Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism is a developmental disability. It is sometimes called an autism spectrum disorder, or an ASD. The word 'spectrum' is used because, while all people with autism share three main areas of difficulty, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some are able to live relatively independently while others will need a lifetime of specialist care and support.
The three main areas of difficulty which all people with autism share are:
- difficulty with social communication
- difficulty with social interaction
- difficulty with social imagination
What is Asperger’s syndrome?
Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger’s syndrome have fewer problems with speech. They do not usually have the learning disabilities associated with autism, but they may have specific learning difficulties.
How do I get more information about Autism Spectrum Disorders?
Information and advice is available to those in Aberdeenshire - the Aberdeenshire Autism Information Base (AAIB) is based at the Harlaw Centre, Inverurie.
It aims to raise the profile of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) by providing free information and resources to:
- individuals on the spectrum
- parents or carers, and
- any member of the general public with an interest in Autism.
The Aberdeenshire Autism Information Base provides a place for those who want to find out about a particular issue or subject relating to ASD. It contains a collection of books, journals and general information leaflets on ASD. It also has a computer with Internet access to a range of online resources which those who visit the base can use to do their own research.
Staff at the Aberdeenshire Autism Information Base will provide an information / enquiry service; they can help answer queries about ASD. They can also direct users to other specialist support and advice.
Aberdeenshire Autsim Information Base Partners
Aberdeenshire Council is working with specialist local and national Autism and ASD organisations to support the Aberdeenshire Autism Information Base.
The National Autistic Society, Autism Initiatives UK, The Grampian Autistic Society, The Scottish Society for Autism, VSA Carers Support and Development Workers and NHS Grampian are helping to design, develop and provide general support to the Aberdeenshire Autism Information Base.
This collaborative working approach to raising the profile of ASD by pulling together our knowledge and expertise will help us provide specialist advice to those who come to the Aberdeenshire Autism Information Base.
The National Autistic Society - A leading UK charity for people with autism (including Asperger syndrome) and their families. The Society provides information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better world for people with autism.
Autism Initiatives UK -
Autism Initiatives UK mission is to meet the needs of people with autism, their families and carers by providing a range of services which are personal, professional and innovative.
The Grampian Autistic Society - Aims to make sure the best possible education, care, support and opportunities are provided for people of all ages with autism in the region formerly known as Grampian. They also support families, help improve understanding of autism and develop best practice among carers, professionals and society.
The Scottish Society for Autism -
The Scottish Society for Autism is a leading provider of support to people with autism in Scotland and their families.
VSA Carers Support and Development Workers - Provide support to carers including respite, housing, holidays, practical help, home visits and monthly support groups. Also provide training for carers on topics such as moving and handling and first aid. VSA Carers Support and Development Workers promote a greater awareness of carers and their needs and give a positive community identity to carers across Aberdeenshire.
NHS Grampian - NHS Grampian aims to
improve the health of people in the North East of Scotland and beyond,
provide high quality services for patients and
help people choose the best ways to look after their health.
Contact the Aberdeenshire Autism Information Base
If you would like to find out more about what the Aberdeenshire Autism Information Base (AAIB) can offer please contact us by:
Emailing: autismenquiries@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or
Phoning: 01467 672271.
The Aberdeenshire Autism Information Base is located in the Harlaw Day Centre, Harlaw Road, Inverurie, AB51 4TE.
View a map of the Harlaw Day Centre.
The base is open to everyone during the Harlaw Day Centre's opening times, which are:
09.00 am – 12.00 noon and 14.00 – 16.00 pm Monday to Friday
Specialist support
From 18 January 2011, the Aberdeenshire Autism Information Base will be staffed part of the time by people with specialist Autism and ASD knowledge. These times will be:
| AM | PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 09.30 - 12.00 | |
| Wednesday | 14.00 - 16.00 | |
| Thursday | 09.30 - 12.00 |
These times may change.
If you are going to visit the base, please phone ahead of your visit to find out if there will be someone available with specialist knowledge to provide the information and advice you need - 01467 621885.
Autism Conference
Saturday 12 May 10.30 - 4.30 pm at Station Hotel, Ellon, AB41 9BD
The National Autistic Society is organising an Autism conference. There will be two presentations:
A passionate mind-how people with autism learn by Wendy Lawson, psychologist lecturer and author. Wendy presents her groundbreaking theory of Single Attention and Associated Cognition in Autism (SAACA), an approach that explains autism in terms of the unique learning style of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Female Asperger Syndrome and Relationships by Rudy Simone. Female Asperger’s syndrome can be much harder to spot than male Asperger syndrome. Sometimes the deficits are latent until the onset of puberty. This workshop is also relevant for boys and men on the spectrum as we discuss childhood and adolescence spectrum issues.
Cost
Minimum donation of £5 for parents / people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Minimum donation of £20 professionals
More information
For more information, please phone 07880780686, email ellon@nas.org.uk or read the conference flyer:
