517954

Darren Worthy

Last updated 04/12/2008 10:13:01

WHAT IS AUTISM?

Autism is a spectrum condition, sometimes referred to as an autism spectrum disorder.   The term ‘spectrum' means that it varies in severity and impact from person to person.

Some people with autism are able to live independently with little or no support.   Others need specialist care and attention from organisations such as NORSACA throughout their lives.   Some people with autism have additional learning disabilities.

Every person with autism is an individual with different needs, abilities and interests.

The common characteristics of autism are:

• Difficulties with social interaction, making friends and in understanding   the feelings and experiences of others
• Difficulty with communication, this includes not fully understanding facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice
• Difficulty in thinking flexibly and understanding abstract ideas

WHAT IS NORSACA?

NORSACA is a charity that was established in 1968.   It was set up by parents who were concerned about the lack of appropriate education for their children with autism.

NORSACA advocates, provides and develops high quality services, information and support for all those who lives are affected by autism.   NORSACA works in partnership with other organisations including local authorities, housing associations, health authorities and educational facilities.

NORSACA enables people with autism to live their lives with dignity, choice and independence.

WHAT SERVICES DOES NORSACA OFFER?

NORSACA offers a wide range of services to people affected by autism.

The Elizabeth Newson Centre is a diagnostic and assessment facility.   The centre specialises in assessing children with communication and development issues from across the UK.

Sutherland House School is a specialist day school on five sites in Nottingham for up to 94 pupils.   The school was recently inspected by Ofsted and given an outstanding rating.

Whitegates College in Worksop offers further education services to 32 students.   The college works in partnership with other colleges in the area and offers a number of qualifications to its students.

NORSACA Adult and Further Education Services also offers residential accommodation at a number of locations across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.   The services were rated highly in the recent review by the Autism Quality Network.

The charity also offers services to help individuals gain the skills they need to live as independently as possible.

Family Services offers help and support to families affected by autism.   This is done through telephone advice surgeries, a counselling service and a comprehensive series of parent workshops and training events.

NORSACA runs an annual play scheme for 48 children with autism from across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.   The play scheme contributes to the welfare of the whole family by allowing the parents or carers to spend time with their other children and by giving them some time to themselves.

The charity also runs an annual siblings group.   The group gives siblings an opportunity to meet other children who have brothers and sisters with autism.   They are able to discuss any issues they may have and gain an understanding of how autism affected their brother or sister.

All of NORSACA's services aim to empower individuals to live their lives with dignity, choice and independence.

HOW CAN I HELP NORSACA?

There are a number of ways to help support the work of NORSACA.   These include becoming a member of the charity, donating via its website, sending in unwanted mobile phones, selling goods on Ebay in aid of NORSACA and organising sponsored events.

For more information on how to support the charity, please visit www.norsaca.org.uk or call 0115 976 1805 

Thank you