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Welcome to the December/January issue of Surrey News

If you are about to embark on doing some (or even all) of your Christmas shopping online, please consider joining easyfundraising.org and raising money for the Branch – without it costing you a penny! Just sign up at the web site, http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/nassurrey, then, whenever you buy anything online such as Christmas presents, groceries, clothes, books, train tickets, hotel rooms, etc from companies like Amazon, John Lewis, eBay – and thousands more – you will raise a free donation for NAS Surrey Branch. Just remember to go to easyfundraising.org first every time before you start your shopping. If real shopping is more your thing, please can you spare an hour or two to help at our collections at Squires Garden Centre in Cobham, every weekend between now and Christmas. We still need extra volunteers in addition to the kind folk who have already offered to help. Don’t forget there is a guide to a stress-free Christmas on the NAS web site http://bit.ly/120dIsi . If you have some tips that you have found have made Christmas better for anyone on the spectrum in your family, please do share them on our online forum. Wishing you a Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.

Emma Emma Whitfield Branch Officer (volunteer)

NAS Surrey Branch Tel: 07423 435 413

Email: emma@mugsy.org Web site:www.mugsy.org

Twitter: @NASSurreyBranch Donations: www.justgiving.com/nassurreybranch

• Indoor Climbing in Walton - page 3

• Dads’ group (after) Christmas get-together – page 3

• A round-up of relaxed panto performances – page 3

• Meeting Report – Michael Barton “And now for something completely different..” - page 5

NAS Surrey Branch talks – page 4 • Guildford Thurs 22nd

January – Surrey Parent Partnership (NB NEW VENUE)

• Redhil l 12th February

– Mark Brown on supporting teens with ASDs and teenage siblings

• News and information

for adults with ASDs – pages 6 & 7

Issue 84 December 2014/January 2015

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NAS Surrey Branch Contacts Branch off icer: Emma Whitfield 07423 435413 emma@mugsy.org Treasurer: Haywood Drake 01483 457646 bobdrake357@btinternet.com Information off icer/web site: John Muggleton 01483 872683 john@mugsy.org Branch Membership: Nancy Rowell 01252 514708 membership@mugsy.org Events: Sarah Mead 01483 454245 sarah_mead@hotmail.co.uk Emma Searle 07816 127630. ephillpotts@gmail.com Deputy Branch Off icer / Adults: Sara Truman 01483 822630 nas@mugsy.org Branch l ibraries: West: Haywood Drake 01483 457646 bobdrake357@btinternet.com East: Jenny Lawson 01342 314801 jenny.lawson73@gmail.com North Surrey Eileen Bruce 01932 225379 evbruce@hotmail.co.uk South East Surrey: Helen Trenaman 01737 360069 trenamans@talktalk.net Parents of Gir ls ' Group Rachel Pearson 01483 727378 racheldpearson@gmail.com Fathers' Group: Martin Trenaman 01737 360069 trenamans@talktalk.net Parents of Adults’ Group Hilary Dyce 01276 66032 hilarydyce@yahoo.co.uk Fundraising Sarah Mason 07973 379131 slmason78@gmail.com

Other Useful Contacts Unless stated, organisations not endorsed by the NAS Surrey Branch or the NAS NAS web site: www.autism.org.uk. For personalised information go to www.autism.org.uk/signpost.aspx NAS Helpl ine: Tel: 0808 800 4104 (10am – 4pm), or email autismhelpline@nas.org.uk (replies within14 working days) NAS national membership: 020 7903 3563. Email membership@nas.org.uk Education Support NAS Education Rights: 0808 800 4102 Surrey Parent Partnership: 01737 737300 http://www.surreyparentpartnership.org.uk/ SOS!SEN charity to support statementing, tel: 020 8538 3731, Web: www.sossen.org.uk Family Support & Representation NAS Family Support worker - for families with at least one child in mainstream education Tessa.emery@nas.org.uk, tel: 07436 261163. NAS Parent-to-Parent l ine 0808 800 4106 Portage – support for children with additional needs under 3.5 years 0300 200 1004 Family Voice Surrey www.familyvoicesurrey.org Activi t ies for chi ldren and young people NAS Resource Centre, Godalming Tel: 01483 521743 SEResourceCentres@nas.org.uk interAKtive, Epsom-based charity for children with ASDs and other communication difficulties 07876 762178, www.interaktive.org.uk SID (Social Information on Disabil i ty) useful information site www.asksid.org.uk/fab Local parent support / c lasses Redhil l CAMHS group for parents of children with ASDs, tel: 01737-287002 Early Bird (under 5) / Early Bird plus (5-8yrs) developed by NAS, delivered by trained staff from Surrey CC. Tel: 0300 200 1004 Adult Services Surrey Adult social svcs: 0300 200 1005 NAS Surrey Service Tel: 01483 861600, email: surrey.service@nas.org.uk Employment Support Employabil i ty for people with learning disabilities/ASDs tel: 01483-519690, email: employability@surreychoices.com Benefits advice Carers Support http://www.carers.org/carers-services/find-your-local-service NAS Tips page – via autism.org.uk Cerebra DLA guide: 0800 328 1159

