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What Can Be Done?

Much can be achieved to make life less challenging with appropriateeducation and support. It is crucial that there are services in place tomeet the needs of the half a million people with autism in the UKtoday.

The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity forpeople with autism and their families. Founded in 1962, it continuesto spearhead national and international initiatives and provide astrong voice for all people with autism, offering a wide range ofservices to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome livetheir lives with as much independence as possible.

For more information about autism and for help in your area, callthe Autism Helpline: 0808 800 4104 10am-4pm, Monday toFriday (local rates apply).

The National Autistic Society’s Autism Services Directory is the UK'smost comprehensive directory of services and events for peoplewith autism, visit www.autism.org.uk/autismdirectory to findautism services and support networks in your area.

There are over 500,000 people with autism inthe UK – that's 1 in 100. Together with theirfamilies that's over two million people whoselives are touched by autism every single day.

What is Autism?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how aperson communicates with, and relates to, other people. It alsoaffects how they make sense of the world around them.

It is a spectrum condition, which means that while all people withautism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them indifferent ways. Some people with autism are able to live relativelyindependent lives but others may have accompanying learningdisabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People withautism may also experience over or under-sensitivity to sounds,touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Aspergersyndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. Theyhave fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties withunderstanding and processing language.

What Causes Autism?

The causes of autism are still being investigated. Many expertsbelieve that the pattern of behaviour from which autism isdiagnosed may not result from a single cause. There isstrong evidence to suggest that autism can be caused by avariety of physical factors, all of which affect braindevelopment – it is not due to emotional deprivation or theway a person has been brought up.

There is evidence to suggest that genetic factors areresponsible for some forms of autism. Scientists have beenattempting to identify which genes might be implicated inautism for some years.

Autism is likely to have multiple genes responsible rather than asingle gene. The difficulty of establishing geneinvolvement is compounded by theinteraction of genes and by their interactionwith environmental factors. For thesereasons genetic testing to diagnose a pre-disposition to an autistic spectrum disorder isnot, at present, possible.

Understanding AUTISM

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Whilst Jane Asher is a highlyaccomplished actress andsuccessful cake maker, it isn’twidely known that Jane hasalso been campaigning hardfor autism for 30 years.Today she is the Vice President of Autistica, thelargest UK charity raising funds for researchinto the causes, diagnosis and treatment ofautism. Jane will be speaking on behalf of the

Recipe for a Perfect Lunchcharity at a fabulous lunch being held at one ofBritain’s finest country house hotels,Hambleton Hall in Rutland on Thursday, 17thMay 2012.

“I am extremely proud and honoured to be apart of Autistica” says Jane. “Autism is apotentially devastating and lifelong condition,which at worst can affect everything needed tofunction in the world. We know that the earlierthe diagnosis, then the better the outcome forthe individual affected. It can make all thedifference between a life spent in isolation andfear and a life of dignity and fulfilment. Fundsare needed to ensure that ground breakingresearch continues towards our ultimate goalof managing the symptoms of autism soeffectively that all those affected have the lifethat they deserve.”

Lynn Hart, Head of Events for Autistica says:“Jane is a wonderful speaker and an inspirationto everyone who meets her. We are thrilledthat she has agreed to speak at our very first

fund-raising lunch at Hambleton Hall. It will bea memorable day and one that we are lookingforward to immensely. We are very grateful toTim Hart for his generous hospitality.”

Guests can enjoy a champagne and canapesreception from 11:30am (lunch is at 1:00pm)on the magnificent terrace with views over thelakeside, a delightful 3 course lunch created byMichelin Chef, Aaron Patterson fine wine andgood company. Tickets are £50 per person. Asilent auction will run throughout the day andafter lunch guests can enjoy the stunninggrounds and relax in the luxurioussurroundings of Hambleton Hall.

To find out more details about the lunch and topurchase tickets, please contact Lynn atlynn.hart@autistica.org.uk or ring 01491411569.

Alternatively you can see more details and alsobook tickets at www.autistica.org.uk.

myfamily

UNDERSTANDING AUTISM

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New Head for HillingdonHillingdon Manor School,the largest school in Europefor children with autisticspectrum disorders,proudly welcomes newPrincipal Akinyi Dulo.

Akinyi was previously the deputyprincipal at the school, which firstopened its doors in September1999 and provides specialisteducation for 150 children on theautistic spectrum.

When asked about her newposition, Akinyi commented, "I amin the very fortunate position ofbeing able to say that I love my job.

