the October/November issue of Surrey News Emma - mugsy.org

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Welcome to the October/November issue of Surrey News

It’s not often we have really exciting news to report but the decision by the Cabinet of Surrey County Council on 23rd September to approve the opening of four new centres for secondary school children with high-functioning ASD is one of the best bits of news we’ve had in years. The new NAS Cullum Centres, named for the Cullum Family Foundation which has donated £4m to enable the centres to be opened, will cater for up to 80 youngsters. For over 16s, there are also new autism-specific facilities being developed at NESCOT and Brooklands College and we hope to have more details about both of these in the next issue. On a subject closer to home, Natalie Pattinson has stepped down from the NAS Surrey Branch committee due to pressure of work after some seven years service. Happily, she will continue to run the Woking support group meeting in Knaphill every half term (see back page). Huge thanks go to Natalie for all her voluntary work speaking at parent groups, running a coffee morning and cheerily helping out at Christmas parties and meetings. I’m delighted that Sarah Mason has agreed to join the committee in her place.

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

• New NAS Cullum Centres confirmed for four Surrey Schools – page 4

• Lloyds Bank Community Fund: PLEASE VOTE NOW – page 3

• Bowling event in Tolworth 2nd November – page 3

• Christmas party in Woking – page 4

NAS Surrey Branch talks – page 6 • Redhil l Weds 8th

October Anna Nicholson, NAS on the new SEN Code of Practice.

• Woking Thurs 13TH

November Michael Barton, a physics graduate with high functioning autism, will give a talk describing how he has found ways to use his autistic attributes to his advantage.

News and information for adults with ASDs - page 9

Issue 83 October/November 2014

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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.

Lloyds Community Funding – please vote NOW Voting for the Lloyds Bank Community Fund 2014 closes on 10th October. If you've not already done so, do please vote for us either online, in a Lloyds branch, via text or on Twitter. To vote ONLINE go to www.lloydsbank.com/communityfund and put 'National Autistic Society Surrey Branch' in the ‘Find a Cause; box. To vote by TEXT, text the word VOTE JJW to 6119. Text messages will be charged at your normal network rate and your phone number will only be used for administration of the Community Fund. To vote on TWITTER, follow us on @NASSurreyBranch and retweet the message. You can also cast your vote at Lloyds Bank branches in Cranleigh, Godalming, Grayshott, Guildford, Haslemere and Merrow. Please encourage family and friends to vote too - NAS Surrey Branch doesn't receive any funding and is run exclusively by volunteers, so receiving donations such as this is essential to our being able to continue to run the branch and deliver talks, meetings, newsletters and workshops in the future. Bowling Event We are holding a bowling session for up to 40 members at Hollywood Bowl at Charrington Bowl in Tolworth on Sunday 2nd November from 2.00 – 3.00pm. The event is designed to let families meet one another in a fun environment and – whilst anyone is welcome - it is likely to appeal to most to families that include a teenager or young adult. We don’t have exclusive use of the facility so there will be other people present, although our lanes are in a single block. Each bowling lane takes up to eight players per game, so you may be put with another family. Please complete the enclosed booking form, or if yours is missing, please contact sarah_mead@hotmail.co.uk.

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New Autism Centres for four Surrey secondary schools After a long wait, we have heard that the Cabinet of Surrey County Council has approved the opening of four autism centres in Surrey schools, which are a joint initiative between Surrey CC and the NAS. They are to be called ‘NAS Cullum Centres', as they are being funded thanks to a £4m donation from autism benefactors the Cullum Family Trust, along with £200,000 funding from Surrey County Council. The four NAS Cullum Centres will provide specialist support for 80 secondary school pupils with autism, allowing them to stay in mainstream Surrey schools nearer home - and will save the Surrey taxpayer £1.7m a year.

The first two NAS Cullum Centres are due to open in 2015 at Salesian School, Chertsey and Rodborough School, Godalming. Two further centres at Hinchley Wood School in Esher and Howard of Effingham School in Bookham will open at a later date. The centres will enable pupils to split their time between mainstream classes and the centres, which will focus on tailored learning techniques and social communication. The centres at Salesian and Rodborough will only initially take students in KS3 (years 7 ! 9).

