ADDRESSES PLEASE!!

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1 The National Autistic Society Greenwich Branch & Autism Support Greenwich Newsletter December ANNOUNCEMENT AUTISM SUPPORT GREENWICH The funding for Autism Support has now come to an end and the project will cease to be very soon, at a date yet to be fixed but sometime after Christmas. Lesley Davis has been the Family Support Worker for the last five years and has given information, advice and support to nearly 700 families in that time. Lesley will continue to provide support to families on a voluntary basis and is trying to negotiate to continue to use some facilities at Wensley Close even though there is now no money to pay. The drop-in meetings listed on the back page are committed to but Lesley will not have a permanent base at Wensley and the telephone number we have had for the last five years may change. Please note the address on which to contact us - nasgreenwich@hotmail.com or Lesley s mobile number ADDRESSES PLEASE!! If you have received this newsletter by post, it means we do not have an address for you. If you let us have your address, it will save us labour, stationery & postage costs, so our limited funds will last longer. We will also be able to send you offers and information in between newsletters for example, we had free tickets for the Batman Live show at the O2 in August and free nappies in September. It has reached the point where we cannot afford our huge postage bill anymore, so please let us have your address if you have one. Just us - nasgreenwich@hotmail.com and then we will have it simple! Text us on to tell us if you don t have and want the newsletter by post. LESLEY DRAKE RACE FOR LIFE Lesley s friends and colleagues, Lesley s Ladies, completed the Race for Life in her memory in July. Here we are with Lesley s husband Vince. (The proximity of the burger bar is purely co-incidental!) Thank you to those families Lesley helped who have sent contributions already in aid of Cancer Research UK. If you would like to send a donation, please make cheques payable to Race for Life and send to Lesley Davis, 3 Wensley Close, London SE9 5AB. The National Autistic Society is a Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No Registered Office: 393 City Road, London EC1V 1NE Registered as a Charity No

2 HELP WITH MANAGING MONEY The NAS has developed two resources to help people on the autistic spectrum learn about managing their money. The website and free workbook are both funded by The Consumer Financial Education Body. Find more information at Are you interested in Yu-Gi-Oh? Or Pokémon? Or perhaps Bakugan? Can you get to West Greenwich? I am a thirteen-year-old boy who is keen to start a local club. We need starting members! If you are interested in joining in please joanne.delap@googl .com COURSES FOR HOME EDUCATED YOUNG PEOPLE Bexley Adult Education are offering courses including GCSE English, English Lit and Maths for home educated young people aged Students must enrol on the taster course which will provide a clearer sense of what can be sense of what can be studied in the college. The course includes an interview to ensure students are placed on the most suitable course. The college cannot accept applications from young people who have been permanently excluded from school. For more information visit The Benefits of Getting Involved with GNAS I am Mum to a teenage son with Asperger Syndrome. I first contacted Greenwich NAS when we were going through tough times at school. I can t describe how good it was to talk with someone who completely understood what I was going through. I always think that no one understands the issues around ASD like another parent in the same situation. Friends can make sympathetic sounds as you cry on their shoulder about the latest crisis but for the most part they do not know how it feels. Jumping every time the phone rings, in case it is the Head Teacher; dreading walking into the playground at the end of the day because you never know what behaviour issues the teacher will have to raise with you; knowing looks from other parents (who actually have no idea what you are going through). The complaining parents who don t like the way your child has behaved towards their child even though when he is at school I am powerless to control how he behaves. Speaking to Lesley was the first time I had chatted to someone who really understood. Since this first contact I have become more involved with the GNAS. It is a great way to meet other parents in similar situations, share experiences and mutual support. Realising you are not the only person dealing with these issues is so helpful. Every month GNAS holds Drop In Coffee Morning/afternoons in Wensley Close where you can meet other parents, chat through problems and maybe get more involved. The next one is on 17 th January 2012 at 10am until 12pm, it would be nice to meet you there. Joanne Delap BRANCH COMMITTEE at the June AGM, Julie Raven became the new Branch Officer and Simon Green was re-elected as Treasurer. Lesley Davis, Joanne Delap, Wendy Francis and Gina Jackson have been co-opted onto the Committee. Everyone will serve until the next AGM.