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About the NAS Surrey Branch The Surrey Branch of the NAS is a volunteer-run parent-to-parent support group for families in Surrey affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. It’s FREE to join (although a small donation is appreciated) and we have around 1,400 members. The branch holds regular meetings to which non-members are also welcome. It also organises social events, local coffee mornings and special interest groups, and represents parents in meetings with health, education and social services. We host an active Yahoo! online forum, and produce this newsletter every two months. To join, email emma@mugsy.org for a membership form or go to www.mugsy.org/membership. If you are a member of the NAS at national level, you can nominate us as your branch by emailing membership@nas.org.uk, which means we receive a percentage of your annual subscription. We’re part of The National Autist ic Society, a national charity founded by parents in 1962 which runs a wide range of services such as schools, clubs and adult centres. It has over 20,000 members, 100 branches and works in partnership with more than 50 local autism societies. The NAS exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with autistic spectrum disorders and to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs. National Autist ic Society, 393 City Rd, London EC1V 1NG www.autism.org.uk . The National Autist ic Society is a registered charity, number 269425. Company l imited by guarantee number 1205298. The views expressed in Surrey News are not necessarily those of the National Autistic Society, and reference to specific services or approaches to autism does not imply endorsement. All material is copyright Surrey NAS and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Indoor rock climbing We are once again running two indoor climbing sessions for children and young people with ASDs and their siblings aged 6 - 16 at High Sports cl imbing, Xcel Leisure Centre in Walton-on-Thames. The one-hour sessions are at 2pm and 3pm on Sunday 22nd February. Each session caters for up to 10 youngsters, who will learn how to put on a climbing harness safely and be introduced to the basics of rock-climbing. Siblings are also very welcome. Places are available for a suggested donation of £7.50 per child (subsidized rate). BOOKING ESSSENTIAL - please complete the enclosed application form. For more details contact Emma Whitfield. emma@mugsy.org tel: 07423 435 413.

Dads’ Group The NAS Surrey Branch Dads’ Group “Christmas meal” will be taking place on Friday 16 January 2016. The group provides an opportunity for fathers of children and adults with ASDs to get together socially a few times a year, usually in each other’s homes on a Friday evening. It is a chance to find out from each other what works and what doesn’t, to share contacts, and to support one another. It is also an enjoyable evening out with good food, and the odd drink with others in a similar situation. To join the group, contact Martin Trenaman on 01737 360069 or email trenamans@talktalk.net

Relaxed Pantos There is a good choice of autism-friendly ‘relaxed’ plays in Surrey this Christmas: 12th Dec - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford. Tel: 01483 44 00 00 http://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/ 13th Dec – Peter Pan at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon. http://www.polkatheatre.com. 18th Dec – Aladdin at the Secombe Theatre in Sutton. Tel: 20 8770 6990 www.suttontheatres.co.uk 3rd January 2015 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Old Woking. Tel: 07711 322 512 http://www.pepperjellyproductions.co.uk/

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Forthcoming Talks & meetings Our meetings start with coffee at 7.45pm and the talks begin at 8.00pm, last ing around one and a half hours including Q&As. There is no charge to attend, but we welcome a small donation -meetings are open to non-members. Please contact Emma Whitf ie ld i f you are planning to come along to give us an idea of numbers emma@mugsy.org . Thurs 22nd January GUILDFORD **NB CHANGE OF VENUE** The Guildford Institute , Ward Street, Guildford GU1 4LH http://tinyurl.com/ln55yvg Trish Francis and Helen Fox from Surrey Parent Partnership will explain the changes that have been implemented following new legislation and Code of Practice. They will outline SEN support in schools, the new EHC needs assessments and plans, parents and young peoples' rights, together with a brief update on Surrey's Local Offer, Personal Budgets, Health and Social Care roles in the new EHC Plans.