All students eligible for placement at the centres will have a Statement of Special Educational Need or one of the new Education, Health & Care Plans. Admissions are through the Local Authority and completely separate from the school admissions process, so you cannot approach the schools directly to apply for places. If you would like your child to be assessed for placement at one of the new centres, you need to discuss it with your child's current school or SEN case officer.

Here is a link to the press release http://news.surreycc.gov.uk/2014/09/29/pioneering-autism-centres-to-open-in-surrey-schools/

Two-hour parent workshops Tessa Emery, the NAS Family Support worker, is hosting a series of two-hour workshops for parents of children and young people with ASDs. Support ing Social Interaction Date: Tuesday 14th October Time: 10:00 – 12:00 (morning) Venue: Epsom Support ing Teens with Autism Date: Wednesday 12th November Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm (evening) Venue: Woking Autism and Behaviour Date: Wednesday 26th November 2014 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm (evening) Venue: Epsom Cost: £3:00 per place payable by cheque in advance – booking is essential. For all enquiries please call Tessa on 01483 521744 or email tessa.emery@nas.org.uk Christmas Party in Woking This year’s NAS Surrey Branch Christmas party for children aged 9 and under will be on Sunday 14th December at Woking Leisure Centre.

We have exclusive use of the soft play area and the sensory room (bookable in 15 min slots) from 4 – 5. We have tea at 5pm when older siblings can join us. Father Christmas will arrive to distribute Christmas presents during tea (please bring your own small gift). Places must be booked in advance – please book by 29th November using the enclosed booking form. If yours is missing, contact Sarah Mead at sarah_mead@hotmail.co.uk. Thank you to Helen Reynolds Member Helen Reynolds ran the Reigate half marathon in September, completing the run in under 2.5 hours, and raising a quite incredible £1,990! Our thanks go to her for all her effort in the event and in raising the money.

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‘Active Autism’ at Fulham FC Fulham FC's charitable arm, the Fulham Football Club Foundation, is a community sport charity that aims to build better lives through sport. As part of its social inclusion initiative the Foundation runs a scheme called Active Autism, which provides both multi-skill and football activity to young people with autism between the ages of 5-16. Active Autism's football training sessions are held every Saturday during term time. Sessions for 5-12 year olds run from 9.30am to 10.15am and for age 12+ from 10.15am to 11.30am at St Josephs Primary, Kingston KT1 2UP, with occasional short courses also running during the summer holidays. The project has also seen the creation of the ‘Fulham Autistic Boys’ team (FAB) who participate monthly in the Surrey Primary League, a disability specific league delivered by the Surrey FA. FAB currently runs two sides, an under 12’s team and an under 16’s. Tournaments (which are open to all and not obligatory for those attending training sessions) take place monthly at the Xcel Leisure Centre in Walton. At least one Surrey branch member has had a very good experience with Active Autism, with her son not only having his first experience of playing in a sports tournament and as part of a team, but also gaining the confidence to participate in school playground football and join school teams, something he had never been able to do before. If you would like to know more about Active Autism's weekly training sessions, please contact Fulham Foundation on: 0870 442 5432 or email: Foundation_Info@fulhamfc.com. Thanks to YESOS Amateur operatic group, the Young East Surrey Operatic Society (YESOS) has donated £186.40 lieu of a royalty fee for its relaxed performance of ‘Joseph’ in August. Royalties waived by the show’s rights owners, the Really Useful Group.

