The National Autistic Society (Somerset Branch) Web Site is in early stages but aims to make information about the Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) including Aspergers Syndrome (AS) available to parents in somerset.

The Home page , where you are now, is updated every month and contains topical material relating to Somerset Branch activities and service information.

Future meetings of the Somerset Branch.

7.30 for 8.00 pm Wednesday 27 August 08 Community Centre , Highbridge

Open meeting . Branch meetings will be quarterly in future

RESIDENTIAL VACANCIES

Homes Caring for Autism anticipate vacancies in new and refurbished homes in Weston and Burnham on Sea call Claire Roche on 01934 429448

NAS ADULT CAMPAIGN SUCCESSES

In May, Ivan Lewis MP, Minister for Care Services announced funding for

Research into the numbers of adults with autism

Study of support needs of young people with autism,

A full time DOH autism specialist post

A training summit for health and social care professionals

These long awaited initiatives were targeted in “I exist “ thinking differently about autism” campaign and will be welcomed wholeheartedly by Somerset 's Autism community

CONFERENCE REPORTS

Papers from Wales 3 rd Int. Nat. Cardiff Conference may be downloaded from the excellent AWARES website

Papers from the important UK International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) held in May may be found on the AUTISM SPEAKS website

N.B. The branch has been offered one subsidised place at t he NAS Conference 2008 19-20 Sep at Novotel London West at a special rate of £217 .38 ( full Conference fee £445.33 ). Contact Conference Office

Telephone 0870 143 6984. Let me know so that we can support