National Autistic Society Reviews

National Autistic Society Reviews: A Comprehensive Look at Services and Support

Introduction:

Are you searching for reliable information on the National Autistic Society (NAS)? Finding the right support for yourself or a loved one on the autism spectrum can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide dives deep into National Autistic Society reviews, examining various aspects of their services and support to help you make informed decisions. We'll explore what users say about their experiences, analyzing both positive and negative feedback to give you a balanced perspective. We’ll cover everything from their advocacy work to the effectiveness of their educational resources and family support programs. This in-depth analysis will empower you to understand whether the NAS is the right fit for your needs.


I. Understanding the National Autistic Society (NAS)

The NAS is a leading UK charity dedicated to supporting autistic people and their families. They offer a wide range of services, including:

Advocacy: Fighting for the rights and inclusion of autistic people in society.
Information and Advice: Providing comprehensive resources and guidance on autism.
Support Services: Offering direct support to individuals and families, often including practical help, social groups, and respite care.
Education and Training: Developing resources and delivering training for professionals and families.
Research: Contributing to a deeper understanding of autism and its impact.


II. Analyzing User Reviews: A Mixed Bag of Experiences

Online reviews offer valuable insights into the NAS's services. While many praise the organization for its dedication and impactful advocacy, others express concerns about accessibility, wait times for services, and regional variations in support quality.

A. Positive Reviews:

Many users highlight the NAS's expertise and commitment to autistic individuals. Common positive themes include:

Comprehensive Resources: The website and publications are often praised for their thoroughness and accessibility.
Effective Advocacy: The NAS's influence in shaping autism policy and raising public awareness is frequently commended.
Supportive Communities: Local branches and online forums offer valuable peer support and a sense of belonging.
Expert Advice: The advice lines and helplines are valued by many for their knowledgeable and empathetic staff.

B. Negative Reviews:

Critical reviews often center around:

Long Wait Times: Access to certain services, particularly specialized support, can involve significant waiting periods.
Regional Variations: The quality and availability of services can differ substantially depending on geographical location.
Limited Resources: Some users feel that the NAS's resources are insufficient to meet the growing demand.
Accessibility Issues: Challenges relating to website accessibility and the availability of support in diverse formats are frequently raised.

III. Specific Service Reviews: A Closer Look

To gain a more nuanced understanding, let's examine reviews for some of the NAS's key services:

Adult Services: Reviews often praise the adult support groups and social programs, but some highlight the scarcity of specialized support for adults with complex needs.
Family Support: Families appreciate the practical advice and emotional support offered, but longer waiting lists and limited respite care options are common criticisms.
Educational Resources: The NAS's educational materials are widely recognized as helpful, but some users call for more inclusive and diverse representation.


IV. How to Navigate the National Autistic Society's Services

Choosing the right services within the NAS requires careful planning. Consider the following:

Identify Your Specific Needs: Clearly define what support you or your loved one requires.
Research Local Services: Explore the services offered in your specific region.
Contact the NAS Directly: Don't hesitate to call their helpline or contact your local branch for personalized advice.
Manage Expectations: Be aware of potential wait times and resource limitations.
Seek Additional Support: The NAS should not be your sole source of support. Supplement their services with other organizations and professionals as needed.


V. Conclusion: A Valuable Resource with Room for Improvement

The National Autistic Society remains a vital organization, offering crucial support and advocacy for autistic individuals and their families. While reviews reveal a range of experiences, both positive and negative, the NAS's commitment to improving services is evident. By understanding the strengths and limitations highlighted in user feedback, you can make informed decisions about utilizing their resources effectively. Remember to explore other avenues of support to ensure you receive the comprehensive care you need.


Article Outline:

I. Introduction: Overview of the National Autistic Society and the purpose of the review.
II. Services Offered: Detailed explanation of the various services provided by the NAS.
III. Positive and Negative User Reviews: Analysis of online feedback, categorizing positive and negative experiences.
IV. Specific Service Deep Dives: In-depth look at reviews for specific NAS services (adult, family, education).
V. Navigating NAS Services Effectively: Practical guidance for accessing and utilizing NAS services.
VI. Conclusion: Summary of findings and overall assessment of the NAS.


(Each point in the outline is explained in detail within the article above.)


FAQs:

1. Is the NAS only for people in the UK? Primarily, yes; their services are mostly UK-based, though their resources and advocacy work have a broader reach.
2. How much does it cost to use NAS services? Many services are free, but some specialized programs may have associated costs. Check their website for details.
3. How can I find my local NAS branch? Use their website's branch finder tool to locate the nearest office.
4. What if I don't agree with the NAS's assessment or services? You have the right to seek a second opinion and explore other support options.
5. Are the NAS’s online resources accessible to everyone? While they strive for accessibility, some users have reported challenges; feedback helps them improve.
6. How long are waiting lists for NAS services? Waiting times vary significantly depending on location and service type. Contact your local branch for current estimates.
7. Does the NAS provide financial assistance? They may offer some financial support in certain circumstances; check their website or contact them directly.
8. Can I volunteer with the NAS? Yes, they welcome volunteers; check their website for volunteer opportunities.
9. How can I provide feedback on my experience with the NAS? They encourage feedback; use their website's feedback mechanisms or contact your local branch.