Can you help with collections at Squires in Cobham? Squires garden centre in Cobham has once again chosen us as its Charity of the Year and given us permission to ‘tin shake’ in Santa’s grotto every weekend from 10am – 4.00pm from Saturday 29th November up until Christmas. We need LOTS of volunteers to help please, so if you can spare an hour or two one weekend, please email emma@mugsy.org with ‘Squires’ in the subject line and saying which date(s) you could do. Why not do a collection with a friend and do some of your Christmas shopping at Squires afterwards. Relaxed performances at Polka Theatre Polka Theatre in Wimbledon is holding three autism-friendly ‘relaxed’ performances before Christmas: On Saturday 11th October at 11am, there is a stage adaptation of Michael Rosen’s classic story, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Saturday 6th December is the Relaxed Performance of a brand new show in the smaller Adventure Theatre, Grandad, Me… and Teddy Too. On Saturday 13th December there will be the Relaxed Performance of a winter show, Peter Pan. For more details or to book, go to http://www.polkatheatre.com. Autism-friendly cinema screenings Dimensions sponsors regular ASD-friendly cinema screenings all over the UK. Odeon Cinemas host an Autism Friendly Screening at 11.30am each month at over 90 of their cinemas across the UK and Vue Cinemas runs an Autism Friendly Film at 10:00am on the last Sunday of every month at 78 cinemas nationwide.

You can sign up for news about forthcoming showings at http://www.dimensions-uk.org

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Forthcoming Talks & meetings NAS Surrey Branch 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 do welcome a small donation on the door. Meetings are open to non-members. Please contact Emma Whitf ie ld, emma@mugsy.org i f you wish to attend to give us an idea of numbers. WEDS 8TH OCTOBER- REDHILL St Joseph’s Church, 122 Ladbroke Road, Redhil l RH1 1JX For map, see page 11 or go to http://tinyurl.com/o4st4nx Anna Nicholson, Policy and Participation Officer for London and the South East from NAS head office will give an update on the new SEN code of practice. She will explain families’ rights under the new legislation and debunk some of the current myths around the new Education Health & Care plans. Helen Plank and Andrea Collings, parent representatives from the steering committee of the local parent participation group, Family Voice Surrey have kindly agreed to come along to help answer questions about Surrey’s implementation of the plan as best they can. The meeting will be a great chance to meet other parents and to browse our extensive library of books which are available to borrow. Note: If coming by car, drive round past the main church almost as far as the car park exit and you will see the PNL centre on your left.

Thurs 13TH November, WOKING Christ Church, Church Street East, Woking, Surrey GU21 6YG Michael Barton, a physics graduate with high functioning autism, will give a talk describing how autism should be thought of as a difference rather than a disorder and how he has found ways to use his autistic attributes to his advantage. Michael is the author and illustrator of “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs” which demonstrates very clearly his logical and often literal way of thinking. His second book “A Different Kettle of Fish” is a journey in which he describes in detail how he interprets his environment and shows people just how illogical the “normal” world appears to him. In his talks, Michael encourages autistic people to focus on their strengths, explains how to overcome their weaknesses and he helps neurotypical people gain a better understanding of the autistic world. He also talks about strategies that have helped him throughout school and university and that autistic people can make a valuable contribution to society.

*************** Guide to claiming Disability Living Allowance The charity Contact a Family has updated its helpful guide on claiming Disability Living Allowance You will find this guide helpful if you are thinking of claiming DLA for your child for the first time, or if you are already getting DLA for your child and want to check if they’re entitled to a higher rate. It also explains about challenging a decision if you are unhappy with the outcome. You can download the guide from http://www.cafamily.org.uk/media/744270/dla_for_children_21_march_jc_web.pdf

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Chance for parents to have their say on CAMHS Following a consultation ending in September, parents and people who work with children with mental health issues are being offered a chance to help shape the future of services for children and adolescents with emotional, psychological and behavioural needs in Surrey NHS Guildford & Waverley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), on behalf of Surrey CCGs and Surrey County Council, is inviting parents and other interested parties to meet and talk about needs and priorities. They particularly want to talk to those involved with children and adolescents who don’t use health and social care services, but who are interested in shaping future services. The two meetings are on Tuesday 14th October at (1) 12pm to 1.45pm (2) 2.15pm to 4pm at Our Lady and St Peters Church, Garland Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7EZ Please contact Sam Patmore at NHS Guildford & Waverley CCG for further details and to register your interest to attend on 01483 405441 or email samantha.patmore@nhs.net You can find out more by visiting www.guildfordandwaverleyccg.nhs.uk and clicking on CAMHS Engagement Guide for staying safe online and with social media The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities has published a guide for people with learning disabilities on staying safe online and when using social media. You can download it from their web site: http://www.learningdisabilities.org.uk/publications/safeonline/

