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Craegmoor presents

A classical concert in celebration of World Autism Day

Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Friday 1st April 20117.30 – 10 pm

Tickets cost £10 and are available direct from Huntingdon Hall’s box office on 01905 611 427

All proceeds will go to Autism WestMidlands and the Hand in Handcommunity inGhana

A4 Charity poster_Af Autism Poster 01/02/2011 16:08 Page 1

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UPDATE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Spring is a time for a fresh approach to the year ahead, and this year we have a fresh look for our magazine and for our website.

We also have our brightly-decorated minibus

travelling round the West Midlands for our carers’

roadshow – I hope that some of you will have seen

it and visited it.

Separately, our work responding to

Birmingham City Council’s Vision for Adult Social

Care has brought us a mention in the local Press and

a visit to Poplars from the Shadow Health Secretary,

John Healey, on 3rd February.  John spent more

than an hour meeting parents (from Poplars and

from Oak"eld House) and staff and residents. He

listened carefully to people’s views, and had a good

understanding of the issues. Stephen McCabe, the

local MP, was also there and has written to us since

the meeting to express his appreciation.

We are part of a working group of clinicians and

academics, looking at the possibility of setting up a

multi-disciplinary specialist diagnostic and

assessment centre for adults with autism in the

West Midlands. There is a similar centre in

Southampton, and we are in touch with people

from that centre. It’s early days, but the project now

has a steering group and we have undertaken to

produce a project plan for the next meeting at the

end of April. I’ll keep you informed of progress.

- Jonathan Shephard

CONTENTSNews - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4

Autism West Midlands update - - - - - - - - - 7

Feature: Love & Asperger’s syndrome - - - 8

Feature: Asperger’s syndrome and

unfair expectations - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9

Autism Art Gallery - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10

6th Annual Autism Awareness Conference 11

Fundraising - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 12

Events & Activities - What’s on in Spring 14

Feature: How to make a weighted blanket 16

When I grow up I want to be... 16

Facebook update - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17

Asperger’s - a poem - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18

Contact information for support groups 20

If you’d like to contribute to Autism Matters, or you’d like to advertise with us, please email the editor, Sarah Francis, on hello@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

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Since February 2011 the big green minibus from the Autism West Midlands Carers' Roadshow has visited busy locations across the West Midlands. We’ve been out and about in ASDA stores, city centres, libraries, community fairs, and we’ll soon be at a stadium!

In January 2011, the Department of Health awarded Autism West midlands with funding towards the innovative Signpost Autism Carers Roadshow project. From the beginning of February to now (1st week in

March) we have been out to local communities across the West Midlands to raise awareness and the pro"le of autism, Autism West Midlands, local services

and support groups. So far we have been to various high streets, libraries, ASDA stores,

schools, market squares, town centres and been invited to events within

Solihull, Birmingham, Coventry, Telford, Shropshire, West Bromwich, Worcestershire, Cannock, Staffordshire, Sandwell and Dudley.

The majority of the queries are around raising awareness of what autism is to passers by, what local services are available, families’ frustrations around diagnosis, lack of information provided to them, of others’ understanding of

autism, of support around behaviour management and predominantly around the lack of preventative services and interventions available for

anyone affected by autism. A handful of families were given the right

information at diagnosis and were pleased with services provided to them over the years.

Up to now the Roadshow has seen over a phenomenal 650 people accessing the green minibus for information packs, strategies, advice and

guidance from Autism West Midlands staff and volunteers. Many people have given us feedback, including...

“This is what’s needed, reaching people in the community. Thank you for

bringing the Roadshow, keep up the good work” (grandparent)“Thank you for your support and being here, I’ve learnt more in the 15

minutes I’ve talked to you than over the years of talking to other professionals. Up to now we have received no real support whatsoever” (parent)

A report will be compiled around

April/May which will collate all feedback received and comments/

questions raised which will be used with immediate effect to local authorities, commissioners and MP’s

to prove the great need out in the local communities.

It is time for action and along with the Autism Bill and Adult Autism Strategy and other good works going

on in Autism West Midlands, organisations across the country

and together with you, the interested people, families and those with autism we can make a

difference…albeit step by step!

UPDATE FROM THE CARERS’ ROADSHOWSince the roadshow’s launch more than 600 people across the West Midlands have accessed information, advice and a listening ear.

The Carers’ Roadshow on Birmingham High StreetPictured: Tamara McCabe-Blom and Elizabeth Att"eld, of Autism West Midlands.

Autism West Midlands was visited by John Healey MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health, earlier this month. He came to talk to adults with autism

and parents of people on the spectrum about improving services for autistic people and their families and to discuss their concerns about Birmingham City

Council's 'A Vision for Adult Social Care'. The Poplars kindly hosted this event and all present were very well looked after by Nazli and her staff. We were also very grateful to residents of The Poplars for allowing us to take up a lot of

space in their lounge. The event was very successful and a Labour Party Spokesperson said

they 'were most impressed with every aspect of [the] organisation and the

people who work for it and on behalf of it.  And [they were] touched by the words that I heard parents say and the way in which they said them.' 