Related Articles:

1. Autism Diagnosis Process in the UK: A guide to navigating the autism diagnosis journey.
2. Support Groups for Autistic Adults: A directory of support groups and community resources.
3. Autism and Employment: Finding and Keeping a Job: Advice and resources on employment for autistic individuals.
4. Autism and Education: Creating Inclusive Learning Environments: Strategies for supporting autistic students in educational settings.
5. Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: A comprehensive overview of autism and its different presentations.
6. Autism and Mental Health: Addressing co-occurring conditions and mental health challenges.
7. Respite Care for Families of Autistic Children: Finding and accessing respite services for families.
8. Advocacy for Autistic Rights: An explanation of the importance of advocacy and how to get involved.
9. Navigating Sensory Sensitivities in Autistic Individuals: Practical strategies for managing sensory challenges.


  national autistic society reviews: Everybody is Different , 2001 This book is different A delightfully illustrated book for school friends or brothers and sisters aged 8-13 of children with autism, it explains the characteristics of autism, explores what it feels like to be a brother or sister of someone with an autistic spectrum disorder, and suggests some approaches to making life more comfortable. This book is different A new, delightfully illustrated book for school friends or brothers and sisters aged 8-13 of children with autism by Fiona Bleach, an accomplished artist and art therapist who has worked in a National Autistic Society school. It explains the characteristics of autism, investigates what it feels like to be a brother or sister of someone with an autistic spectrum disorder, and suggests some approaches to making life more comfortable for everyone. Written with insight and charm, this book offers real and accessible support.
  national autistic society reviews: A Kind of Spark Elle McNicoll, 2022-10-11 Perfect for readers of Song for a Whale and Counting by 7s, a neurodivergent girl campaigns for a memorial when she learns that her small Scottish town used to burn witches simply because they were different. A must-read for students and adults alike. -School Library Journal, Starred Review Ever since Ms. Murphy told us about the witch trials that happened centuries ago right here in Juniper, I can’t stop thinking about them. Those people weren’t magic. They were like me. Different like me. I’m autistic. I see things that others do not. I hear sounds that they can ignore. And sometimes I feel things all at once. I think about the witches, with no one to speak for them. Not everyone in our small town understands. But if I keep trying, maybe someone will. I won’t let the witches be forgotten. Because there is more to their story. Just like there is more to mine. Award-winning and neurodivergent author Elle McNicoll delivers an insightful and stirring debut about the European witch trials and a girl who refuses to relent in the fight for what she knows is right.
  national autistic society reviews: My Friend Sam Liz Hannah, Steve Lockett, 2007 Uses simple wording and delightful colour pictures to describe some of the difficulties that young children with autism may have, and also some of the things they are very good at.
  national autistic society reviews: An independent review of the Work Capability Assessment Great Britain: Department for Work and Pensions, Malcolm Harrington, 2010-11-23 The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) was designed to focus on a person's capability rather than their incapacity. It distinguishes between those people who could work; those people who could work at some point with the right support (the Work-related Activity Group); and those people who cannot work (the Support Group). In essence the WCA was designed to be a first positive step towards work for most people. However this Review found that the WCA is not working as well as it should. Interactions with both Jobcentre Plus and Atos are often impersonal, mechanistic and lack clarity; the Jobcentre Plus Decision Makers do not in practice make decisions but instead typically 'rubber stamp' the advice provided through Atos; some conditions are more difficult to assess than others; communication and feedback between the difference agencies and organisations involved is often fragmented. Accordingly the key recommendations include: empowering and investing in Decision Makers; to account for the particular difficulties in assessing mental, intellectual and cognitive impairments by ensuring Atos employ 'champions' of these conditions in each Medical Examination Centre building more empathy into the process; improving transparency by ensuring each report contains a personalised summary of the Atos healthcare professional's recommendations;; and better communication and feedback. Piloting of audio recording of Atos assessments is also suggested. As the first of five annual reviews in the WCA this report also proposes a programme of work for the second review
  national autistic society reviews: Asperger's Children: The Origins of Autism in Nazi Vienna Edith Sheffer, 2018-05-01 “An impassioned indictment, one that glows with the heat of a prosecution motivated by an ethical imperative.” —Lisa Appignanesi, New York Review of Books In the first comprehensive history of the links between autism and Nazism, prize-winning historian Edith Sheffer uncovers how a diagnosis common today emerged from the atrocities of the Third Reich. As the Nazi regime slaughtered millions across Europe during World War Two, it sorted people according to race, religion, behavior, and physical condition. Nazi psychiatrists targeted children with different kinds of minds—especially those thought to lack social skills—claiming the Reich had no place for them. Hans Asperger and his colleagues endeavored to mold certain “autistic” children into productive citizens, while transferring others to Spiegelgrund, one of the Reich’s deadliest child killing centers. In this unflinching history, Sheffer exposes Asperger’s complicity in the murderous policies of the Third Reich.