PLEASE SUBMIT QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE by emailing emma@mugsy.org by 2nd January 2015. Please be aware that the team from SPP will not be able to discuss individual cases at this event, but if you have outstanding issues, they will answer by email.

Thurs 12th February REDHILL St Joseph’s Church, 122 Ladbroke Road, Redhil l RH1 1JX For map, see page 11 or go to http://tinyurl.com/o4st4nx Mark Brown from Special Help 4 Special Needs The onset of teenage years is a rollercoaster of emotions and needs for all involved, but add autism into the mix and this ride becomes far from plain sailing. This is not just for the individual with autism, but also teenage

siblings who are having to contend with their own issues of fitting in whilst ‘coping’ with the extra struggle of a sibling with autism. As such, there is a need for both sets of teenagers to have their own individual support in looking at this situation. Mark Brown will use his extensive experience of working with families that include a teen on the spectrum to help start that journey for the teenagers and their families

******************* Thank Yous We have once again been lucky enough to receive some very kind donations recently. Our thanks go to: Mr & Mrs Eldridge for a donation of £499.91 raised from a family birthday. Sarah Mason and the staff at Sainsbury’s in Dorking for running a Halloween cake sale. The total raised since we were selected as their charity of the year is now over £1,000! Hinchley Wood Primary School for donating £562 raised at their Harvest Festival in October. Amba, a pupil at St Joseph’s Special ist School and College in Cranleigh who raised £112.50 through a cake sale at school.  A local writer has offered to donate takings from sales of her self-published novel to the Branch. A Constant Feeling of Not Knowing, written under the pen name Sofia Lake, is a psychological study of how a young girl copes with the challenges of her childhood and adolescence, overcoming the difficulties she faces with Asperger's syndrome. You can order copies from www.amazon.co.uk or www.barnesandnoble.com. Please remember to order through easygiving.com if you can (see p1).

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Meeting Report Woking Branch 13th November And now for something completely different… Michael Barton, author of It’s Raining Cats and Dogs and A Different Kettle of Fish. Michale Barton is a recent physics graduate who has high functioning autism and gave us an entertaining personal account of living with autism. He explained that as a scientist with insight into the autistic and the neurotypical worlds he aims to build bridges between the two. He quoted Tony Attwood’s remark that people don’t suffer from autism, they suffer from the ignorance of others. Michael believes that once we realise that people on the spectrum are just different, we can relax and see their strengths. He stressed that what matters is how autistic traits affect people, rather than the label itself and added that rather than autism being a ‘disorder’, people with ASDs tend to be very logical, so perhaps we should think of other people who are disordered! He quoted Simon Baron-Cohen’s analogy that it is like being left-handed in a world designed for right-handed people, or like living in a foreign country. We need greater understanding if we are to recognise the positive contribution that people with autistic traits can make. Michael believes that special interests, attention to detail and a strong ability to focus are positive traits as they can help the autistic person make friends, improve their confidence and social skills and even achieve great things like Einstein, Alan Turing or Bill Gates.

Michael described how university was good for him as he met like-minded people and joined clubs to pursue his interests in music, judo and rock climbing – all of which helped improve his social skills. He also benefitted from the special induction programme and learning support offered by The University

of Surrey for students with additional needs. His advice for families is to focus on the autistic person’s strengths and give lots of positive reinforcement. Having a routine, joining clubs related to special interests, allowing more time to process things and encouraging physical activity can all help people with ASD feel more comfortable and aid communication. Michael ended with a reflection on genetics: since autistic brains are built to be good at science, and more females are becoming scientists and meeting the males, perhaps autistic people will one day become the majority and we will be diagnosing neurotypical people! He finished with a demonstration of one of his interests - playing the spoons – at which he is extremely skilled.