Although AWM appreciates the "nancial context in which the BCC has made its decision, we are concerned that withdrawing support for those with

substantial care needs may be more expensive for the council in the long-run. Jonathan Shephard (CEO), in an interview with the Birmingham Mail, said that withdrawing support from those who live independently but need a

small amount of support ‘could be devastating for them and lead to a crisis for that person’.

Autism West Midlands also produced a consultation response to this document which can be found on our website.

SHADOW MINISTER FOR HEALTH VISITS THE POPLARSThe shadow Secretary of State for Health, John Healey, spoke with a group of parents about the impact of government spending cuts on people with Autism

NEWS

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IAN GETS ON HIS BIKE FOR AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS!Ian McDowall, 33, from Shrewsbury used to go to Blackpool every year as a child to see the illuminations, and is now gearing up to relive his youth by making the trip again. He is taking part in the riding marathon, which is over 100miles, to raise money and awareness for two local charities.Ian says:

"I love all types of vehicles and transport, mostly the old classic trains, planes, cars, buses and bikes. I have decided to raise some money for charity

by cycling from Shrewsbury to Blackpool to raise awareness of Autism and asperger’s as well as to encourage people to cycle, as well as recycle! The bike I

will be riding on was made in the 1940s and it was going to be thrown away but I have had it restored. I am going to prove that both the 're-cycled' bike in its old age and me with my Asperger’s Syndrome can complete this challenge.

There are no limits to what you can do when you want to!"I am raising money for Autism West Midlands - One in 250 people have

autism and it is important to be aware of what autism is and not just thinking of people as disabled without understanding what it means.

I am also raising money for the Severn Hospice. The Landlord of the

Prince of Wales pub is a good friend of mine: we went to school together and she helped with any problems I had. The pub often makes donations to the

Severn Hospice, a Shropshire based charitable organisation caring for people with progressive illnesses. I thought I could repay her generosity by raising money for the charity myself.

There are several reasons I am taking on the challenge. One is to prove to myself that with my disability I can do it and another is to raise money for

some great charities. I will be starting the challenge from the pub in Shrewsbury with support

vehicles and a trailer for people to throw money in as we travel through the

towns and villages on the way to Blackpool. 

Depending on how I feel I might try and cycle all the way back."The recycling operative found the Raleigh "Thrasher" bike and decided to

restore it rather than see it thrown away. He added; "The bike was too good to throw away and it is lovely to ride."

It will be the furthest Ian has ever gone on his bike, normally taking only short journeys around town, he said he was inspired to raise funds for Autism West Midlands and the Severn Hospice and thought this was the best way to

do it."It was just an idea I had in the pub, I used to go to Blackpool when I was

a kid in the car so I just thought I would try to make the journey on the bike. I found the bike a few years ago, so I had it done up" said Ian. "I am hoping to ride alongside a Blackpool tram when we get to the "nish line as some of the

trams up there are even older than the bike"Ian is planning to make the trip over several days, to arrive in Blackpool

on his birthday in July 2011. "I've never done anything like this, especially not on a classic bike either. It will be interesting to see if we make it, I'm sure we will but I will be taking it nice and steady."

To sponsor Ian please go to www.justgiving.co.uk/ian-mcdowall 

DUDLEY TEENAGER LAUNCHES AUTISM WEBSITE FOR YOUNG PEOPLEChris Hampton is 19 years old. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, A.D.H.D and other symptoms of Autism at aged 11, he is currently involved in a project to raise awareness about the autistic spectrum especially among young people.

Chris writes....I am a student at Dudley College and I am currently involved in a project

to raise awareness regarding the autistic spectrum. This project hopefully will enable all the tutors and other students to understand the difficulties faced by

teenagers with autism and other related symptoms. It will also be

aimed at other students who may have difficulties in relating to other

students on the Autistic spectrum.To begin with I browsed several

websites for my research and found

out that there was nothing speci"cally for young people like myself with a

diagnosis. Therefore I was hoping that people would like to know a lot more about their condition and how to cope with day to day issues by getting in touch with each other.

I was given funding from Dudley College as part of the autism project that they where running in 2010 looking at the needs of students in college. I

was also supported by a worker from Dudley autistic support group. I started a facebook page for people to get in touch with me and other

people who are overseeing the site.

The website is now up and running www.autismdontpanic.co.uk 

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ANNA KENNEDY AND POLLY TOMMEY TO SPEAK AT WEST MIDLANDS EVENTS

Julie Thomas is a Warwickshire parent of a child on the autism spectrum.  In an attempt to help raise awareness, educate and support others in the same situation, she has organised for two high-pro"le speakers to come to the West Midlands later this year. 

Wednesday 29th June, 7.30 pmPolly Tommey, founder of The Autism Trust and presenter of Sky TV's Autism File will give a talk on 'Autism in the UK' at The Holiday

Inn, Kenilworth.  Suitable for parents, carers, health professionals, Teachers, Teaching assistants - anyone with an interest in autism.