  national autistic society reviews: All in a Row Alex Oates, 2019-05-03 Laurence likes pizza. Laurence is about to go to school. Laurence thinks it's okay to wee on mummy's pillow. Like any couple, Tamora and Martin have big hopes and dreams. But when your child is autistic, non-verbal, and occasionally violent, ambitions can quickly become a pipe dream. In a household brimming with love, resentment and realisations, meet Tam, Martin and Laurence's carer Gary as they struggle to care for their beloved boy. On the night before social services finally intervenes, who is the victim here? Who was the traitor? And who do you blame when you can no longer cope? Inspired by his experiences working as a carer for over a decade, Alex Oates' new play is a kitchen sink comedy-drama filled with heart... and French Fancies.
  national autistic society reviews: Understanding the Voices and Educational Experiences of Autistic Young People Craig Goodall, 2019-09-11 Providing a ‘one stop’ text, Understanding the Voices and Educational Experiences of Autistic Young People is a unique and comprehensive contribution to bridge the gap between theory, research and practice. Based on the author’s teaching and research experience, this book provides a theoretical and practical framework for participatory rights-based autism research and demonstrates the benefits of – and growing emphasis on – voice and participation research; if done correctly it can be of immense benefit to policy, practice and how we support autistic young people. Alongside a critical and extensive review of research literature and debate on the efficacy of mainstream inclusion for autistic children, the book provides practical advice on how to support autistic children in research and in school. Significantly, Goodall investigates and presents the educational experiences of autistic young people – including girls – and their suggestions to improve educational practice from their own perspectives, as opposed to adult stakeholders. This book will act as a key text for student teachers, practitioner-researchers, those already supporting autistic children in education or social settings (including teachers, school leaders, special education leads, policymakers) and academics researching in the areas of autism and inclusion.
  national autistic society reviews: NeuroTribes Steve Silberman, 2015-08-25 This New York Times–bestselling book upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently. “Beautifully told, humanizing, important.”—The New York Times Book Review “Breathtaking.”—The Boston Globe “Epic and often shocking.”—Chicago Tribune WINNER OF THE SAMUEL JOHNSON PRIZE FOR NONFICTION AND THE CALIFORNIA BOOK AWARD What is autism? A lifelong disability, or a naturally occurring form of cognitive difference akin to certain forms of genius? In truth, it is all of these things and more—and the future of our society depends on our understanding it. Wired reporter Steve Silberman unearths the secret history of autism, long suppressed by the same clinicians who became famous for discovering it, and finds surprising answers to the crucial question of why the number of diagnoses has soared in recent years. Going back to the earliest days of autism research, Silberman offers a gripping narrative of Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger, the research pioneers who defined the scope of autism in profoundly different ways; he then goes on to explore the game-changing concept of neurodiversity. NeuroTribes considers the idea that neurological differences such as autism, dyslexia, and ADHD are not errors of nature or products of the toxic modern world, but the result of natural variations in the human genome. This groundbreaking book will reshape our understanding of the history, meaning, function, and implications of neurodiversity in our world.
  national autistic society reviews: The SAGE Handbook of Developmental Disorders Patricia Howlin, Tony Charman, Mohammad Ghaziuddin, 2011-01-31 Over the last four decades, breakthroughs in genetic knowledge, together with the emergence of disciplines devoted to the scientific study of developmental disorders have resulted in much greater awareness of the many different behavioural and genetic phenotypes involved. It is now evident that not only do different disorders have different causes and different manifestations, but different neurological and biochemical bases, different responses to intervention, and different life courses. Reflecting the enormous changes that have taken place in our knowledge and understanding of developmental disorders, this groundbreaking international volume brings this vast and complex field together for the first time. The Editors have collected together the world′s leading academic scholars and clinicians, to explore how current research across a range of different disciplines can inform clinical practice and help to improve the lives of individuals and their families.
  national autistic society reviews: The Color of Bee Larkham's Murder Sarah J. Harris, 2018-06-12 A boy with synesthesia—a condition that causes him to see colors when he hears sounds—tries to uncover what happened to his beautiful new neighbor—and if he was ultimately responsible in this “compelling and emotionally charged mystery that warrants comparisons to Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” (Library Journal). In this highly original “fantastic debut” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), thirteen-year-old Jasper Wishart lives in a world of dazzling color that no one else can see, least of all his dad. Words, numbers, days of the week, people’s voices—everything has its own unique shade. But recently Jasper has been haunted by a color he doesn’t like or understand: the color of murder. Convinced he’s done something terrible to his neighbor, Bee Larkham, Jasper revisits the events of the last few months to paint the story of their relationship from the very beginning. As he struggles to untangle the knot of untrustworthy memories and colors that will lead him to the truth, it seems that there’s someone else out there determined to stop him—at any cost. Full of page-turning suspense and heart-wrenching poignancy—as well as plenty of humor—The Color of Bee Larkham’s Murder is “completely original and impossible to predict” (Benjamin Ludwig, author of Ginny Moon) with a unique hero who will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