New IPSEA online and face-to-face training for parents IPSEA, the charity that offers independent SEN advice for families, has developed training for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs or Disabilities). The training is also suitable for professionals who support children with SEN, including Local Authority staff, Teachers, School Governors, SENCOs, Learning Support Assistants and volunteer advisers in local support groups. There are online training modules or training days covering the basics of the new SEN Law. - IPSEA SEND law foundation e-

learning programme is £79 - IPSEA SEND law training day for

parents costs £89 Friday, 5th December in Central London.

For more details and information about other training packages, please go to http://www.ipsea.org.uk/contact/training/online-training Sensory Integration training day in West Sussex An occupational therapy company called Jigsaw Occupational Training based in Burgess Hill, West Sussex is holding a one-day training course offering an Introduction to supporting children with Sensory Processing Difficulties on Saturday 22nd October from 9am - 3.30pm. The company says that the training session is suitable for parents, SENCOs, teachers, TAs, health care professionals and carers working with children and young people and costs £95. For details go to http://www.jigsaw-ot.co.uk/news-events.

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Meeting Report Guildford 17th September 2014 Dr Raja Mukherjee, who leads the Surrey service for diagnosing autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions in adults, started his talk by emphasising that this service is for diagnosis only. The service is not responsible for delivering ongoing support, which if needed, is usually provided by social care and in Surrey health and social services work separately. He first explained that the service has received 200 referrals in the first year of operation, whereas it was expected to cater for about 60.This has proved that there is a greater need for this service than expected; as a result the NHS is now funding a full time post for an autism expert, and Dr Mukherjee hopes that the present long waiting list will now start to reduce. Working with autism expert Howard Childs, the principles they use for diagnosis are to assess the three core components of autism (social communication, social interaction and social imagination), and Dr Mukherjee stressed that to diagnose autism, rather than another brain or developmental disorder, it is important that these were evident in the person in the first three years of life. They do not now categorise the condition as Asperger’s or classic autism, but in line with new diagnostic guidance simply place a person on the autistic spectrum. The usual pathway from referral by a GP starts with a 2.5-hour assessment, consisting of a structured interview, observation and history. If autism is diagnosed, post-diagnostic sessions are offered to signpost the person to support services including the NAS. Complex cases, where there may be other psychiatric or psychological conditions, can receive further input from a psychologist, Speech and language therapist, or Occupational

therapist. They may also be referred on to mental health services if appropriate. Following the work of Lorna Wing, Dr Mukherjee said the team uses a dimensional approach to assessing the impact of someone's autism on their life, looking at how a person functions: the impact could be mild - where they can get by with perhaps some simple adjustments at work; moderate - where social interaction is more taxing and severe, whereby people will need a greater level of support. He described the distinction between an autistic ‘condition’ and a ‘disorder’ - the latter means that the person is in some way disabled by their condition. He explained that early years development is important for diagnosis, because autism is usually the outcome of some kind of brain malfunction; sometimes it is not clear which comes first. There are many genetic syndromes that can lead to autism. Dr Mukherjee then talked about the complexity of diagnosis, trying to distinguish between the effects of the autism compared with a mental health condition, for example how to distinguish obsessional rituals from true OCD, or rigid thinking from psychosis. Questions from the audience led to a discussion about the shortage of follow-up support for people who are diagnosed. There are few treatment units, although people with an intellectual disability (IQ under 70) are generally able to access a wide range of services through the local Learning Disability team. The diagnosis service is for anyone over the age of 18 who has not previously been diagnosed. He told us that the oldest person he has seen was 79. Although autism is known to be more common in men, he has also diagnosed a good number of women, whose symptoms present in a more subtle way.

