Scottish Autism News October 2011

NEWS
Issue 2, Autumn 2011
Scotland’s Autism Charity for over 40 years
No longer lost for words!
E
very week a group of young men
with Asperger’s Syndrome gather
in our Glasgow centre to put pen to
paper and write.
Their poems, stories and essays, both
imaginative and factual, are entertaining,
often moving and always give a
fascinating insight into the way they see
the world.
The Creative Writing group’s hard work
can now be shared by a wider audience
thanks to Write not Wrong, a new
collection of writing and illustrations just
launched at the Italian Centre in Glasgow.
The launch of Write not Wrong took place at the Italian Centre, Glasgow.
From left: Jon Dixon (writer), Darran Cameron (writer), Billy Love (writer),
Chris Weatherston (writer) and Annette Alison of Lipsync.
experiences and explore ways of
transferring thoughts into words.
The Creative Writing group is facilitated
by Scottish Autism’s Jenni Roberts and
Annette Alison of Lipsync Scotland, which
offers tuition in communication skills and
creative writing.
Write not Wrong is on sale for £5. To
order a copy, please call our office in
Abercromby Street on 0845 300 9277.
Clannalba Respite Service
Pages 4-5
Some extracts from Write not Wrong: enjoy!
All roads lead to Rome. Except for those that
don’t. Paul Ritchie
“That’s not exactly Rocket Science,” I
said. Which was true. It wasn’t. It was
mountaineering. Jon Dixon
Helping people on the spectrum of all
abilities express themselves – whether
through speech, writing, art, music, dance
or drama - is an essential part of our
work and we rely heavily on donations,
whether for equipment, software or
specialist teachers.
Isolation is often a fact of life for
people on the spectrum so being in a
group such as this can be a lifeline,
offering a precious opportunity to share
Kerry Ross,
Scottish
Autism service
manager with
copies of the
book, Write not
Wrong
Paul Ritchie and some of his artwork.
Members’ News
Page 6
Understanding Autism (an excerpt)
I sometimes think that having autism is a gift,
and I’ve got lots of talents, like writing comic
stories and working out the day of the week
people were born. When I was a child I didn’t
talk much. I used to be scared of loud noises
and I also didn’t like cuddles. I am really
glad to say that I have overcome a lot of my
problems and I am really capable of a lot of
things. Chris Wetherston
Tune into Autism
Page 7
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NO TIME TO FUNDRAISE?
Help us to reach people living with
autism this Christmas by making an
annual gift. Visit our website:
www.scottishautism.org/donate
Maureen Runs for Miles
A recent convert to running, Dundee mum
and grandmother, Maureen Murray has
taken part in both the Great Scottish Run
(Glasgow) and the Big Fun Run (Dundee)
for Scottish Autism this year. She has
two sons with autism, Charlie (pictured
below with Maureen) and Francis, who
both use our outreach centre in Dundee.
Charlie joined his mother for the Big Fun
Run in Camperdown Park.
We All Got Wet!
A lot of fun was had on the River Tummel near Pitlochry in August when six intrepid
Scottish Autism employees put on their wet suits and went white water rafting.
The adventurous group - Shelley McAskie, Heather Morrison, Kathy McInally,
Raymond Stevenson, Stuart Aitken and Val Laurie took to the fast-flowing rapids
like the proverbial ducks to water! Soaked to skin from start to finish, they still thought
it was a great day out!
Students Add Fundraising To Their Studies
Enthusiastic students at James Watt College (Greenock), Langside College
(Glasgow) and Forth Valley College (Falkirk) are fundraising for Scottish Autism.
We have had stands at freshers’ fairs at various colleges and universities and many
students are organising events as part of their courses. Any students who would like to
fundraise, please email: [email protected] or go to our Facebook page.
Do you like wine? Have you got friends or colleagues who also like
wine? If the answer to both questions is yes then why not start a
wine lottery?
To find out more contact Heather McArthur in our West of Scotland
office ([email protected]).
Roll The Bones
Best Foot Forward
New supporter Glyn Dodds (left) joined
thousands of runners at Glasgow Green
for the Great Glasgow Run in September.
Cheered on by his family and bride-to-be,
Glyn completed the 10Km run in great
style, raising £270.