  national autistic society reviews: Job Coaches for Adults with Disabilities Karola Dillenburger, Ewa Matuska, Marea de Bruijn, Hanns Rüdiger Röttgers, 2019-02-21 Defining the role of a job coach, this book sets out EU-wide training standards for helping people with disabilities gain and maintain meaningful employment. The book includes the perspectives of both people with disabilities and their job coaches, offering first-hand experience of the specific issues faced by those who want to enter the competitive open jobs market. It describes how to provide bespoke support for people with an intellectual disability, physical disability, as well as for autistic people and individuals with mental health conditions. Guidance on functional assessment, task analysis, collaborating with employers and training for new and student job coaches is also included.
  national autistic society reviews: Art, Design and Technology: Collaboration and Implementation Rae Earnshaw, 2017-05-30 This book examines how digital technology is being used to assist the artists and designers. The computer is able to store data and reproduce designs, thus facilitating the speed-up of the iterative process towards a final design which meets the objectives of the designer and the requirements of the user. Collaborative design enables the sharing of information across digital networks to produce designed objects in virtual spaces. Augmented and virtual reality techniques can be used to preview designs before they are finalized and implemented. Art and design have shaped the values, social structures, communications, and the culture of communities and civilisations. The direct involvement of artists and designers with their creative works has left a legacy enabling subsequent generations to understand more about their skills, their motivations, and their relationship to the wider world, and to see it from a variety of perspectives. This in turn causes the viewers of their works to reflect upon their meaning for today and the lasting value and implications of what has been created. Art installations are harnessing modern technology to process information and to display it. Such environments have also proved useful in engaging users and visitors with real-time images and interactive art.
  national autistic society reviews: Strategies to Support Children with Autism and Other Complex Needs Christine Macintyre, 2015-10-23 Working with young children on the autistic spectrum and supporting them as they learn can be fascinating, challenging, often overwhelmingly difficult, but more than anything else, hugely rewarding. Strategies to Support Children with Autism and other Complex Needs bridges the gap between explaining what autism is and finding ways to interact through having a balance of play activities interspersed with more formal teaching of skills of everyday living. This highly practical text provides a bank of strategies that are specially designed to be matched to the developmental status of each child. These strategies are endorsed by academics who have monitored the children’s responses in communicating, pretending, playing, moving, and singing and describe how the children have responded positively over time. This book covers a variety of topics such as: The importance of play for enhancing learning for children with autism and other complex needs Evaluating different ways of developing communication Transferring learning from one environment to another to aid memorizing. Understanding the impact of sensory hypo and hyperactivity on children’s learning. Developing a ‘Theory of Mind’ The importance of movement, music and having fun Observation and assessment schedules are provided, along with clear and helpful evaluation forms which show staff in primary and early years settings how children on the autistic spectrum can be helped to make meaningful and encouraging progress. This text is an vital read for any practitioners working with children on the autistic spectrum or with complex learning difficulties.
  national autistic society reviews: Manual of Dietetic Practice Joan Gandy, 2014-04-02 Since publication of its first edition, Manual of Dietetic Practice has remained an essential guide to the key principles of dietetics and a core text for healthcare professionals looking to develop their expertise and specialist skills. Published on behalf of the British Dietetic Association, the UK professional body for dietitians, it covers the entire dietetics curriculum and is also an ideal reference text for qualified practitioners. The book has been extensively restructured for its fifth edition and is now divided into two parts to make it easier to locate key topics. The first part covers professional practice, nutrition in specific groups, nutritional status and non-clinical areas of dietetic practice, while the second focuses on clinical dietetic practice, including nutrition support, and dietetic practice in individual areas of disease, from respiratory and renal disorders to mental health and palliative care.
  national autistic society reviews: The Reason I Jump Naoki Higashida, 2013-08-27 “One of the most remarkable books I’ve ever read. It’s truly moving, eye-opening, incredibly vivid.”—Jon Stewart, The Daily Show NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR • The Wall Street Journal • Bloomberg Business • Bookish FINALIST FOR THE BOOKS FOR A BETTER LIFE FIRST BOOK AWARD • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER You’ve never read a book like The Reason I Jump. Written by Naoki Higashida, a very smart, very self-aware, and very charming thirteen-year-old boy with autism, it is a one-of-a-kind memoir that demonstrates how an autistic mind thinks, feels, perceives, and responds in ways few of us can imagine. Parents and family members who never thought they could get inside the head of their autistic loved one at last have a way to break through to the curious, subtle, and complex life within. Using an alphabet grid to painstakingly construct words, sentences, and thoughts that he is unable to speak out loud, Naoki answers even the most delicate questions that people want to know. Questions such as: “Why do people with autism talk so loudly and weirdly?” “Why do you line up your toy cars and blocks?” “Why don’t you make eye contact when you’re talking?” and “What’s the reason you jump?” (Naoki’s answer: “When I’m jumping, it’s as if my feelings are going upward to the sky.”) With disarming honesty and a generous heart, Naoki shares his unique point of view on not only autism but life itself. His insights—into the mystery of words, the wonders of laughter, and the elusiveness of memory—are so startling, so strange, and so powerful that you will never look at the world the same way again. In his introduction, bestselling novelist David Mitchell writes that Naoki’s words allowed him to feel, for the first time, as if his own autistic child was explaining what was happening in his mind. “It is no exaggeration to say that The Reason I Jump allowed me to round a corner in our relationship.” This translation was a labor of love by David and his wife, KA Yoshida, so they’d be able to share that feeling with friends, the wider autism community, and beyond. Naoki’s book, in its beauty, truthfulness, and simplicity, is a gift to be shared. Praise for The Reason I Jump “This is an intimate book, one that brings readers right into an autistic mind.”