Thursday 8th September, 7.00 pmAnna Kennedy, autism ambassador and Daily Mail's "Inspirational Woman of the Year" will give a talk at The Holiday Inn, Kenilworth on 'Living and Working with Autism'. 

Anna is the mother of two boys, Patrick and Angelo, who are both affected by autism.  In 1999, having been turned away by no fewer than 26 special needs schools when searching for appropriate educational facilities for her sons, she decided to take matters into her

own hands and remortgaged her home to transform a derelict council building in Middlesex, West London into Hillingdon Manor School.The school, which is now a centre of excellence for children and young adults with autism, has earned considerable recognition for its

outstanding work and early in its life caught the imagination of Esther Rantzen who is now Hillingdon Manor's patron.In 2008 Anna co-authored her best selling biography “Not Stupid” which poignantly portrayed her struggle to "nd appropriate

provision for her boys – a story which will be familiar to many parents who feel they could not get what they felt their children needed from the local education authority.

TicketsTickets for both events are available at www.oxboffice.com and more information is available from specialpeople@sky.com or by

calling Julie on 01926 857558.  Information is also available on the Facebook page, "Special People" or on Twitter @specialpeopleukAnna Kennedy

Polly Tommey

Warwickshire's Adult autism and Asperger’s Team plays an important role in the County's response to the national adult strategy. The team provides time limited, individual support to people over 18 who fall below the threshold for social care support by the local authority but without help have a signi"cant risk of requiring crisis or substantial support.

The service sits within Warwickshire County Council and supports around 50 individuals in Warwickshire working with individuals and their families in their localities. Developed in consultation with potential service users and their families the team concentrates on helping individuals build their own networks of

support in the local community without, where possible, resorting to the use of specialist support services.The work of the team is broad and we have helped people with a diverse range of issues including:

• Support to access employment or further education• Helping people develop individual strategies around living with autism.• Help people to sustain their employment or college place by active intervention including supporting people at disciplinary meetings and tribunals.• Supporting positive relationships in families where relationships are in danger of breaking down.• Information and support to access universal services such as drug, alcohol and other advice services.• Life and practical skills support.• Offering a route into social care services if needs increase and a further assessment is required.

The team also has an important role in helping health and social care practitioners by offering a specialist autism element to some of the more complex cases ensuring that customers needs around autism are met whilst also helping to build knowlege and understanding in the learning disability and mental health teams.

People can self refer to the team or be referred by a family member, social care or health professional or a GP the person with autism however must agree that the referral can be made.

More information on the service is available from the disability pages on the Warwickshire County Council website www.warwickshire.gov.uk and use the search feature to search for autism or contact Simon Veasey, Service Delivery Manager and adult autism lead on 02476 754145 or by email simonveasey@Warwickshire.gov.uk. Simon will also post adult strategy updates on his Twitter feed @simonveasey.

WARWICKSHIRE’S ADULT AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S TEAM

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HOLLY WAITESales & Marketing Executive So what’s your job?I am responsible for bringing in money to the organisation through building links with businesses, selling our training through relationship management and coordinating

fundraising activity.

Give us three of your interests (besides work of course!)• Sport, particularly Chelsea Football Club

• Cooking fusion food

• Dancing

Tell us a suprising fact about youI was tri-county women’s kickboxing champion for 2007

What’s your background?I worked for a basketball club in Birmingham doing project development, taking them from a small community club to a professional club. I’ve been an active volunteer for young peoples charities including the UK Youth Parliament, and Connexions. I’m actively involved in local politics and my ultimate goal is to be Minister for Children, Young People and Families.

Any experience of autism?My younger brother, Zak, has Asperger syndrome. After growing up with him I wanted to learn more about the condition and help others like him.

SARU MOYOLedger clerk So what’s your job?I process purchase invoices, sales invoices, staff expenses and petty cash.

Give us three of your interests (besides work of course!)

• Arsenal F.C• Going out

• Event planning & decorating for family and friends (parties, weddings etc)

Tell us a suprising fact about youI can’t swim (does that count?)

What’s your background?Started as an Accounts Clerk at Solios Thermal in 2005, then moved to Timet UK Ltd in 2006 as  a Cashier, and to Finning UK ltd in 2008 for a similar role. I’m currently also studying for an accountancy quali"cation with ACCA.

Any experience of autism?Before deciding to take up a career in "nance, I used to be a support worker and some of the clients I supported were individuals with Autism

NEWS FROM AUTISM WEST MIDLANDSNews from Upper Ford LodgeAndrew who lives at Upper Ford Lodge is currently doing a college placement at Hanbury Hall, Andrew helps in the garden. Hanbury Hall will also let Andrew continue with the placement once college is "nished. Andrew really enjoys this placement and works hard while there.

We have received £451.00 from Waitrose, which we hope to put towards a sensory garden. Our sensory room is now being used by all service users at Upper Ford Lodge and is a great success!

We now have a drama, exercise and movement group every Tuesday morning at Upper ford lodge, All service users enjoy and appear to get a lot from these sessions. Finally, Chris Evans (Team leader) completed his NVQ level 3.