3 HORSERIDING New Lodge Riding Centre is part of Riding for the Disabled and has funding from Greenwich Council for 2011/12 for free weekly riding lessons for small groups of young people aged up to 25 with a disability. There are also group lessons at weekends for children and young people of all abilities at a cost of 14. During the school holidays, there are field rides and pony mornings where the children can learn more about the care of the ponies. If you would like your child to participate, please contact hilary.crawford@virgin.net or telephone For everyone who voted in the recent Natwest Community awards scheme, you will be pleased to know that New Lodge did very well although the final result will not be released until the end of the month. It is anticipated that they will have secured a grant of 6,000 which will be used towards the cost of replacing fencing and posts all around the paddocks and fields to keep the horses and ponies safe and secure. There has been a lot of press about the possibility of a huge new equestrian centre at Shooters Hill as part of the Olympic legacy which, if it goes ahead despite the tide of public opinion against it, may have the effect of taking business and resources away from New Lodge which has been providing services for disabled riders for more than 20 years. It would be a crying shame if this facility were to be lost or to have to struggle even more. This is a worrying time for Hilary and the level of support through your votes has been a big boost for her. On her behalf, thank you all. ABILITY COUNTS - FOOTBALL Football coaching for children/young people with special needs is available at Crook Log Leisure Centre, Danson Road in Welling during term time on Mondays pm (12-16 year olds); Wednesdays pm (5-7 yr olds) and pm (8-11 yr olds). Cost is 1 per session. Each coaching session finishes with a small sided game and at the end of the programme, each player gets a Charlton goodie bag and a players report. No need to book, just turn up. TRAMPOLINING Falcon Spartak Gym Club meets on Thursdays, from pm term-time and holidays at Hurstmere Boys School in Sidcup. Membership is a mixture of children and young people of all abilities, and about 50% have special needs. The head coach, Kay Salter, is keen to welcome our children. Charges are 60 per quarter for 13 2-hour sessions (or you can pay by the session) plus an annual 18 for British Gymnastics insurance. For a place, contact Kay on or RADAR KEYS TO DISABLED TOILETS There are around 4,000 accessible toilets around the country which are kept locked to prevent vandalism etc and you need a key in order to use them. These are available from RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation), 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London EC1V 8AF Keys can also be obtained locally from Greenwich Association for Disabled People (GAD), Ground Floor, The Forum, Trafalgar Road, Greenwich SE10 9EQ. Call Alan Kerr on to arrange to collect a key. Keys cost 3 for disabled people on declaration of disability.

4 AUTISM FRIENDLY SCREENINGS Greenwich Picturehouse, 180 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich SE10 8NN provides screenings during every school holiday which are specially for people with autism and their family, friends and carers. During autismfriendly screenings the soundtrack is turned down a little and low lights are left on in the auditorium. If anyone moves around, makes a noise or takes a break during the film, that s no problem at all! Book tickets on Wheelchair users MUST book in advance. Tickets cost 3 for everyone (No concessions or free carers tickets) - 4 when the film is 3D. For regular information or s about future screening dates during holidays and half term breaks, contact Elinor Walpole on or elinor.w@picturehouses.co.uk BOYS BRIGADE Dennis Hawkes, himself father to two sons on the autistic spectrum, and his daughters run a Boys Brigade group which welcomes children with ASD. The group meets weekly at Plumstead Central Baptist Church. If you would like further details, please ring Dennis on LABAN DANCE ABILITY JUNIORS On Wednesdays pm term time, a fun movement & play class for disabled children aged 5-11 and their friends/family/siblings. The classes are led by an experienced Laban dance practitioner accompanied by a live musician in a purpose built fully accessible building in Deptford. For more information call Louise on or l.jardine@laban.org. CHEWELRY Does your child like to chew dummies, clothes, pens etc? Chewelry is a pendant that functions as a chewable, wearable sensory tool for children and young people, male and female. It is a discreet and age-appropriate alternative to traditional oral motor and fidget toys help your child be him/herself anywhere, anytime. Information from FREE PHONE NUMBERS FOR NAS HELPLINES Education Rights Service Autism Helpline (inc Welfare Rights Service & Community Care Service) Calls to these helplines are free from landlines and most mobiles 3; O2; Orange; T-mobile; Virgin and Vodaphone. NAS COMMUNITY CARE SERVICE Kiran Rehal is the new Community Care Case Worker on the NAS Autism Helpline. She can help with anything relating to Social Services eg respite, care plans, getting help from social services, complaints, direct payments, disabled facilities grants etc. Ring FROM CHILD TO ADULT a guide to disability, transition and family finance Working Families has published a new guide to family finances when your child becomes an adult. It has sections for parents and young people with information on benefits and tax credits, and how your rights at work change when you are no longer the parent of a disabled child but the carer of an adult. Available to download from