—Chicago Tribune (Editor’s Choice) “Amazing times a million.”—Whoopi Goldberg, People “The Reason I Jump is a Rosetta stone. . . . This book takes about ninety minutes to read, and it will stretch your vision of what it is to be human.”—Andrew Solomon, The Times (U.K.) “Extraordinary, moving, and jeweled with epiphanies.”—The Boston Globe “Small but profound . . . [Higashida’s] startling, moving insights offer a rare look inside the autistic mind.”—Parade
  national autistic society reviews: The Autistic Spectrum Jill Boucher, 2008-11-13 'The author of this excellent new book states in the preface that she intended to provide an account of autism that people with little or no specialist knowledge will find comprehensible and digestible, but which at the same time offers more advanced readers a clear summary of existing knowledge. In my opinion, she has achieved her stated goal, in a most impressive volume which does justice to the complexity of the subject covered, without being over-long or alienating the less knowledgeable reader. This is no mean feat, as the book covers topics as disparate as the potential genetic cause of autism and the principle of inclusive care as applied to people with autism. The result is a handbook which I would have no hesitation in recommending to an intelligent parent of a child with autism, a teacher, and undergraduate student or a clinical trainee. In fact, I feel that this book has something to offer even a supposed expert in the study of autism since it so neatly synthesises historic and current understanding of the condition... a thoughtfully written book, which makes a modern, through and readable account of a complex and intriguing condition' - Autism 'This is an authoritative, accessible and original approach to our current understanding of autistic spectrum disorders' - Rita Jordan PhD, Emeritus Professor in Autism Studies, University of Birmingham 'Jill Boucher is a leading academic and clinician who brings an individual and authoritative perspective to the autism field. In this book she does an excellent job of communicating a broad range of practical as well as theoretical issues to a general audience, making up-to-date information about this puzzling condition accessible to a wide readership. Boucher's book is a welcome and unique addition to the literature' - Tony Charman, Professor of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University College of London What are the historical foundations of autism and what precisely is meant by the 'autistic spectrum'? How can we explain behavioural patterns of people with autism, young or old, and what are the major theoretical bases for understanding these? What is the latest thinking regarding diagnosis, and what are the most effective strategies for assessment, education and care for people with this condition? This provocative new text sets out to answer these questions. It charts developments in understanding the nature and causes of autistic spectrum disorders, guiding students through theories at the psychological, neurobiological and 'first cause' levels to methods of assessment, intervention, education and support. Written as an introductory text for those with little prior knowledge of autism but also as a source of basic information and references for those already familiar with the field, this book will be invaluable for a broad range of vocational and academic students and for parents and professionals who want an account of current facts and theories. Jill Boucher is Professor in the Autism Research Unit at City University and Honorary Professor of Psychology at Warwick University.
  national autistic society reviews: Autism Spectrum Disorders Through the Life Span Digby Tantam, 2012 This book contains the latest research on assessment, diagnosis, treatment, intervention and support of individuals with ASD, and examines their implications at various stages of life. A wide range of neurological, genetic, psychological, developmental, social, and emotional issues are covered.
  national autistic society reviews: Meeting Special Needs: A practical guide to support children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (Autism) Collette Drifte, 2012-10-12 This practical, jargon-free guide is full of useful ideas to help you care for children with autism. This title includes: an understanding of Autism, signs and symptoms, practical ways to help and support, case studies and useful resources.
  national autistic society reviews: Challenges in Criminal Justice Ed Johnston, 2022-07-29 This collection examines contemporary challenges to the criminal justice system in England and Wales. The chapters, written by established academics, rising stars and practising lawyers, seek not only to highlight these challenges but to offer solutions. The book examines issues with legal assistance in the police station, concerns relating to juror decision making and problems in and presented by both virtual hearings and the advent of the Single Justice Procedure Notice. The work also examines challenges surrounding vulnerability in the criminal justice system. Here, diversity includes vulnerability in the criminal trial, neurodivergence as well as issues with diversity and marginalisation in the criminal justice system as a whole. The book also discusses matters centred around sexual offending – including the attrition rate in rape cases as well as the recent development of ‘vigilante’ paedophile hunters and their acceptance as a viable limb of the criminal justice system. Finally, the volume looks at the post-conviction stage and examines recent prison policy through the lens of the human rights of the prisoner. The closing chapter examines the independence of the Criminal Cases Review Commission and highlights how recent changes have undermined this. While focused on England and Wales, the topics discussed are of wider international significance and will be of interest to students, academics and policy-makers.