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News for Adults Small grants for employment Surrey Supported Employment Fund gives small grants to people with disabilities who are not employed but want to work and who live in, or are seeking work in, Surrey. The grants will usually be between £10 and £200, but in exceptional circumstances can be up to £1,000. They must be used to help the individual to get work. For instance, the grants can be used for such things as: - Essential work-related membership

fees or accreditation costs - Specific work related training - Work equipment - Interview expenses - Travel costs for the first few weeks

of employment You need to provide a clear breakdown of the costs and explain what other ways you have tried to get the money to cover these costs. Funding will not be given for anything which has already been paid or has already taken place. Do not spend any money or book a place on a course or support etc., until you know whether your application for a grant has been successful. For more information and grant application form, go to http://www.surreycommunityfoundation.org.uk/funds/surrey-supported-employment-fund !ASPire forthcoming dates The NAS Aspire social group for over-18s meets in Godalming on alternate Thursdays from 18.00 to 21.00. Next dates are, October 16thand 30th, November 13th and 27th, and December 11th. Discussion topics are chosen and led by members of the group Contact Howard Childs Tel: 078 999 355 18, email: howard.childs@nas.org.uk.

Pegasus Police scheme for vulnerable people Surrey Police has a scheme called ‘Pegasus – help me help you’ for anyone who has a disability or illness that may make it hard to communicate with the police or other emergency services, including people with autism. Pegasus is a database that helps people with certain disabilities and other vulnerable people contact Surrey Police and, if the holder gives their permission, can also be shared with other emergency services including fire and ambulance. When people register with Pegasus they are given a personal identification number (PIN) they can use when calling the Police. If the holder needs to contact the police (either using 999 or the non-emergency 101 number), they can use their Pegasus PIN, so that the person taking the call knows they need additional help and can find their personal details from the database, so the caller doesn’t have to spend time trying to give their name and details. People who are registered can also have a Pegasus card, which they can show to a police officer, member of police staff or other emergency services staff. The card lets the officer or emergency services worker know that you may require additional help and support. It is free to register and any information given is held securely and updated annually. Details can be changed or updated at any time. Under-18s need permission from a parent or guardian to join the scheme. For details of Pegagus, call 101 or 01483 571212 or email 101@surrey.pnn.police.uk. For more details, visit www.surrey.police.uk/ contact-us.

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Survey on crimes against people with disabilities Surrey Police have been working to improve how they tackle crimes and abuse committed against people with disabilities. To see if they are getting it right, and to improve further, they are asking people with disabilities, including those with autism/Aspergers to complete a survey. Copies have been sent to everyone on Surrey’s adult disability register, but you can also complete the survey online. The questions ask what you know about your local police, how you would like to contact the police if you need help, what issues concern you and what the police can do better to help people with disabilities. All of the responses remain anonymous. The closing date for completing the survey has been extended to 20th October. The link to the survey is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Feeling_safe. !Disabled Students Allowance The proposed reforms to Disabled Students’ Allowance have been postponed for a year in a surprise U-turn by the government.

Disability Rights UK offers advice to disabled students who are studying in England and support students who are studying in Wales and Scotland with general information on the Equality Act, welfare benefits and access to higher education. It runs a Disabled Students Helpline Tel: 0800 328 5050 (open Tuesday 11.30am-1.30pm and Thursday 1.30pm-3.30pm) Email: students@disabilityrightsuk.org. The web site for more information is http://disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/individuals/education

There are more details about the allowance on the government web site https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas/what-youll-get

Support Services in Surrey There is a very useful summary of the support available for adults on the autism spectrum on the NAS Surrey Branch web site http://www.mugsy.org/adultsupport.pdf Eligibility for Surrey County Council's Adult Social Care services is not decided by an IQ assessment or diagnosis, but using Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) criteria. These are national criteria set by the Department of Health. See http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/172399/FACS-Public-Leaflet-0309- AB4.pdf For those who don’t meet the criteria for funded care, services include: NAS ASSIST (Asperger Signposting, Support & Information Services Team) in Godalming which offers individual advice, information and support. For details tel: 078 999 35518 or Email bettina.stott@nas.org.uk NAS Aspire in Godalming, a social group and social skills group which meets fortnightly on Thursdays (see p9). NAS Transit ion group for 16 – 25 year olds in Guildford. This meets fortnightly on Wednesdays. Contact Howard Childs 07899 935518 Email: howard.childs@nas.org.uk!Advocacy Groups, Surrey Disabled People’s Partnership offer advocacy support and self- advocacy groups for people with Aspergers Syndrome / high functioning autism in Camberley fortnightly on Wednesdays from 7.00 – 9.00p.m. Contact Wendy Storr at SDPP on 0300 030 7333 email: advocacy@sdpp.org.uk. Web site http://www.sdpp.org.uk/services/advocacy.php And don’t forget the branch group for parents of adults run by Sara Truman and Hilary Dyce. Dates and locations for meetings are on the calendar on p12 or contact Hilary on 01276 66032 hilarydyce@yahoo.co.uk