Family day a great success!On Saturday 5th March Family Services provided another fantastic day for local families funded through The ACT Foundation. The day was held at the

Maypole Youth Centre which provided us with an excellent venue so that all 14 children and young people had the correct facilities to ensure they had a brilliant day. The children aged from 7 to 14 took part in many social and craft activities including fun with the parachute; many circle time games; opportunity to use their

imaginations with various craft resources including card making, painting and clay modeling. Whilst the children were enjoying themselves the parents were able to take a well earned rest taking part in an Autism and Challenging Behavior workshop with Lee Burden, one of Autism West Midlands’ trainers. We had some fantastic feedback from both parents and children!

The most rewarding part of the day was seeing the children enter the venue very unsure and nervous, but within a very short period of time having fun, participating and getting a lot of enjoyment from the day. We plan to provide more of these events throughout the year in Birmingham, Warwickshire and

Staffordshire. Booking is essential and these events book very quickly therefore we recommend you contact them as soon as possible after details have been released. Contact Katie Oliver on 07961 072803 or katieo@autismwestmidlands.org.uk or Sarah Christie on 07500 885140 or sarahc@autismwestmidlands.org.uk . If you would like to know more about our Family Days or any other family events please see our new website.

NEW STAFF

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ARE “ASPIES” CAPABLE OF LOVE?Gavin Bollard, of the “Life with Asperger’s” blog, gave us his thoughts for Valentine’s day.

Although the answer to this question may seem simple, it recurs with alarming regularity on aspie forums everywhere. Often, it is confused with the aspie's ability to "nd a partner or the famous aspie empathy problems - these are different things altogether.

Emotional Behavior in AspiesAspies are very capable of loving but they often confuse the issue by

adopting an altogether too rigid view of love. Despite popular mis-belief, aspies

are generally fairly emotional beings. We have intense feelings of happiness and even more intense feelings of sadness. The smallest triggers can produce

huge emotional responses in us. While a bad day at work may make an NT (neuro-typical person) grumpy, it could make an aspie feel suicidal. Similarly, when something good happens an aspie may seem to be over-reacting or

overly happy. Most aspie adults have long since learned to control excessive displays of happiness but it's very apparent in aspie children with jumping,

shouting and singing.Aspies seem to categorize love as one of those mostly unattainable

permanent states of extreme happiness directed at a single person. Such a

state is not attainable with all partners and certainly isn't sustainable over long periods.

Expectations of LoveWhen an aspie who has experienced love in this manner discusses the

question of "what is love" with his or her NT partner, they may be quite disappointed with the response. To an NT, love is more about respect,

commitment and other semi-tangibles, while an aspie may respond that it's the feeling you get when you look at your partner's smile and it warms your face

like when the sun is shining on it. To an NT, this is just poetry but to an aspie it's reality.

The sad thing about this is that in an NT/Aspie relationship, since neither partner has the same view of love, they give eachother what they need, instead

of what their partner needs. Aspies don't need unwavering respect and commitment, they need smiles and hugs. Of course, when the aspie greets/reassures his or her partner with a smile and a hug instead of words/promises

and kisses they're likely to offend. The same is true for NT partners who shout or scowl a lot.

Measuring up to ExpectationsAspies who have been in love but have become separated from their

lovers are often so "xated on the feelings of the previous relationship that they can't move on and won't give anyone else a chance to get close to them. They

may declare that the previous partner was the only one for them or that they're only looking for a new partner who is "exactly the same".

Similarly, as mature relationships cool off, the aspie may mistake the loss of the "constant euphoria" sensation as a withdrawal of love. When this happens, they will need a lot of reassurance. This is particularly important when

you have your "rst child. There are widely documented cases of partners (husbands particularly) who feel "squeezed out" of the relationship with the

birth of children and subsequent change of focus to concentrate on the child. For an aspie, this change of focus is even more extreme.

Summing upI guess the main point of this post is that aspies can certainly give and

receive love but that their expectations are often too high or too focussed to enable them to be properly receptive. It also takes a very special kind of NT to

give an aspie the sort of love they need.  

You can read more of Gavin’s blog online at http://life-with-aspergers.blogspot.com

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WRITE FOR US?Send your letters, articles, photos, art and even poetry to Sarah Francis, Autism Matters editor. Please get in touch - we’d love to hear from you!Tel: 0121 450 7582 :: Email: hello@autismwestmidlands.org.ukOr post to: Sarah Francis, Autism West Midlands, 18 High"eld Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3DU

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ASPERGER’S SYNDROME AND UNFAIR EXPECTATIONSMichaela Gledhill, aged 16, gives a heartfelt account of her experience of Asperger’s syndrome

Growing up with asperger’s syndrome has been an interesting lesson if nothing else.