  national autistic society reviews: Autism Spectrum Disorders Raphael Bernier Ph.D., Jennifer Gerdts, 2010-07-20 This handbook provides an overview of the current scientific understanding of autism spectrum disorders, as well as a cultural and historical perspective on the controversies that plague the field. Autism describes a complex developmental disability that interferes with social interaction and communication. Symptoms of autism are generally recognizable when children are under the age of three. Until the 1990s, rates for autism were generally estimated at 1 in 2500. In 2010, however, the estimate is now 1 in 110 children. Is the incidence of autism increasing, or has there simply been a shift in how often this disability is diagnosed as the problem? This text provides a comprehensive explanation of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Reference Handbook educates readers about ASD without relying on confusing medical jargon, highlighting current understanding of etiology, neuroscience, and intervention. It also discusses the historical and cultural influences of ASD and explores the controversial aspects of autism.
  national autistic society reviews: Doing Research in Special Education Richard Rose, Ian Grosvenor, 2013-10-23 This book incorporates an international perspective of research related to special education across all phases of education. It draws upon the experience and expertise of recognized researchers and practitioners in special education. As a research handbook for practicing teachers this book provides exemplars of good classroom based research practice addressing a broad range of special needs issues. Methods are presented which can be generalized to situations beyond the case studies immediately presented.
  national autistic society reviews: Working with Parents of a Newly Diagnosed Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder Deb Keen, Sylvia Rodger, 2012 This book sets out the type of support that is most beneficial to families following an ASD diagnosis, and equips professionals with the information and tools they need to provide that support. It is an essential resource for any professional involved in supporting families at the time of, or immediately following, an ASD diagnosis.
  national autistic society reviews: ACE Bulletin , 1989
  national autistic society reviews: Autism and Asperger Syndrome Patricia Howlin, 2004-07-31 Autism and Asperger Syndrome reviews what is known about adults with autism in terms of their social functioning, educational and occupational status. Focusing mainly on the problems experienced by high functioning people with autism - and those working with and caring for them - the book offers practical ways of dealing with their difficulties. Each chapter makes use of clinical case material to illustrate the kinds of problems faced and ways in which they may be overcome. First-hand accounts from people with autism are included and links with psychiatric illness in later life are explored. This updated edition is helpful to both professionals and families with autistic children and has been completely updated to take account of the latest research in the field. It also includes an additional chapter on the differences between autism and Asperger syndrome.
  national autistic society reviews: Mastering Whole Family Assessment in Social Work Fiona Mainstone, 2014-01-21 How do you keep the whole family in mind when carrying out social work assessment? How do you balance the needs of adults and children? How do you ensure that children's welfare and safety are everyone's priority when families face complex difficulties? Mastering Whole Family Assessment in Social Work brings together what social workers in adult and children services need to know about assessment across both services. With tools and frameworks that make sense of the interface between adult life difficulties, family problems, parenting capacity and children's needs, this practical guide will help social workers to think across professional and administrative divides. Case studies, practice vignettes, exercises and suggestions for further reading are included throughout the book to help the reader consider the well-being of the whole family when conducting and interpreting assessments. This guide will help social workers to think holistically and work collaboratively both with each other and with families.
  national autistic society reviews: Evidence-Based Assessment in ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Kenneth Aitken, 2017-09-21 Advocating for an increased emphasis on evidence-based practice, this book describes and analyses a wide range of available Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment measures. The author offers guidance on how to evaluate services and programmes and how to recognise which will be most effective in different scenarios for people with differing needs. A wide range of measures are reviewed in detail, including assessments used in situations often ignored in overviews relevant to ASD, such as assessments of internet addiction, response to traumatic stress, and criminal offending risk and witness credibility. This book is an invaluable resource to professionals who support people with ASDs, including social workers and teachers, and who are under increasing pressure to reliably assess which services, programmes and therapies are effective and fit-for-purpose.