With the Big Fun Run (5km) coming up in
Glasgow on 29 October, we’re expecting
a big Scottish Autism team. Still time to
join us for this fun family day out! Sign up
here - www.bigfunrun.com
2
Scottish Autism has been chosen by
Sainsbury’s staff in Stirling as their
local Charity Partner. They are doing
an amazing job fundraising and raising
autism awareness in the local community.
Staff are doing a two-day bag-packing on
27 and 28 October and there will be face
painting and dressing up at Halloween for
Spooky Sainsbury’s.
We have created a special Fright
Night Pack for pubs and other groups.
It includes
a special
Halloween Quiz,
posters and
balloons so
you can make
Monday 31
October a bit
different
this year! Call
the fundraising
team to find out
more: 01259 720044. Donate by texting
ZOMB11 to 70070
Skelly the Skeleton was created in our
Art Opportunities studio Alloa.
www.scottishautism.org
[email protected]
Thank Yous
Abbie gets MMS Makeover
which needed a facelift. The team was
helped by Scottish Autism staff and MMS
kindly paid for the paint, rollers and other
equipment.
The Albert Hunt Trust has given
£3,500 towards a sensory room in the
new Woodend Centre in Fife. There
have also been contributions from The
Beatrice Laing Charitable Trust and
Alexander Moncur Trust.
Paul Mullan from Human Resources at
MMS, mobilised a team of 15 staff to give
up their Sunday. They not only provided
the manpower but also provided the
sandwiches for the day!
The People’s Postcode Trust has
given £2,000 towards
the renovation of
a shower room at
Clannalba. To find
out more about the
Trust go to
www.postcodetrust.org.uk
Donations from The Jennie S Gordon
Memorial Foundation, The Forbes
Charitable Foundation and The
Templeton Goodwill Trust have
funded some boardmaker software for
our South West of Scotland services.
The Hospital Saturday Fund
Charitable Trust, Yorkshire Building
Society Charitable Foundation and
Children’s Aid (Scotland) Ltd have all
generously donated to Scottish Autism.
Thank you to all our regular Trust donors,
including the JTH Charitable Trust.
Stuarts of Buckhaven in Fife - a chain
of over 20 bakeries and butchers have
our collecting cans on display. Pop in for
a pie if you are passing.
A group of sixth form pupils at St
Leonards School in St Andrews held
its first bake sale for Scottish Autism
in September (below). The queue was
long, the cakes were colourful and
plentiful, selling out in only 20 minutes!
A great effort from everyone involved
which raised over £100.
Paul said: “We’re really glad we could
help, and we all had great fun too.”
Volunteers from UK legal firm Maclay
Murray and Spens (MMS) spent a
long day in September redecorating the
Abbie Centre, a day centre in Bridgeton,
Glasgow. This huge job involved painting
six large rooms and the central hallway
Local law firm Russel + Aitken is
offering to donate 15 per cent of its
usual fees to Scottish Autism until
September 2012. This applies to all
new clients who mention the charity
when they meet with the firm in their
Alloa or Falkirk offices.
To contact Russel+Aitken call
01259 723201 or email
[email protected].
Tracey Lafferty, manager of the Abbie
Day Centre said: “It really has made an
enormous difference to the centre - it has
cheered it up and made it look brand new.
The individuals who attend the centre are
very pleased with the new look. It was
fabulous that we got the generous help
from MMS.” The MMS team has offered to
help us again in the near future.
A LASTING GIFT
Scottish Autism receives occasional
bequests, which are used to help us
buy equipment and improve facilities.
Leaving a gift in your will is not
difficult and makes a big difference.
Find out more by talking to a solicitor,
visiting the HMRC website
www.hmrc.gov.uk/individuals/giving/
will.htm
or contact Carolyne Nurse
on 01259 720044.
Sunshine and Saddles
Cycle Cuba
November 2012
Think Caribbean and sunshine: join our
ten day cycle ride, beginning in Havana
and ending by the Carribean Sea in
Trinidad some 350kms later.
Wallace attended his first highland
games event in Crieff in August as a
guest of phone company, O2.
Deposit £295 and raise at least £2650
in sponsorship, or pay £1588 for
yourself and set your own fundraising
target. More information is available on
our website.
Fundraiser Heather McArthur opened
her doors in June for a Big Breakfast,
cooking over 120 Scottish Breakfasts
with her mother-in-law Doreen
Dickinson. “It was like a non-stop
truckers’ café!” said Heather. Their
efforts raised an impressive £800.
telephone: 01259 720044
To Bonnie Balloch
Jim Reynolds has done it
again! Our long-term supporter
spearheaded the summer cycle
run from Clydebank to Balloch.