5 STAGE RIGHT Is a performing arts project for children and young people with special needs aged 8 to 18. The project has expanded and is now providing opportunities for music, dance and drama on Thursdays from pm during term time at Charlton School. For further information or to register, contact Greenwich Academy of Music and Drama on or info@gamd.org.uk SWIMMING CLUB Based at Charlton School, swimming club has been running since 2002 to provide swimming lessons for children with ASD and their siblings. Sessions take place during term time on Wednesdays from 5pm. There are six classes for beginners to swimmers. There is a waiting list but it is currently quite short. The cost is equivalent to 3 per week and payable a half term in advance. For more information contact Lesley Davis on or INVESTING IN BRIGHTER FUTURES This support programme is available to adults and families from the banking community whose lives are affected by autism. If you work in the financial sector or have in the past you can apply. All applicants receive free NAS life membership, worth 300, and may be eligible to receive a tailored support package, including a possible 100-worth of NAS publications. For more information call Kelly Brito on or visit BEFRIENDING Many individuals with ASDs are skilled with IT, and prefer to communicate through the written word rather than face-to-face conversation. befriending accommodates this, and is available via the NAS, aiming to reduce social isolation, broaden the range of social experiences open to individuals, and to build supportive relationships. For more information contact alan.bicknell@nas.org.uk or visit DADS AT PLAY A new 20-page booklet The Essential Toolkit for Greenwich Dads aimed at dads and male carers has been published by Greenwich council, listing a wide range of services for local dads. It provides information about the activities specifically run for dads and their under fives. The brochure is available from Children s Centres, local libraries, and the Eltham and Riverside Centres. You can also call Marc James on , dads@greenwich.gov.uk or visit THE BEAUTIFUL OCTOPUS CLUB is for young people and adults with learning disabilities plus their families and friends. They have DJs, VJs and artists in a fun and friendly atmosphere. The club takes place in the Clore Ballroom in the Festival Hall on the South Bank. Next date is Friday 2 December from 7pm until midnight and entry is FREE! It is organised by Heart n Soul who run the Squidz Club at Deptford Albany. For more information call or visit LOCAL GOVERNMENT OMBUDSMAN can investigate complaints that a council failed to deal properly with a child s SEN, including delays in assessing a child or issuing a statement; failing to implement a statement or carry out an annual review. The Ombudsman cannot investigate when the matter can be appealed through the Tribunal process. Factsheets and further information on or telephone

6 BRIDGING THE GAP SOUTH EAST This organisation is run by parents for families who have an adult with an autistic spectrum disorder and/or challenging behaviour who live or work in the boroughs of Bexley, Greenwich and surrounding areas. They meet on second Monday every month at Emmanuel Church, Yarnton Way, Thamesmead DA18 4DR and often have speakers on ASD relevant topics. They have a social club for adults on the autistic spectrum which meets from 8pm-10pm on the last Wednesday of each month (except August) at The Carlton Centre, Carlton Road, Sidcup DA14 6AH. Family members, friends and carers are also welcome. The club is informal and there is table tennis, pool, Bowling (on the Wii) and darts. Girls may also like a nail shape and paint. Refreshments are available and there is always a quiz and music. For further information, contact Deirdre or Denise on or or visit Contact address PO Box 166, Sidcup DA14 4WD DISABLED STUDENTS ALLOWANCE DSAs are available to full and part time students of all ages to help pay for anything that would aid studying, such as equipment and transport. A diagnostic assessment is mandatory to prove eligibility. Students are encouraged to make applications early to avoid delays when starting courses. Apply online at finance or request further information by contacting communitycare@nas.org.uk. Please note that DSAs are not repayable. BULLYING WORKSHOPS Kidscape offer workshops for children who are being bullied at school. Most of the workshops are held in London and they are free. Parents can book their child on a course by contacting Kidscape. A high percentage of participants are on the autistic spectrum. More information on zap/index.asp PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities has just published a new workbook My kind of future for young people with learning disabilities. Its aim is to help them prepare for leaving school or college and covers what they would like to do, keeping in touch with friends and managing money. It has a section on planning your own support. Order or download from REMPLOY If you have a disability or health condition and want to start or return to work, Remploy can help you make the most of your ability. They have a range of employment services to help you get the job which is right for you. or CINEMA EXHIBITORS ASSOCIATION CARD This card entitles the holder (who must be in receipt of DLA or registered blind) to a free ticket for someone accompanying them to the cinema. Application forms available on the CEA website or from Lesley Davis on or NETBUDDY This is a website which has tips for parents of children with additional needs on everything from teeth brushing to challenging behaviour. Visit