  national autistic society reviews: See It Feelingly Ralph James Savarese, 2018-10-26 “We each have Skype accounts and use them to discuss [Moby-Dick] face to face. Once a week, we spread the worded whale out in front of us; we dissect its head, eyes, and bones, careful not to hurt or kill it. The Professor and I are not whale hunters. We are not letting the whale die. We are shaping it, letting it swim through the Web with a new and polished look.”—Tito Mukhopadhyay Since the 1940s researchers have been repeating claims about autistic people's limited ability to understand language, to partake in imaginative play, and to generate the complex theory of mind necessary to appreciate literature. In See It Feelingly Ralph James Savarese, an English professor whose son is one of the first nonspeaking autistics to graduate from college, challenges this view. Discussing fictional works over a period of years with readers from across the autism spectrum, Savarese was stunned by the readers' ability to expand his understanding of texts he knew intimately. Their startling insights emerged not only from the way their different bodies and brains lined up with a story but also from their experiences of stigma and exclusion. For Mukhopadhyay Moby-Dick is an allegory of revenge against autism, the frantic quest for a cure. The white whale represents the autist's baffling, because wordless, immersion in the sensory. Computer programmer and cyberpunk author Dora Raymaker skewers the empathetic failings of the bounty hunters in Philip K. Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Autistics, some studies suggest, offer instruction in embracing the nonhuman. Encountering a short story about a lonely marine biologist in Antarctica, Temple Grandin remembers her past with an uncharacteristic emotional intensity, and she reminds the reader of the myriad ways in which people can relate to fiction. Why must there be a norm? Mixing memoir with current research in autism and cognitive literary studies, Savarese celebrates how literature springs to life through the contrasting responses of unique individuals, while helping people both on and off the spectrum to engage more richly with the world.
  national autistic society reviews: The Soul of Design Robert Austin, Lee Devin, 2012-09-05 What makes the Apple iPhone cool? Bang & Olufsen and Samsung's televisions beautiful? Any of a wide variety of products and services special? The answer is not simply functionality or technology, for competitors' products are often as good. The Soul of Design explores the uncanny power of some products to grab and hold attention—to create desire. To understand what sets a product apart in this way, authors Lee Devin and Robert Austin push past personal taste and individual response to adopt a more conceptual approach. They carefully explore the hypothesis that there is something within a special product that makes it—well, special. They argue that this je ne sais quoi arises from plot—the shape that emerges as a product or service arouses and then fulfills expectations. Marketing a special product is, then, a matter of helping its audience perceive its plot and comprehend its qualities. Devin and Austin provide keys to understanding why some products and services stand out in a crowd and how the companies that make them create these hits. Part One of the book introduces the authors' definition of plot in this context; Part Two breaks down the components needed to build a plot; Part Three describes what makes a plot coherent; Part Four takes on the challenges of making coherent products and services attractive to consumers. Part Four also presents detailed casework, which shows how innovators and makers have successfully brought special products to market. Readers will come away with a sensible and clear approach to conceiving of artful products and services. This book will help managers and designers think about engaging with plot, taking aesthetic factors into account to provide consumers with more special things.
  national autistic society reviews: Autism Spectrum Disorder Michael Fitzgerald, 2015-04-02 This book starts with a new sub category of Autism Criminal Autistic Psychopathy and school shootings. It focuses on a number of interventions, including speech and language pathology, speech and language assessment instruments, occupational therapy, improving functional language development in autism with natural gestures, communication boards etc as well as helping people with autism using the pictorial support, training of concepts of significant others, theory of mind, social concepts and a conceptual model for empowering families of children with autism cross culturally. It also examines the issue of hyperandrogenism and evidence-based treatments of autism. In terms of assessment, it focuses on psychological and biological assessment including neurotransmitters systems, structural and functional brain imaging, coping strategies of parents, examines the intertwining of language impairment, specific language impairment and ASD, as well as implicit and spontaneous Theory of Mind reading in ASD. In terms of aetiology, it focuses on genetic factors, epigenetics, synaptic vesicles, toxicity during neurodevelopment, immune system and sex differences. It also examines the link between social cognitive anatomical and neurophysiologic biomarkers and candidate genes. This book will be relevant to all mental health professionals because autism occurs in all the different areas of psychiatry and professionals who will find it helpful will be psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, teachers and all those working with persons with Autism including parents who nowadays are interested in knowing more and more, at a detailed level about their children or adults with autism.
  national autistic society reviews: Applied Behaviour Analysis and Autism Michael Keenan, 2006 This practical book gives detailed guidance on how to develop a tailored Applied Behavioural Analysis programme that includes the key features of ABA: detailed individual behaviour assessment, reinforcement strategies to encourage new behaviours and systematic programme implementation.
  national autistic society reviews: The Autistic Spectrum Lorna Wing, 2012-10-25 'Authoritative, compassionate and commonsensical . . . an honest, sensitive and thorough introduction to understanding and living with autism . . . highly recommended.' - Psychological Medicine 'Packed with down to earth, practical ideas . . . readable, interesting . . . informative . . . if you buy only one title about autism this year it should be this one.' - Collette Dritte, Nursery World Over 500,000 people of all ages in the UK have disorders in the autistic spectrum. About one-third also have varying degrees of learning difficulty. All have impairment of social interaction, communication and imagination - the world appears a bewildering and sometimes frightening place. This acclaimed, authoritative guide explains how people with autism experience the world and why they need an organized, structured environment, presenting a window into the world of those with the disorder. Wing suggests ways of improving communication, developing abilities and widening social interaction, and how to cope with stresses within the family.