This is the sixth year in a row he
has organised and taken part in
the 30-mile trip, and this year over
40 others took part.
3
Focus on Clannalba, Scottish Autism’s Respite Service
Home from home at Clannalba
E
very family needs a break,
perhaps none more so than
those with a relative on the
autism spectrum.
Clannalba is Scotland’s only autismspecific respite and transitional
assessment centre. Based in beautiful
borders countryside near Biggar,
Clannalba offers a whole range of
options to suit all abilities: residential
short breaks; emergency respite;
specialist support and transition; team
weekends; recreation and leisure.
This unique autism respite service
offers a wide range of planned and
purposeful periods of short breaks
and respite for children and adults.
The environment allows each person
the freedom and space they need.
However, Clannalba offers far
more than just a break. Our holistic
approach allows staff to focus on both
the person with autism and their carer,
so they are able to offer advice to
families on specific difficulties and to
work on developing particular skills.
4
Set in spacious grounds, Clannalba is perfect
for respite.
One family to benefit from Clannalba
is the Shaws, whose daughter Rhoda
has autism.
John Shaw said: “At a particularly
difficult time in Rhoda’s life, we found
Clannalba to be a wonderful resource
- for both her and ourselves, as
parents. The staff were magnificent in
understanding the complex nature of
her autism and she really enjoyed her
respite time there. It gave us a break
from intensive caring and allowed
us a breathing space, as well as
opening up Rhoda’s world with new
experiences.”
Preparing for Change
Our team at Clannalba is
experienced at preparing people
with autism for transitions that may
occur in their life. In the grounds are
two bungalows which each create
a comfortable, modern home where
our staff work with young and mature
adults to prepare them for living
more independently in their own
community.
Any stay at Clannalba for this
purpose begins with an intensive
period of assessment. This is
followed by developing strategies to
ensure the person is fully prepared
to live more independently. The staff
continue support during the transition
from Clannalba to the person’s future
home. They focus on community
living, independent living, domestic
skills and ordinary life skills.
Daytime Support
Children spend anything from a few
hours to several days a month at
Clannalba. It may be as respite for
their carers or the first steps towards
returning to school. Every child who
spends time at Clannalba has his
or her own individual support plan.
Teachers may also come and work
with a child who has been excluded
from school in preparation for his or
her eventual return to the classroom.
The benefits of working within an
autism-specific environment are
considerable.
www.scottishautism.org
Time Out
Above: Having a private pool is a huge
benefit for our visitors.
Above and below: Specialist equipment
makes the sensory room a calming space.
Team weekends and activity breaks offer opportunities for socialising and excursions.
Team Weekends
Teenagers or young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome can come to Clannalba one
weekend a month for fun and social activities, staying at Clannalba from Friday
night to Sunday evening. The programme is sent out in advance to help prepare
them and includes a range of innovative activities.Team weekends provide a social
network which allows relationships to develop with people who have similar needs
in a relaxing and familiar environment where they can be themselves. They work on
areas which need additional support such as social interaction with other people or
unacceptable behaviour in social situations.
Activity Breaks
Adults and children with autism are welcome to come to Clannalba for a short
activity break. Its location gives young people with autism a great opportunity to
take part in all kinds of activities such as hill walking, wildlife spotting, horse riding,
ten pin bowling, cinema, theatre, soft play and swimming. A break can be between
three and five days and will involve outings in small groups.
Photography: Tina Norris
Although aimed at groups, the programme is tailored to individual interests and
needs which maximises visitors’ potential to benefit from the experiences on offer.
For further information about
Clannalba and what it offers
contact us by telephone or email:
Kelly Logan, Service Manager,
on 01259 728373
Adam Brodie, Regional Manager,
on 0845 300 9272
[email protected]
telephone: 01259 720044
5
Membership
Meeting of minds
With lots of new members coming on board, there’s never been a better time to
join Scottish Autism.
You will have the chance to become more involved with the organisation and
have your say in issues that are important to you. We need you so that we can
add your voice to ours.
As a member you will be helping to make a difference to those with autism and
their families across Scotland. You will become engaged with the organisation,
inspired to have your say and empowered to make a difference.
We have a variety of plans to help you meet other members- networking
forums, focus groups and of course you can attend the AGM to have your say
and elect the Board.