************* Tony Attwood in Reading Berkshire Autistic Society is hosting a Conference with Tony Attwood at Reading Town Hall on Weds 7th and Thurs 8th January 2015 from 9.30am to 4.30pm. The event is suitable for both parents and professionals. Tickets are from £71 for low waged/ unwaged, £150 for parents and £240 for professionals. This includes all refreshments as well as copies of Professor Attwood's slides. For more information, contact Berkshire Autistic Society on 01189 594 594, email contact@autismberkshire.org.uk Or see their website: http://www.autismberkshire.org.uk/ Celebrating Carers Event Celebrating Carers is an event for carers of all ages who care for somebody with a mental illness or a learning disability and the person they care for on Tuesday 9 December from 1.30 – 4.00pm at Princes Hall, Princes Way, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 1NX. It is designed to offer carers a chance to meet with community carer services across Surrey and Hampshire. To book call 01372 216 158 or email engage@sabp.nhs.uk

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News for Adults Supported Internship Project in Surrey The EmployAbility supported employment service in Surrey, working with the NAS Surrey Branch, has received funding through the Department of Health for a supported internship pilot project for adults with ASDs. The project, called Employment Works for Autism, will support 12 individuals who want to work but need help to get into employment. After a short work skills course, the individuals will be given the opportunity to apply for part-time unpaid internships (work experience) in roles suited to their individual interests and abilities. Employment support workers will assist the individuals as required throughout the project, and travel costs or other reasonable expenses will be paid. The aim is for the individuals to do two 10 week internships (unless it is considered better for someone to just do one). Through these internships it is hoped that the participants will gain skills and confidence which will help them succeed in finding paid employment (or voluntary work if more appropriate). Towards the end of their time on the project, the interns will have access to a job club to assist them in looking for ongoing work. Applicat ions for places on the Employment Works for Autism project are now invited. There are only 12 places available, and it is expected to be oversubscribed, so not all applicants will be offered a place. Priority will be given to those who are not eligible for other supported employment schemes such as those funded by social services, and applicants will need to be committed to finding work. Applications should be received by 3rd December. For more information and application forms, email christina.earl@surreychoices.com

ASPire forthcoming dates The NAS Aspire social group for over-18s meets in Godalming on alternate Thursdays from 18.00 to 21.00. Meetings run up until December 11th and re-start in January 2015 – contact Howard Childs for details 078 999 355 18, email: howard.childs@nas.org.uk. Learning Disability Services Assessment The government has asked all local authorities to assess how well their services for adults with learning disabilities (LDs) are working, and people who use the services are being asked to give their views. Surrey County Council has produced an Easy Read questionnaire for people with LDs asking questions about issues such as health services, care and support, housing, transport, daytime activities and employment. The questionnaire can be completed online or printed off and completed by hand, with the help of family members or carers where needed. For more information, and to see the questionnaire, go to: http://www.surreypb.org.uk/Our_current_work.html or call Mary Hendrick on 01483 517953 for a printed copy. Parents of Adults groups The Branch has two groups for anyone who has a son or daughter on the autistic spectrum who is 18 or over. They meet for an evening meal once a month in West Surrey, rotating between Guildford, Weybridge, Camberley and Farnham, and every 3 months in Reigate for those in East Surrey.  Are there people out there who would like to meet up with others in similar situations, but would rather not have a meal? We would love to hear from you and find out your preferences: perhaps meeting for a drink in the evening or a coffee in the daytime would suit you better?  If so, please email Sara Truman nas@mugsy.org or Hilary Dyce hilarydyce@yahoo.co.uk

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Important consultation on Draft Statutory Guidance on the revised Adult Autism Strategy Earlier in the year the government published the revised Adult Autism Strategy, “Think Autism”, which updated the “Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives” adult autism strategy which was first produced in 2010. They have now published the draft Statutory Guidance that is designed to accompany the revised strategy. Statutory Guidance tells local authorities and health bodies what they must do to implement the government’s strategy. The draft version is out for consultation, so this gives us all another chance to influence how adults with ASDs are supported. A link to the consultation document is given below. There are several welcome changes in the new draft guidance, for instance, it includes a chapter on “Preventative support and safeguarding”, which requires local authorities to provide services such as befriending or social groups for people with ASD who do not meet eligibility criteria for traditional social services. On the other hand, although local authorities are required to include employment support needs in their autism planning, the guidance does not require them to provide employment support services. Also it often says authorities “should seek to” do something instead of saying they must. You can send your comments direct to the Dept of Health, by Friday 19th December. This can either be done in an email to autism@dh.gsi.gov.uk or by completing an Answers booklet downloadable from: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/adult-autism-strategy-guidance-update This page includes the draft Statutory Guidance and the Answers booklet, in several different versions including Easy Read. The main document may seem long, at 57 pages, but the important bit is from page 11 to 47, and if you prefer you

can just comment on the topics which are particularly important to you, rather than all nine topics. Alternatively you can look at the Easy Read version, which is much quicker to read though doesn’t have all the detail of the main version.