In my experience, one of the most difficult challenges is the expectations that other people have of you. I was given cognitive tests at the age of three

and found to have the mental age of "ve years and eleven months. Because of this, people always expected me to have all of my emotions in check and didn’t understand that if anything, my emotional control was much

lower than it should have been.In school this caused a fair bit of difficulty being that I always wanted to

hang out with older peers and found work for my age group boring.My teacher had no understanding of Asperger’s syndrome and complained to my mother that I was just ‘acting out’ and being ‘naughty’ instead of realising or

trying to help with the problems we were having.In my opinion – and that of many home educated friends who have

found the schooling system to be a disagreeable one – most schools are ill equipped to deal with such ‘invisible’ issues and as such my mum took me out of school to be educated at home at the age of seven. When we joined the

home educating community we found there are a lot of children with Asperger’s syndrome, all with similar tales to tell.

There are often a lot of misconceptions as to what ‘Home education’ entails, the most common I believe is the idea that I am being isolated alone in an attic doing maths while my mother gets on with her life out in the ‘real world’.

Needless to say that this is not what actually happens and home education is a real- but often unconsidered- option for children with Asperger’s syndrome or

autism. There are many ways to go about educating children at home; some people hire tutors to come in on certain days and teach one to one, some people have

set curriculums where their child will work the same as they would at school but with the obvious support and comfort that their own house and family

offers, or there is the third option and the option that worked for me; autonomous education. Autonomous education is, I think, the more questioned method given its lack of conventional teachings, it basically allows

the child to explore interests how and when they arise. When I was younger, I was always lost in my imagination, truth be told I still am but I was more so

then, and my mum left me to my devices, whether that was making model worlds or playing with Lego dragons, however ‘un-educational’ and

‘unproductive’ they appeared to be, then I stumbled onto "ctional writing, developed an obsession and am now nearing the end of an IGCSE in English language and am signed up to an Open University course in creative writing

due to start in May.Being home educated has done so much more for me than school ever could

and I’m so grateful that my mother decided to take me out of school when she did.

However, school was not the only place where my Asperger’s syndrome

led to people misunderstanding or misinterpreting me; over the past three years I have had ongoing health issues which we believe to be along the lines

of M.E or some other chronic fatigue. We visited the doctors and after speaking with us just once and hearing that I was home educated he was convinced that it was a psychological problem caused from the stress of being isolated. He

referred me to a psychiatrist who cleared us and told us to get a second opinion; she was convinced that I was psychologically "ne. The doctor

however, having no knowledge of Asperger’s syndrome was convinced otherwise and referred us again to a psychologist, refusing to listen to anything that my mother or I had to say, completely unaware of the lack of

communication skills in Asperger’s and therefore the need for an advocate.We were referred to a paediatric consultant for a blood test but our "rst

doctor had already disclosed his opinion to the second doctor who wrote to us suggesting that I get some sort of ‘psychological help’ for the Asperger’s syndrome and suggested that had I gone to school I would have been able to

access all the extra support available in a school, despite the fact that the precise reason we left the schooling system was the complete lack of support.

My health problems are still undiagnosed because of the limited knowledge of Asperger’s syndrome in the medical profession and therefore the thought that it is the only thing ‘wrong’ with me and nothing we say will

make them think otherwise. I personally am fed up with doctors and really do not want to go see another if

I am to be lectured on how ‘isolated’ I am and my ‘clearly damaged psychological wellbeing’.

There are so many people completely unaware or misinformed about Asperger’s syndrome that it makes the simplest things complicated. For me, the biggest problem with Asperger’s syndrome, are the people around me being unsure of how to deal with it.

[10]

AUTISM ART GALLERY

Autism West Midlands is working on a gallery of art, design and creative work by people on the autism spectrum. We're looking for people to be involved in this by contributing their works of art. 

The work can be anything you like as long as it's creative.

Examples include:

• Photography• Drawing• Painting• Digital artwork• Collage

We're also interested in collecting together poetry or short stories for a display on our site.

Full credit will be given, or you can remain anonymous if you prefer. Email your scanned or digital "les to hello@autismwestmidlands.org.uk with the title of the artwork (if there is one) and the name you'd like credited to it. 

Below: Artwork by Chris LongRight: Artwork by Joshua Beaumont

AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS ARE ON TWITTER! @autismwestmids

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[12]

Autism West Midlands are looking for hundreds of adventurous volunteers to make a fundraising parachute jump and if you raise enough in sponsorship you will get to jump for free!

There are three types of jump available – an ‘Accelerated FreeFall’ where you can

experience the thrill of skydiving solo from up to 12,000 feet, a ‘Tandem Skydive’ from

10,000 feet attached to a professional instructor and a ‘Static Line’ jump which is performed solo from up to 3,000 feet - and

you can jump from any one of over twenty

British Parachute Association approved air"elds across the UK.

No experience is necessary as all training is given and if you raise from £395

(depending on the type of jump you choose) you will receive your jump for free.

So if you would like to make a thrilling

skydive from 10,000 feet or an exhilarating solo jump from up to 3,000 feet get in touch

with us! Email Holly Waite on hollyw@autismwestmidlands.org.uk and we’ll send you a pack!

SKYDIVE FOR AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS!If you have ever wanted to do a parachute jump here is your chance. Autism West Midlands are looking for hundreds of adventurous volunteers to make a fundraising parachute jump!

FUNDRAISING

The event, due to be held on June 24th 2011, is the brainchild of George Boden (PGA Professional).