Our AGM is on Tuesday 21 November at 2pm at New Struan School in Alloa.
This year we will again be recognising the dedication of two outstanding
supporters who have made an enormous contribution to our cause.
There are now three types of
yearly membership:
• individual £15
• family £25
• affiliated for constituted
parents groups £40
Followers on our Twitter page
include health and education
professionals and other autism
organisations from around the world.
We also have a blog:
http://scottishautism.blogspot.com
Come and join us, see the school, meet the board – you will be most welcome.
Our conferences
Open Minds
are attended by
Our Open Minds events have been a
great success this year with meetings
in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Alloa, Dundee
and Perth.
parents and people
Open Minds is a series of free
networking events for people who care
about autism. It is your chance to meet
staff and members of Scottish Autism.
website for details on
The next event takes place in
Aberdeen on Wednesday, 12 October,
12 noon-2pm, at the Aberdeen Arts
Centre Association, 33 King Street,
Aberdeen AB24 5AA.
All welcome.
Places are limited so please call
Eleanor Macleod, Scottish Autism
membership officer, on 01259 720044
to book a place.
Further dates in Inverness and Fife to
be confirmed.
One participant commented on his
experience of Open Minds:
“I found it very informative... [I am]
encouraged by the collaborations
of various bodies to ensure that
information and support is available.
“The message that came across from
Scottish Autism was: If I can’t help
then I know someone who can. The
door is not closed.”
6
working in the health,
education and care
sectors. Check out our
forthcoming events.
Where’s Wallace?
Just for fun, see if you have been following Wallace’s adventures this
year. Answers in our newsletters or on our facebook page. No prizes!
Which primary school did Wallace visit in June?
Why was Wallace in the City of Discovery?
Which heritage event saw Wallace strutting his stuff?
Where did Wallace watch tossing the caber?
Which school invited Wallace in for cake?
News from the Web
Our new website (www.scottishautism.org) continues
to evolve.
The information centre will have three new topics
soon: hairdressing, going to the dentist and play.
Already online are advice pages on sleep, eating,
transition from school to college and holidays.
www.scottishautism.org/autism-knowledge-services/
information-centre/
The Members’ Area on our website will be up and running soon, so keep checking
www.scottishautism.org for updates.
This area will offer previews, extra information, details of what’s on locally and the
opportunity for feedback.
www.scottishautism.org
Tune Into Autism
It’s showtime!
Our Scottish Traditional Music night is
taking place in Glasgow on Friday 14th
October.
The evening features Kirsten Easdale,
who is one of the finest exponents of
the songs of Robert Burns. Kirsten will
perform with Bring in the Spirit (Rod
Paterson, Gregor Lowrey and Marc Duff).
Two top acts are also on the bill: Bellevue
Rendezvous (Gavin Marwick, Ruth Morris
and Cameron Robson) and Gordeanna
McCulloch. MC is BBC Scotland’s
Fergus Muirhead.
The Scottish Music Night venue is
St. Andrew’s in the Square
No. 1 St. Andrew’s Square
Glasgow G1 5PP
Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm start.
Tickets £12. Concessions £8.
Contact Ticket Soup on 0844 481 8898
or www.ticketsoup.com.
Also at St. Andrew’s on the Square
(cash only). Telephone 0141 559 5902.
Kirsten Easdale explains why she is
raising funds for Scottish Autism:
My son Stuart attended Scottish Autism’s
Struan House school and Craft Workshops in
Alloa for 14 years. Stuart is now 25 and I am
certain that he would not have reached his
present level of functioning if it were not for the
support of Scottish Autism. Its wonderful staff
are not only trained to the highest degree, they
are highly dedicated individuals who love their
work and care about those they support and
their families. New Struan is a true centre of
excellence.
Kirsten Easdale and her son Stuart.
As an adult, Stuart’s assessment from
Scottish Autism’s Centre for Training and
Assessment (CETA), along with accredited
training for Stuart’s new support staff, ensured
his successful move to non-specialist adult
services in his local area. Other autistic adults
benefitted from the same support staff.
I cannot speak highly enough of Scottish
Autism. The Scottish Government and the
world autism community recognise its leading
expertise. Most of its resources are channelled
into direct specialist services, and all of its
funding is spent where it is most needed: right
here in Scotland.
Tune Into Autism: Perform And Participate
The Scottish Traditional Music
Night concert kicks off our new
Tune into Autism fundraising
campaign.
