward to a variety of fundraising events over the next year and will be presenting Scottish Autism with its first donation of £500 at the stroe's opening launch, on Friday 18th November at 9.30 am in Biggar.
Clannalba’s Regional Manager, Adam Brodie said, “We are very grateful to Sainsbury’s staff for supporting us in this way, and helping us to provide a unique autism respite service for children and adults. Clannalba’s holistic approach allows our staff to focus on both the service user and carer. We are able to offer advice to families on specific difficulties and to work on developing certain skills. The support of individuals and companies within our local community such as Sainsbury’s is very important to us.”
Wonderful news, and thanks to Sainsbury's who are great friends to Scottish Autism with their fund-raising support :-)
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Thursday, 3 November 2011
Press release...
Here is the press release from Scottish Autism yesterday in response to the launch of the new Government strategy for Autism...
NEW STRATEGY IS A STEP TOWARDS A ‘FULLER LIFE’ FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM
Scottish Autism has welcomed today’s launch of a strategy for autism for Scotland by the Scottish Government saying it is an important step forward in enhancing the lives of those who are affected by the condition.
Today’s unveiling of the national autism strategy by Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson MSP was welcomed by Alan Somerville, Chief Executive of Scottish Autism, a charity which helps those with the condition lead a richer and fuller life.
Mr Somerville said: “As an organisation focused on quality care provision, we believe today’s launch is great news for people with autism and their families. It is an important step towards further enhancing the quality of life of those with the condition, especially as they progress into adulthood, and addressing the inequalities that many currently face in accessing health, education and everyday opportunities.
“The strategy will help us reach a point where people with autism lead fuller, more productive lives with the appropriate standard of required support - which varies across the spectrum of the condition. This approach can ultimately benefit us all - if people with autism are better cared for we can help them maximise their potential and reduce the negative interventions required to deal with those who slip through the net.
“This can ultimately mean, for example, a reduction in the number of people with autism in Scottish prisons, a figure which is currently disproportionately high. It can also lead to better management of healthcare resources with early intervention services to avoid shoring up major health issues in future. Overall, it moves us towards a position where people with autism can access the same level of opportunity for participation and citizenship that others do.
“Of course, we’ve a long way to go until we can put in place a model that delivers for the needs of people with all the differing forms of autism but today’s announcement is a welcome step forward.”
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NEW STRATEGY IS A STEP TOWARDS A ‘FULLER LIFE’ FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM
Scottish Autism has welcomed today’s launch of a strategy for autism for Scotland by the Scottish Government saying it is an important step forward in enhancing the lives of those who are affected by the condition.
Today’s unveiling of the national autism strategy by Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson MSP was welcomed by Alan Somerville, Chief Executive of Scottish Autism, a charity which helps those with the condition lead a richer and fuller life.
Mr Somerville said: “As an organisation focused on quality care provision, we believe today’s launch is great news for people with autism and their families. It is an important step towards further enhancing the quality of life of those with the condition, especially as they progress into adulthood, and addressing the inequalities that many currently face in accessing health, education and everyday opportunities.
“The strategy will help us reach a point where people with autism lead fuller, more productive lives with the appropriate standard of required support - which varies across the spectrum of the condition. This approach can ultimately benefit us all - if people with autism are better cared for we can help them maximise their potential and reduce the negative interventions required to deal with those who slip through the net.
“This can ultimately mean, for example, a reduction in the number of people with autism in Scottish prisons, a figure which is currently disproportionately high. It can also lead to better management of healthcare resources with early intervention services to avoid shoring up major health issues in future. Overall, it moves us towards a position where people with autism can access the same level of opportunity for participation and citizenship that others do.
“Of course, we’ve a long way to go until we can put in place a model that delivers for the needs of people with all the differing forms of autism but today’s announcement is a welcome step forward.”
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A Strategy for Autism in Scotland
Those of you who live in Scotland might have see Scottish Autism Chief Executive Alan Somerville talking from the New Struan School near Alloa about the Scottish Government's new Autism Strategy on the Evening news last night.
There is going to be funding of £13.4 million ( an extra £3.4 million than originally planned) to be spent on, amongst other things, a network of local 'co-ordinators' whose role will be to provide information, support and advice for people with Autism and their families and more drop in centres. A development fund is also being established to provide grants, to which local groups and national organisations can apply.
The strategy which has been launched will be welcomed by charities and the estimated fifty thousand individuals affected by Autism in Scotland. And it is very much needed. A recent survey showed that many people can wait for over two years just to get a diagnosis, and many fail to get the help they need because those who are expected to provide help in local authorities and other organisations are just not fully aware of their needs or don't understand the impact Autism can have on those who are affected or on those around them...
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There is going to be funding of £13.4 million ( an extra £3.4 million than originally planned) to be spent on, amongst other things, a network of local 'co-ordinators' whose role will be to provide information, support and advice for people with Autism and their families and more drop in centres. A development fund is also being established to provide grants, to which local groups and national organisations can apply.
The strategy which has been launched will be welcomed by charities and the estimated fifty thousand individuals affected by Autism in Scotland. And it is very much needed. A recent survey showed that many people can wait for over two years just to get a diagnosis, and many fail to get the help they need because those who are expected to provide help in local authorities and other organisations are just not fully aware of their needs or don't understand the impact Autism can have on those who are affected or on those around them...
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