George has been coaching young

Curtis Roberts for the past year. Curtis is a charismatic 7 year old who was diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum at the age of

4. Now an enthusiastic golfer, it is envisaged that Curtis will putt the "nal ball of the

Marathon Golf Day rounding off the day’s events after a very tiring round of golf.

Alongside this event, a competitive

corporate golf day is planned. The event will include nominal prizes for the winning team

and other achievements such as closest to the pin, hole in one, etc. Weather-permitting an outdoor barbeque will be provided for

people to lunch and enjoy the day’s activities. An enjoyable and sporting day of

golf is awaiting all participants!George will be running the marathon

day of golf at The Three Hammers Golf

Complex, Coven, aiming to complete the marathon 365 hole play all in one day to

raise money for Autism West Midlands. The 365 holes will be done through 20 rounds of

5 holes each having to be scheduled to a tight and tiring 48 minutes each round.

The golf club has strong links with local

football team Wolverhampton Wanderers and although uncon"rmed we are expecting

appearances from some of their star players on the day. So come down, join in with the fun, play some golf and watch a professional

go to work! For more information, to book a place

to come and cheer on George on his record breaking game of golf, or to put together a team to play a game on the day please

contact Holly Waite at Autism West Midlands. on 0121 450 7573 or

hollyw@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

PGA PROFESSIONAL GEORGE BODEN IS ON PAR FOR AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS!3Hammers Golf Club, Wolverhampton Parent Partnership and Autism West Midlands have teamed up to host an all day Marathon Golf event to raise money for charity.

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RAISE MONEY FOR AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS THE EASY WAY!

If you already shop online with retailers such as Amazon, M&S, Argos, John Lewis, Comet, and Tesco, then we need you to sign up for free to raise money while you shop!

You shop directly with the retailer as you would normally, but if you sign up to www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/autismwm for free and use the links on the easyfundraising site to take

you to the retailer, then a percentage of whatever you spend comes directly to us at no extra cost to yourself. 

Easyfundraising is FREE to use plus you'll get access to hundreds of exclusive discounts and voucher codes, so not only will you be helping us, you’ll be saving money yourself.

We've raised more than £20.00 with easyfundraising in two weeks but we need your help to keep

donations coming in. Sign up at www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/autismwm and start raising money.....

Did you know you can raise money for Autism West Midlands while you search the internet?

www.autismwm.easysearch.org.uk combines the results of several search engines such as Yahoo!, Bing

and Ask to ensure you can always "nd what you’re looking for. But the fantastic thing is that EVERY TIME you search, half a penny is raised for Autism West Midlands. Search just 15 times a day and you can raise around £25 a year for us. So the next time you need to "nd something online, please use

www.autismwm.easysearch.org.uk and raise money for Autism West Midlands with every search you make.

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Events & ActivitiesEvents & Activities

Mon Mar 21 2011Carers' Roadshow- Opportunities Fair, BirminghamOpportunities Fair at the Sapphire Centre, 215 Bradford Street, Birmingham, B12 0RG from 11.00am - 6.00pm.

Tue Mar 22 2011 & Wed Mar 23 2011Carers' Roadshow- ASDA BloxwichASDA in Bloxwich from 10.30am - 3.30pm.

Thu Mar 24 2011Staffordshire Support Group - WombourneFor parents and carers who are caring for a person on the autism spectrum. This meeting is at Wombourne Community Fire Station from 10am-12pm.

Fri Mar 25 2011 Carers Roadshow- Sleep Clinic EventAt the Sleep Clinic Event at Brunswick Centre, 98-100 Shrubland Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 3BD from 10am - 2pm.

Wed Mar 30 2011 Carers' Roadshow- Sutton Cold"eldWe will be at Bannatyne’s Health Club, Princess Alice Park, Sutton Cold"eld from 9.30 - 3.30.

Thu Mar 31 2011 Acocks Green Support GroupAt Archbishop Ilsley CTC, Community room, Warwick Rd (behind the blue railings next to Sainsbury’s) Acocks Green, B27 7XY from 10am - 12pm....

Fri Apr 1 2011Giggle for Autism @ Highlight Comedy, Birmingham At Highlight Comedy Club, Bar Risa, Broad Street, with the comedy starting at approximately 8:30pm until late. Doors open at 7pm and close at 8pm. Tickets are £14 and 20% of ticket sales will be donated to Autism West Midlands. Book online at bit.ly/giggle4autism using the code BIRAWM.

Fri Apr 1 2011A classical concert in celebration of World Autism Day A concert featuring Duncan Honeybourne, an award-winning concert pianist, is to be held at Huntingdon Hall in Worcester in celebration of World Autism Day. All proceeds from the event will go to Autism West Midlands and the Hand in Hand community in Ghana. Tickets are £10 and available direct from Huntingdon Hall's box office on 01905 611 427. The concert starts at 7.30pm and ends at 10pm. 