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Maps to Branch Meetings

REDHILL Wednesday 8th October. St Joseph’s, 122 Ladbroke Road, Redhil l RH1 1JX

WOKING Thurs 13th November, Christ Church, Church Street East, Woking, Surrey GU21 6YG

©2013 Google - Map data ©2013 Google -

Christ Church WokingPublic ! 8,855 viewsCreated on Jul 15, 2009 ! By Peter ! Updated Jul 15, 2009

UKWoking, Surrey GU21 6YG

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NAS Surrey Branch Calendar October – November 2014 Our local support group meetings and talks are a great place to meet other people - please always phone/email the host for details and to make sure it’s still on before you go.October

Weds 8th 7.45 for 8.00pm Redhil l Talk by Anna Nicholson, NAS

Emma Whitfield emma@mugsy.org 07423 435413

Friday 10th 10.00am Guildford LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Sara Truman 01483 822630 nas@mugsy.org Mon 13th 10.00am Woking PARENTS OF GIRLS GROUP Rachel Pearson 01483 727378 racheldpearson@gmail.com Wed 15th 10.00am Walton-on-Thames LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Tessa Patel 01932 886578 Thursday 16th 10.00am Oxted LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Lisa Sawyer 01883371090 lisamsawyer@yahoo.co.uk Monday 20th 9.30am Frensham LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Bonnie Noyce 07712 187083 jbnoyce@yahoo.com Weds 22nd 10.00am Dorking LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Ginny Collins 01306 509087 gincoll@aol.com Friday 24th 10.00am Cranleigh LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Lucy Tosh 07968 948513 lucy@lucytosh.co.uk

November Sunday 2nd 2.00pm

Bowling at Hollywood Bowl, Tolworth Sarah Mead 01483 454245

Sarah_mead@hotmail.co.uk

Thurs 6th 10.00am Haslemere LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Fiona Bowring 01428 641087 timandfiona@btinternet.com Thurs 6th 7.30pm Guildford PARENTS OF ADULTS GROUP Sara Truman 01483 822630

November /cont’d Monday 10th 10am Woking LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Natalie Pattinson 01483 850142 punkpin_pie@yahoo.co.uk Friday 7th 10am Guildford LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Sara Truman 01483 822630 nas@mugsy.org Weds 12th 10.30am Bookham LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Jeni Cronin 01372 458661 jeni.cronin@talk21.com

Thursday 13th Woking Talk by Michael Barton

Emma Whitfield emma@mugsy.org 07423 435413

Monday 17th 9.30am Frensham LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Bonnie Noyce 07712 187083 jbnoyce@yahoo.com Weds 19th 10.00am Camberley LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Donna Pigden-Bennett 01276 670347 donna@woodcoteconsultants.co.uk Weds 19th 10.00am REDHILL LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Helen Ruffhead 01737 212043 h.ruffhead@ntlworld.com Friday 21st 10.00am Guildford PARENTS OF GIRLS GROUP Rachel Pearson 01483 727378 racheldpearson@gmail.com Weds 26th 10am Dorking Sure Start SUPPORT GROUP Sarah Mason 07973 379131 slmason78@gmail.com Friday 26th 10am Cranleigh LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP Lucy Tosh 07968 948513 lucy@lucytosh.co.uk December Weds 3rd 7.30pm Weybridge PARENTS OF ADULTS GROUP Hilary Dyce 01276 66032 hilarydyce@yahoo.co.uk