Using music as the theme we
are inviting musicians, choirs,
groups and performers to
turn their next event into a
fundraiser for Scottish Autism.
All the best for the new
campaign and very best
wishes for your important
work.
Craig and Charlie Reid. The Proclaimers.
Already, Glasgow University
Music Society is gearing up its
support with a fundraising gig.
The Fotheringay Players and
various choirs are dedicating a
performance to us.
Several musicians have offered
their services to anyone
planning an event for Scottish
Autism.
Check out our Tune into Autism
group page on Facebook.
telephone: 01259 720044
Martine Mitchell (left) who has been supported
by Scottish Autism for many years plays the
piano with music therapy student Pamela
Loughridge at a group music therapy session
at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
Music therapy is an important part of our
support and is usually funded by donations.
Text your support
TUNE12 to 70070
7
Celebrations
Come in, No.29
Africa In Alloa
A new base for adults with autism in Kirkcaldy opened its doors in August. No.29 is close to Adam
Smith College and will be used by around 10 adults supported by Scottish Autism.
There are four large and airy rooms offering space to relax, learn and be creative... all thanks to
donations. From the kitchen which was donated by Howdens to the games and art materials which
were given by parents, No 29 has a real homely feel.
“We now have somewhere we can spend constructive time with the people we support. We have a
computer room, a room for relaxing, and arts and crafts,” said Debbie Lauder, service manager.
“Everyone is delighted with this base and full of ideas for new activities.”
Young pupil Sean joins in the fun with
Tajeu Ole Minisa of the Osiligi Maasai
Warriors from Kenya, who gave an
inspiring performance of dance and
song at New Struan in September. The
sounds and rhythms of Africa and brightly
coloured costumes created a wonderful
spectacle which entranced both the
pupils and staff. “I loved it,” said one
pupil. “It was weird but the thing I really
liked was the jumping – they jumped so
high!” said another.
Members of the audience were invited
to join in and the new head teacher,
Jasmine Miller, gave it her best shot!
Find out more about the Osiligi dancers
on www.osiligiwarriors.co.uk
‘Tis The Season
Lots to celebrate this year: we have a
selection of Christmas cards for sale
and our raffle theme is Treat Yourself.
Top prizes include a two-night stay at the
Grosvenor Glasgow Hilton, vouchers
for a day at the Nick Nairn Cook School,
a four ball at Kilmalcolm Golf Club, a
private tour and tasting at Tullibardine
distillery and £150 Love2Shop vouchers.
Tickets are available from our office and
by calling 01259 720044. Draw takes
place 7 December in our Alloa office.
Stunning ladies and children fashion
boutique, Butterfly Kisses, and Paper
Plane, the delightful gift shop next door
at 8 Skirving Street Glasgow are opening
their doors for a Christmas Shopping
Evening on Thursday November 3, from
6pm (with bubbly and nibbles). Get a 20
per cent discount on all your purchases
and 10 per cent of sales will be donated
to Scottish Autism: a great idea! Thanks
to shop owners Pamela and Gillian.
In Iceland We Stand
Carolyne Nurse (centre), East Scotland
07792 309 291
[email protected]
Heather McArthur (left), West Scotland
0771 308 9690
[email protected]
If you do your shopping online, you can
donate without paying a penny more.
Two sites we have signed up to are:
www.easyfundraising.co.uk and
www.giveasyoulive.co.uk
Both include hundreds of well-known high
street names as well as some smaller
specialist retailers. Buy anything online
and make sure you choose Scottish
Autism at checkout. A percentage of your
purchase is donated to our charity by the
retailer. It couldn’t be easier!
Contact the fundraisers!
Alex Drinkell (right), Central Scotland
0771 308 9689
[email protected]
Our supporters completed the Icelandic Lava
Trek, raising over £13,000 for Scottish Autism.
“Beautiful landscape and a challenge within
most people’s reach,” said Jim Reynolds.
Scottish Autism News is produced three times
a year for our supporters. If you would prefer
to receive your copy by email, or unsubscribe,
please let us know: 01259 720044 or email:
[email protected]
Scottish Autism • Hilton House • Alloa Business Park • Whins Road • Alloa FK10 3SA
Telephone: 01259 720044 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.scottishautism.org
Scottish Charity No. SC 009068 • Company limited by guarantee • Registered in Scotland No. 81123