Sat Apr 2 2011World Autism DayAutism West Midlands and Empathy support group invite you to join us to celebrate world autism day! Featuring a quiz, cake stall, balloon race and book stall, the event takes place from 2.00pm till 4.00pm at the Craven Arms Community Centre, Shropshire. For more information call Hilary on 07971 261334

Tue Apr 5 2011Autism Awareness Session - Coleshill The session takes place at Woodlands school, Coleshill from 12.30 - 3pm. Booking is required: please call Katie Oliver on 07961 072803. Places are booked on a "rst come "rst served basis.

Thu Apr 7 2011 Warwickshire support group - NuneatonThis meeting takes place at Riversley Park Childrens' Centre, Clinic Drive, Coton Road, Nuneaton from 10am - 12pm.

Mon Apr 11 2011 - Thu Apr 21 2011Autism holiday club - Easter Resources for Autism are running holiday groups in the following venues: Uffculme School, Kings Heath and Pype Hayes Community Centre, Erdington. Cost is £11 per day. Activities may include Easter activities, swimming and trips. Young people aged 8-19. Cut-off date for booking is Wed 16 March. Please contact Philippa Oddi on 07817 736 096.

Thu Apr 14 2011 Birmingham Support Groups - LozellsAt Cherry Tree Children's Centre from 10am-12pm

Thu Apr 21 2011 Staffordshire Support Group - WombourneAt Wombourne Community Fire Station from 10am-12pm

Wed Apr 27 2011 Staffordshire Autism Awareness Session - CheadleThe session aims to help you understand your child's difficulties and provide you with ways to help them manage those daily difficulties that arise. This session takes place at Cheadle Fire Station from 10am-1pm. Booking is required - call 0121 450 7574

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Tue May 3 2011 Warwickshire support group - ColeshillThis meeting takes place at Woodlands School, Packington Lane, Coleshill from 10am - 12pm

Thu May 5 2011 Warwickshire support group - NuneatonThis meeting takes place at Riversley Park Childrens' Centre, Clinic Drive, Coton Road, Nuneaton from 10am - 12pm

Mon May 9 2011 Autism Awareness Session - WarwickThe session aims to help you understand your child's difficulties and provide you with ways to help them manage those daily difficulties that arise. This session takes place at Warwick Childrens' Centre from 9.30am - 12.30pm. Places are booked on a "rst come "rst served basis. To book a place call Katie Oliver on 07961 072803.

Tue May 10 2011 Staffordshire Support Group - StaffordFor parents and carers who are caring for a person on the autism spectrum. This meeting is at Silkmore Children Centre from 10am-12pm

Thu May 12 2011 & Fri May 13 20116th Annual Conference on Autism AwarenessThe Autism Awareness Centre in Canada has joined once more with Autism West Midlands to present a joint conference on Autism. The conference will enable you to learn practical skills that can be immediately implemented. Please visit www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk/autismconference for further information.

Thu May 12 2011 Birmingham Support Groups - LozellsThis meeting is at Cherry Tree Children's Centre from 10am-12pm

Fri May 13 2011 Birmingham Support Groups - Great BarrFor parents and carers who are caring for a person on the autism spectrum. This meeting is at Pheasey Park Farm Children's Development Centre from 10am-12pm

Tue May 17 2011Birmingham Autism Awareness Session - Sutton Cold"eld The session aims to help you understand your child's difficulties and provide you with ways to help them manage those daily difficulties that arise. This session takes place at New Hall Primary and Children's Centre from 10am-1pm. Places are booked on a "rst come "rst served basis. To book a place on the session please call 0121 450 7574.

Wed May 18 2011 Autism Awareness Session - Kerseley This session takes place at Rainbows Children's Centre from 9.30am - 12.30pm. Places are booked on a "rst come "rst served basis. To book a place on the session please call Katie Oliver on 07961 072803 or email katieo@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Tue May 24 2011 Staffordshire Autism Awareness Session - UttoxeterThis session takes place at Uttoxeter Fire Station from 10am-1pm. Places are booked on a "rst come "rst served basis.To book a place on the session please call 0121 450 7574

Tue Jun 7 2011 Staffordshire Support Group - StaffordFor parents and carers who are caring for a person on the autism spectrum. This meeting is at Silkmore Children Centre from 10am-12pm

Tue Jun 7 2011 Warwickshire support group - ColeshillThis meeting takes place at Woodlands School, Packington Lane, Coleshill from 10am - 12pm

Thu Jun 9 2011 Warwickshire support group - NuneatonThis meeting takes place at Riversley Park Childrens' Centre, Clinic Drive, Coton Road, Nuneaton from 10am - 12pm

For the most up to date information about any of our events, please visit our website: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk

All dates, times and locations were correct on date of publication (10 March 2011)

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TOP TIPS: MAKING A WEIGHTED BLANKETAnnette Pinsent, parent of a child with Asperger’s syndrome gives her top tips for making a weighted blanket - saving £100!

Having just "nished a 6kg adult sized single blanket I feel very happy that I made it for about £100 less than buying with post and packing. I

decided to 'have a go' as I was not sure if it would actually be used as change for an Aspie is not welcomed; but as the recipient is a very poor

sleeper I thought it was worth trying. Weighted blankets are used to reduce stress and are supposed to release serotonin to aid relaxation and sleep, the theory behind the blankets can be found on numerous sites on the internet.