The Statutory Guidance covers the following topics: - Training of staff - Diagnosis and assessment - Transition planning (from children’s

to adults’ services) - Planning of services and local

leadership - Preventative support and

Safeguarding - Reasonable adjustments - Adults with complex needs - Employment - Criminal justice system

If you would like any more information about the consultation, please contact Sara Truman on nas@mugsy.org.

************ Resource for people looking for work The South East Employment Network (SEEN) is a large group of people guiding jobseekers with additional needs on their journeys to find and keep paid employment. SEEN is completely free to join and offers fortnightly bulletins about the latest news and opportunities in the sector. Within the site’s regional information section, there is a plethora of resources including details of training courses, funding news, job vacancies, sector news, a message board and regional events. There is also a local info section, including one for Surrey: http://www.theseen.uk.net/surrey/intro-work-support-orgs.php

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NAS Surrey Branch Calendar Dec 2014 – Feb 2015 Our local support group meetings, talks and activities are a great place to meet other people - please always phone/email ahead of time to make sure it’s still on before you go. For up to date news and events, do join our online forum at http://www.mugsy.org/contact.htm#Form

December Weds 3rd 7.30pm Weybridge PARENTS OF ADULTS GROUP Hilary Dyce 01276 66032 hilarydyce@yahoo.co.uk Fri 5 th 10.00am Guildford SUPPORT GROUP Sara Truman 01483 822630 nas@mugsy.org Sunday 14th Woking Children’s Christmas Party BOOKING ESSENTIAL – for availability contact Sarah Mead Sarah_mead@hotmail.co.uk Wed 17th 10.00am Dorking SUPPORT GROUP Sarah Mason 07973 379131 slmason78@gmail.com

January 2015 Thurs 8th 7.30pm Farnham PARENTS OF ADULTS GROUP Sara Truman 01483 822630 nas@mugsy.org Friday 9th 10.00am Guildford SUPPORT GROUP Sara Truman 01483 822630 nas@mugsy.org Thurs 15th 9.15am Chertsey SUPPORT GROUP Emma Whitfield 07423 435413 emma@mugsy.org Thurs 15th 10.00am Woking PARENTS OF GIRLS GROUP Rachel Pearson 01483 727378 racheldpearson@gmail.com Monday 19th 9.15am Frensham SUPPORT GROUP Christine Malik 07941 121395 christinemalik@btinternet.com Weds 21st 10am Walton-on-Thames SUPPORT GROUP Tessa Patel 01932 886578

January 2015 /cont’d Thurs 22nd 7.45 for 8.00pm Guildford

NB CHANGE OF VENUE – see p4 Talk on SEN changes by Surrey

Parent Partnership Emma Whitfield

emma@mugsy.org 07423 435413 Weds 28th 10.00am Redhil l SUPPORT GROUP Helen Ruffhead 01737 212043 h.ruffhead@ntlworld.com Thursday 29th 7.30pm Reigate PARENTS OF ADULTS GROUP Sara Truman 01483 822630 nas@mugsy.org Friday 30th 10.00am Cranleigh LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Lucy Tosh 07968 948513 lucy@lucytosh.co.uk

February 2015 Weds 4th 7.30pm Camberley PARENTS OF ADULTS GROUP Hilary Dyce 01276 66032 hilarydyce@yahoo.co.uk Friday 6th 10.00am Guildford SUPPORT GROUP Sara Truman 01483 822630 nas@mugsy.org Monday 9th 9.15am Frensham SUPPORT GROUP Christine Malik 07941 121395 christinemalik@btinternet.com

Thurs 12th 7.45 for 8.00pm Redhill Talk by Mark Brown, Special Help 4 Special Needs on support ing teens

with ASD and teenage sibl ings Emma Whitfield

emma@mugsy.org 07423 435413 Sun 22nd 2pm / 3pm Walton-on-Thames

Indoor cl imbing activity BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Emma Whitfield emma@mugsy.org 07423 435413