7 FAMILY FUND Helps families caring for a disabled child under the age of 18. They offer grants for a variety of things from washing machines, family breaks and computers. There is no longer an income limit but you must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit Income Support, income based Job Seekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit or Tax Credits. For more information, contact or visit SOMETHING SPECIAL Broadcast for children on BBC2 and Cbeebies, the Something Special programmes use Makaton symbols and signs as well as rhymes and songs to help encourage communication and develop language. Information on screening times and the DVDs which are also available, visit OSTEOPATHY The Osteopathic Centre for Children, 22a Point Pleasant, Wandsworth SW18 1GG aims to make paediatric osteopathy available to all children. Families who would not otherwise be able to afford the treatment are asked to make a donation but no-one is refused treatment if they cannot afford to pay. Visit or call DLA In these hard times, it is probably no surprise that claiming Disability Living Allowance appears to have become more difficult. It is very difficult for parents to do their claim on their own. Help is available from Lesley Davis. Ring or text or nasgreenwich@hotmail.com for an appointment IPSEA new SEN resources IPSEA has produced 40 new online resources to help parents take action with common SEN issues. Academies are becoming a hot issue. David Wolfe (leading education Barrister and Legal Adviser to IPSEA) has launched a blog that answers frequently asked questions. IPSEA is surveying parents whose children attend an Academy. Please participate if your child attends an Academy. Further details and links to all the above available at SUPPORT FOR CHALLENGING BEHAVIOUR The Challenging Behaviour Foundation has produced three new At a glance guides for family carers supporting people whose behaviour is described as challenging. The guides have been developed in collaboration with the Social Care Institute for Excellence and help family carers to understand what good support and services look like; to work in partnership with staff who are involved with the family; find information on what to do and who to contact if the family s needs are not being met. Download the guides from or GREENWICH PARENT VOICE has produced an information book for parents of children with disabilities. There are copies at Wensley Close, otherwise, visit their website

8 CHILD MENTAL HEALTH SURVEY 2010 Thank you to all parents who completed questionnaires last year. There were 54 responses. The results will be discussed at the Joint Commissioning Group for CAMHS and will help to improve mental health services for children and young people with ASD in Greenwich. Respondent families reported a range of difficulties - anxiety, behaviour, depression, eating disorders, ADHD. Some families said they had experienced crises and found it difficult to get help; others reported that they had received support for the whole family and the CAMHS staff were able to understand and communicate with their ASD child/ren. If you would like further information call Julie Raven or julie316r@hotmail.co.uk. The NAS did a national survey on mental health last year. The report is available to download on CAMPAIGNS Julie Raven asked parents on our list for their priority issues in Greenwich they thought we should campaign on. Thank you to the many parents who responded. More than any other, parents chose as a priority support in school and/or difficulties in getting a statutory assessment or a statement. Others were transition to adulthood; challenging behaviour; lack of information; housing. PARENTS DROP-IN MEETINGS FOR 2012 Drop-in Bungalow 4, Wensley Close, Eltham SE9 5AB see the Family Support Worker or have coffee, chat and browse the library NB THERE IS NO DAYTIME PARKING AT WENSLEY CLOSE Friday 9 December pm Tuesday 17 January am-12pm Wed 22 February pm-2.30pm Thursday 22 March am-12pm Friday 20 April pm-2.30pm Tuesday 29 May pm-2.30pm Wednesday 27 June am 12pm Thursday 19 July pm-2.30pm Friday 28 September am-12pm Tuesday 23 October am 12pm Wed 21 November pm 2.30pm Thurs 13 December am 12pm Drop-in Bungalow 3, Wensley Close, Eltham SE9 5AB Evening drop-in meetings Monday 19 March pm 9.30pm Tuesday 19 June pm 9.30pm Thurs 27 September pm Monday 10 December pm Disclaimer: Please note that the views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of The National Autistic Society (NAS). In the interests of providing the widest range of information we may include details of some of the many approaches to autistic spectrum disorders now available. This does not imply NAS endorsement of any particular approach or product. The inclusion of a featured website does not necessarily imply that the NAS endorses or supports the groups or individuals running

9 Disclaimer: Please note that the views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of The National Autistic Society (NAS). In the interests of providing the widest range of information we may include details of some of the many approaches to autistic spectrum disorders now available. This does not imply NAS endorsement of any particular approach or product. The inclusion of a featured website does not necessarily imply that the NAS endorses or supports the groups or individuals running

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