There are many moments thatmake this job special; when astudent initiates a conversation withyou for the first time or tells youwhat fun they had experiencingsomething new. When you areshown a piece of work that speaksvolumes about the progress made

by an individual, watching thewonder on their faces as theydiscover something new in thesensory garden or the sciencelaboratory; seeing them holdingtheir nerve during formalexaminations; taking the bus totown and just learning to cope withthe numerous anxieties that autismpresents.

My underlying feeling is always oneof pride, and I feel privileged to beworking at Hillingdon ManorSchool."

For information about school admissions, events and open daystelephone 01895 813679 or visit www.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk.

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Autism SpecificEducation in Bromley

A centre of excellence in education and development, BatonHouse School is a day facility for children aged between 5and 16 years, who have been diagnosed with an autismspectrum condition.

We accept referrals from Local Authorities.

Open Daysfor Parents, Carers and Professionals10.45am - 1pm22nd March 201217th May 2012

For admissions and information aboutupcoming events call 020 8462 1010

or visitwww.bastonhouseschool.org.uk

Baton House SchoolBaton Road • HayesBromley • Kent BR2 7AB

MISSION STATEMENT:

“Baton House School will strive to provide effectivespecialist education and support to pupils on the AutismSpectrum and to their families, enabling pupils to achievetheir full potential in education and in life outside school.”

Admissions now being taken for Primary andSecondary School entry

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On Saturday 12th May atthe Mermaid Theatre,London, Anna KennedyOnline will be presentingwith Pineapple Studios‘Autism’s Got Talent’.

This promises to be a great event notonly for those in the audience but alsothose who are coming to join us on thestage. We are bringing together a diversegroup of people who are all on theAutistic Spectrum to show everyone justhow talented they are.

All too often many people in societymake the mistake of thinking thatanyone with a disability is capable ofvery little . . . HOLD THE PRESS . . . onthis evening we will be showingeveryone just what all these great peoplereally are capable of and just how goodthey are at it!!

Talent comes in many forms so, as youwould expect we will be covering manydifferent genres ranging from performerswith instruments to singers and dancers.We have some great performers who willnot only be participating as soloists butalso be coming together to perform in agroup, something we are all too oftentold is too difficult for people withAutism to do!

Talent stretches way beyond the field ofperformance so on the night we will alsobe hearing from, and championing,people that have done other amazingthings, showing great skills in such areasas writing, art and even extreme physicalendurance. There will also be informativedisplays for the audience to view in thefoyer beforehand. Doors will be openingat 6pm so we do encourage people tocome along at that time and takeadvantage of the displays in plenty oftime before the grand performance starts.

This night will surely open the eyes ofthose who previously didn’t realise just

what someone on the Autistic Spectrumcan be capable of, not just a night tocelebrate a small section of people, but acelebration of EVERYONE that is on theSpectrum.

As ever, in a bid to keep reaching out farand wide across our nation, we haveperformers that are coming to us fromright across the country and even acrossthe sea! Especially for My Family readers,here is a sneak preview of some of theextremely talented performers that willbe appearing in the first ever showing ofAutism’s Got Talent . . .

�AlexAlex loves anything that involves music . . .Dancing, singing, pop/boy bands etc. Sheloves to run and enjoys colouring, makingthings and drawing. Her dislikes includetravelling, fairground rides and school.

Alex was nominated for the Take a Breakfamily hero award, where she was one ofthe 2 finalists for the East Midlands region.She has helped to organise a number offundraisers for Heart Link and has beenselected as a runner for Newlands PrimarySchool where she will hopefully go on torepresent the county.

�Emma Nine-year-old Emma loves to sing, dance,act, make up and likes drawing.

Emma didn’t talk much until primary year 1but she did enjoy singing. When she wasfour she won a karaoke comp on holidayand a local radio singing competition whenshe was eight. She entered Britain’s GotTalent in 2011 and got to the last 120. Thatyear she also won the Northern Ireland heatof festival 4 stars and went on to sing atnumerous events across Northern Ireland.

�Nathan When Nathan Pilgrim was younger he usedto watch a lot of videos of music anddancing, particularly of Michael Jackson.People thought this was a kind of obsessiontypical of a child with autism. Since movingto the performing arts section of Sybil ElgarSchool, not only has Nathan learned ballet,tap and modern but learns all his literacyand numeracy through performing arts.