I came across health warnings on not covering the head with the blanket on Mumsnet so you could check this out too.

Materials used and my costs:

• Poly Pellets (one tenth body weight plus one pound) -just under £30 including p&p

• Material -£2.99• Thread – don't underestimate how much you will use - £7.50 approx• 3 sewing machine needles!

It is not the easiest or most pleasant task but it is certainly possible, I did it slowly over four days. It's much easier if you have another pair of

hands - I was very glad of my husband’s help. We found out a few things as we went along so I will pass them on. There are forums on the internet that discuss different ways to make blankets, lap pads etc. and if possible it is

worth checking these out. I bought Poly Pellets from Ebay. After sending for them I read that cheap pellets are not always round and could be sharp

but the ones I got were "ne.

How to....• First check there are no %aws in the material (I found a small one half way

through but as it came where I was sewing anyway it was OK but better to check "rst!)

• Sew around two long and one short side of the material on the wrong side, I turned it the right way and sew around again to make it really strong.

• Divide the material into thirteen channels lengthwise and sew these twice for strength. (Or the number of four inch squares you require).

• Mark a four inch row across the material with dressmakers chalk. A long steel rule is useful.

• Weigh the poly pellets for the columns on the "rst row (divide the total weight between the number of 'pockets' you are making. By doing one row at a time it is obvious if you miss "lling a column before it is too late!

• Use a funnel attached to a length of plumbing pipe to get the pellets to the bottom, shake them down.

• The pellets will not stay in place when you sew, so go slowly across one channel at a time pushing them back into place. An empty plastic pen case rolled them back. Keep a "nger ahead of where you are going to sew to make sure there are no stray pellets to break your needle.

• Keep repeating this as you work up the rows.• As you "ll more of the blanket it is harder to keep the pellets in place. I

rolled the top of the material down and used large pegs to keep the material rolled while I sewed.

• When you reach the top turn in the seams and sew very securely

It would be worth buying some extra poly pellets - I didn't so I spent

quite a bit of time picking up rather than hoovering up spills!As the blanket was for an adult I chose the quicker option of putting

the pellets into channels rather than making bags of pellets to go into pockets. For a child's blanket you may prefer to make four inch square bags of pellets and make pockets on your material with velcro on the %ap to hold

them in place. If I was doing it again I would buy checked material for one side that

would allow you to sew along the lines to make four inch squares and a patterned material for the other side - you could never keep to the lines both sides. I de"nitely wouldn't use plain material again! Fleece can be used

to cover lap pads or shoulder wraps or if it is going to be used next to the skin.

Next tip is make sure your scales are correct! I had intended making eighteen rows of four inch squares but found I had used all the weight in "fteen rows. It is still big enough so not a problem in our case.

We found it easiest to weigh the poly pellets for each row as we "lled them rather than follow advice to weigh it all prior to starting. Putting them

into disposable cups is a good idea – by doing one row at a time it was obvious if we had missed a column.

Poly Pellets can be washed, don't be tempted to use rice, beans etc as

some sites recommend as these could harbour bacteria.I am de"nitely going to make a lap pad or shoulder wrap next. The

ready made blankets seem a reasonable price considering the work involved and that they are made on industrial machines with high quality materials but in our case I didn't want to buy at this stage. I wish we had

known about the bene"ts of weighted blankets when our son was much younger! His "rst reaction is that it is amazing!

WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BE...Having high aspirations for the future is something that is encouraged in all our children, but are we sometimes losing sight of hopes and aspirations when preparing the adult life of young people on the autism spectrum?

This is one of the questions that a group of researchers and practitioners from across the UK are aiming to answer in a study

commissioned by the Autism Education Trust. The research team is lead by Dr Kerstin Wittemeyer from the Autism Centre for Education and Research

(ACER) at the University of Birmingham (see inside front cover for our ad)

and includes renowned autism researchers such as Professors Pat Howlin, Tony Charman and Richard Hastings.

As part of this study the team will talk to young people and adults on the autism spectrum, their parents, school practitioners and decision

makers. This will help them to de"ne what good adult outcomes are for people across the autism spectrum and identify those learning and personal development targets during school which lead to positive

opportunities and experiences in adult life. Opinions will be gathered through focus groups, interviews and online questionnaires. The "ndings

will be published in a report this autumn, and will be used to inform future policy around the content and direction of education for children and young people on the autism spectrum.

If you are interested in this research and would like further information then please contact Dr Kerstin Wittemeyer

k.wittemeyer@bham.ac.uk

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AUTISM WEST MIDLANDS ARE NOW ON FACEBOOK! Search “Autism West Midlands” and like our page for updates.

BEST COMMENTSHere are some of the comments from our facebook followers this month... we thought they were lovely!

DISCUSSION BOARDOne of our facebookers has set up a discussion to share the best autism-friendly places in the West Midlands - please join in!

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by Robert Stanyard(Birmingham Selly Park support group)

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