Nathan has danced in Leicester Square, inthe National Autistic Society’s National Dayfor Autism, also at St James's Palace, for theCountess of Wessex and the BBC is due tomake a short film about him.

UNDERSTANDING AUTISM

Autism’s GOT TALENT!

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�Scott Scott James was diagnosed with Asperger'sSyndrome at the age of 13.

He appeared in X Factor in 2009 both toraise awareness about Autism and to dosomething for himself. In 2010 Scottreleased a charity Autism awareness single,'Through My Eyes', which has been playedon TV and radio stations in severalcountries, downloaded and purchasedaround the world, and has been hailed asthe 'anthem for Autism'.

He has helped raise thousands of poundsfor local and national charities includingHelp for Heroes, Cancer Research UK,various Autism support charities and groupsboth in the UK and abroad as well asfundraising to send a young boy withCerebral Palsy to the US for pioneeringtreatment.

�James James Hobley discovered his passion fordancing when he was eight years old, hehas since gone on to win a number ofawards and trophies. His success story wasfilmed as part of the BBC3 documentary‘Autism, Disco and Me’ and in 2011 Jameswowed the nation with his dancing onBritain’s Got Talent.

James features in a unique DVD for youngpeople with autism ‘Step in the RightDirection’, and has worked with AnnaKennedy Online, the NSPCC and Childline.James wants to be a ballet dancer in a bigcompany when he gets older and describesdancing as the beginning of his new life. Avideo about how he overcame bullying tobecome a highly talented performer can beviewed at childline.org.uk/autism.

�Jack At the age of three-and-a-half Jack wasdiagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Hedidn’t respond to strategies such as visualtimetables and further assessmentsreclassified him as having PathologicalDemand Avoidance Syndrome and ADHD.Jack’s love of music and dance was evidentfrom an early age. He began attendingsome street dance classes from the age offive and then developed his own style,based on Michael Jackson's music videoswhich he watches endlessly on You Tube!

�Andreas Andreas Lopez-Munro is 16 years old andattends Hillingdon Manor school. Hisfavourite subjects are Art, Mathematics,Science and Music.

Andreas has been playing the piano forthree years. His interest in music beganwhen a friend who was a grade four pianistintroduced him to the piano. This madeAndreas eager to learn the instrument andhe taught himself how to play the pianoduring break and lunchtimes at school. Hesoon got his own keyboard to play at homeand has since began writing compositionsand developing his improvisation skills.

�Hillingdon ManorThe Autism’s Got Talent audience can lookforward to a performance by pupils fromHillingdon Manor School, the largest schoolfor children with autism in Europe.

The pupils, who feature in the unique danceand exercise DVD for young people withautism ‘Step in the Right Direction’, willbe performing on the stage of the MermaidTheatre alongside Pineapple Dance Studio’sJade Flannagan.

�Martin Martin Finn is 19 years old and lives inAtherton, Wigan. He has severe Autismand is none verbal, but loves to sing; musicis Martin’s passion. He appeared withfellow performer Carly Ryan in the BBC 3documentary 'Autistic Superstars' and isalso an ambassador for Autism Radio UK,the only Autism Radio station in the UK.

UNDERSTANDING AUTISM

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UNDERSTANDING AUTISM

We have a great team puttingthis evening together and therehave even been rumours of a redcarpet and possibly a few well-known faces . . .we could tellyou more but surely it’s better tocome and see for yourselves!

Tickets are £10 but we will obviously helpany concessions where we can. Everyone iswelcome – this will be a very understandingand Autism Aware Audience. We really dowant this to be a mixed audience of thoseon the spectrum and those that aren’t.

Tickets are available now by calling01895 619734 or emaillisa.robins@thevines.org.uk

� � � � � � � �

� � � � � � � �

�Carly From the age of six, Carly Ryan beganperforming in school shows, singing andacting, something which she enjoyedimmensely, and her ability to sing becameevident to all who witnessed her perform.

A member of two choirs, she has appearedin many charitable events. Carly performedin ‘The Spectrum’, a commissioned work bythe composer Andy Whitfield whichexplains the fears, anxieties, difficulties andstruggle that people with autism encounter.She appeared in BBC3’s series ‘AutisticSuperstars’ and performed at the annual‘Genius of Autism’ event at the worldfamous Carnegie Hall, New York. Pitchperfect, Carly comes alive when performing,but she does not like to practice!!

Carly is also an Ambassador for AutismRadio, which she helped to launch in 2010.

�Jake Jake Lynch has Tourette’s syndrome, ocd,adhd, dyspraxia and Asperger syndrome.On the receiving end of some really nastybullying as he went through school . . .there were times when Jake wanted to hideaway from everyone and everything.

The thing that got Jake through these darkdays was his imagination and his ability totell stories. Story writing became an escapefor Jake, who immersed himself in hisfantastic tales of good versus evil.

Jake regularly contributes to online writingforums where he has quite a following. Aself-published author, Jake is planning onbecoming a full time writer and spendsmuch of his time working on his main storyidea ‘The Zirisian Princess and the Shrine ofthe Serpent’.

�Luke Luke Dicker has a talent for talking and hisloud voice is perfect for public speaking.He has always been able to explain hisautism and alternative behaviour, with agreat sense of humour. He adlibs andprepares very little but can happily address2000 people. He is a great mimic who cantalk in any accent and often does, all day!

Luke has been invited to BuckinghamPalace, and has spoken at the House ofLords, House of Commons and at No10. Ata charity auction with speaker John Bercow,he helped raised £209,000 for autism. Lukehas been to the Arctic and this year he isgoing to the Sahara.

�Sam Sam Burton is age 18 and attendsHillingdon Manor School where hisfavourite subjects are Music and Art. Samalso has keen interest in photography.

He started playing the guitar at the age of13 because he wanted to be able to play thetheme song to his favourite TV show,‘Drake and Josh’. Sam has since learned toplay the theme song and can play music bythe ‘Plain White Ts’ and ‘The White Stripes’.He also enjoys writing his owncompositions for both guitar and piano.

�WLCC West London Community College is a well-established Independent Living Skillsprovision for adults with an AutisticSpectrum Condition or Asperger Syndrome. On the evening of Saturday 12th May 2012,the students of West London CommunityCollege will be performing an extract fromtheir very own version ‘The Wizard of Oz’for the Autism’s Got Talent audience.

My Family 10 27/2/12 17:06 Page 62

A Step in the RightDirection for Children &Young People with AutismStep in the Right Direction isa unique dance and exerciseDVD for children and youngpeople with autism, which isdesigned to develop skillssuch as listening, timing, useof imagination, spatialawareness and discipline.

Talentsensation,James Hobleyand a host of famousdance teachers including PineappleDance Studios founder Debbie Moore,Maggie Paterson, Jade Flannagan andAndrew Stone.

Debbie Moore, founder of Pineapple dancestudios commented, “This is a trulywonderful and highly imaginative danceproduction. It is a must-have DVD forparents, carers, mainstream and specialschools, after-school and youth clubs.”

With a recommended retail price of £7.99‘Step in the Right Direction’ is available fromwww.annakennedyonline.com andwww.amazon.co.uk.

Step in the Right Direction’sAutism Dance Day

On Friday April 27th we are organising theStep in the Right Direction AutismDance Day when we are planning to getlarge numbers of special needs andmainstream schools to organise dance eventsto raise funds for Autism. We all know thepositive benefits of dance for those withAutism and this has been demonstrated inthe DVD Step in the right Direction .

So we thought we would take one-stepfurther and ask you to join in a nationwidedance festival to raise funds for Autism. It’seasy to organise – someone brings the musicand the invitees provide the moves – and ifwe all get behind the occasion we think it willreally capture the imagination of childrenwith Autism, their parents, carers, friends andfamily, as well as local press andcommunities.

Anyone can join in whether they are touchedby autism or would simply like to have funand raise money for this great cause – toregister simply visit

www.annakennedyonline.com

famous Pineapple Performing Arts School inLondon. Anna, who herself started dancingat 8 years old, came up with the idea of theDVD after seeing what a positive impactdance had on the pupils of HillingdonManor School.

Step in the Right Direction features pupilsfrom Hillingdon Manor School, Britain’s Got

The DVD helps children with autism connectand interact with each other by goingthrough carefully structured dance andexercise routines.

Every child is different, but experts agreethat early intervention helps withdevelopment, and dance aids children withautism. Research suggests that autisticchildren need multiple types of stimulationto process information. Music and dancehelp the brain to organise itself whilehearing, listening, processing and repetitionhelps children with autism build newlearning pathways.

Anna Kennedy, founder of HillingdonManor School, Middlesex, and Baton HouseSchool, Kent produced ‘Step in the RightDirection’ in association with the world-

JamesHobley

UNDERSTANDING AUTISM

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