  national autistic society reviews: Developing Quality PSHE in Secondary Schools and Colleges Sophie-Lauren McPhee, Victoria-Marie Pugh, 2023-12-14 This book explores personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education and why it is crucial for young people. With a topic-by-topic guide, featuring the most contemporary themes, it shows what to cover in Key Stages 3-5 and how to cover it, including methods of assessing PSHE and providing extra-curricular opportunities. This book gives an overview of key challenges such as how to ensure that staff delivering PSHE are adequately trained and equipped to do so and how to make your PSHE curriculum inclusive, and lists recommended useful resources and reflection questions to help you develop PSHE within your own provision or setting. Its contributors are some of the country's leading experts and practitioners with years of experience in this subject specialism, and is designed to support anyone passionate about improving not only their provision of compulsory relationships, sex and health education, but also those aspects of PSHE not yet mandatory, such as financial literacy and careers education.
  national autistic society reviews: Parenting Bright Kids With Autism Claire E. Hughes-Lynch, 2022-03-07 Parenting Bright Kids With Autism discusses the frustrations, the diagnoses, the challenges, and the joys as parents help their gifted children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) thrive in school and at home. This book: Helps families navigate twice-exceptional life by translating best practice into helpful advice. Guides parents who are trying to reach out, find information, and develop their child's talents. Helps parents acknowledge and get help for, but not focus on, areas of challenge. Is written by a professor of special education who is also a mother of a gifted child with high-functioning autism. Is a revision of the popular Children With High-Functioning Autism. Topics range from understanding the first signs of autism and the diagnosis, finding a support network, and filling out necessary paperwork, to determining the various types of therapies available and planning for adulthood. The book also discusses issues that these kids may face as they become teenagers and enter college. With the advice and encouragement provided in this book, parents will receive valuable insight into this new world of caring for a gifted child with autism.
  national autistic society reviews: The Everyday Autism Handbook for Schools Claire Droney, Annelies Verbiest, 2021-10-21 A practical, easy-to-read introduction to the ideas and strategies that can be implemented within the classroom to help autistic children achieve their full potential. With an introduction to autism and its key differences, insights from autistic individuals and case studies drawn from years of experience, this is the definitive resource for busy teachers supporting autistic children within a mainstream or specialist school environment. This book provides guidance on a variety of topics related to teaching autistic children in primary school, including adapting the curriculum, ensuring effective communication with staff and parents, fostering emotional regulation, as well as staff self-care. Each chapter includes easy-to-follow guides and resources, providing solutions, direction and support for teachers to help students on the autism spectrum to thrive.
  national autistic society reviews: Girls and Autism Barry Carpenter, Francesca Happé, Jo Egerton, 2019-02-07 Often thought of as a predominantly ‘male’ disorder, autism has long gone unidentified, unnoticed and unsupported in girls – sometimes with devastating consequences for their social and mental well-being. As current research reveals a much more balanced male-to-female ratio in autism, this book provides crucial insight into autistic girls’ experiences, helping professionals to recognize, understand, support and teach them effectively. Drawing on the latest research findings, chapters consider why girls have historically been overlooked by traditional diagnostic approaches, identifying behaviours that may be particular to girls, and exploring the ‘camouflaging’ that can make the diagnosis of autistic girls more difficult. Chapters emphasize both the challenges and advantages of autism and take a multidisciplinary approach to encompass contributions from autistic girls and women, their family members, teachers, psychologists and other professionals. The result is an invaluable source of first-hand insights, knowledge and strategies, which will enable those living or working with girls on the autism spectrum to provide more informed and effective support. Giving voice to the experiences, concerns, needs and hopes of girls on the autism spectrum, this much-needed text will provide parents, teachers and other professionals with essential information to help them support and teach autistic girls more effectively.
  national autistic society reviews: A collection of systematic reviews or meta-analyses on the effects of behavioral and psychosocial interventions for psychological well-being Iris Chi, Zhenggang Bai, Fang Fu, Ai Bo, 2022-04-20
  national autistic society reviews: Social Inclusion Tactics for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Chandan, Harish Chandra, 2024-10-24 An intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) is a lifelong condition that limits intelligence, learning, and daily life skills. People with IDDs are often not integrated in mainstream society. They have fewer opportunities to participate in recreational activities, hindering their social inclusion, which has the potential to diminish quality of life. As a compassionate society, we must understand how people with IDDs can be socially integrated to ensure their mental health and to maximize their potential so that they can contribute to society in their unique way. Social Inclusion Tactics for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities promotes the social integration of people with IDDs and aims to increase awareness about the lack of opportunities for socialization for people with IDDs. Covering topics such as autism, children with disabilities, and societal inclusion, this book is a valuable resource for organizations, policymakers, academicians, researchers, sociologists, and more.
  national autistic society reviews: The Collected Works of D.W. Winnicott Donald Woods Winnicott, 2017 Volume 7 (1964-66) is introduced by the senior Milanese analyst Anna Ferruta and contains an important selection of articles and letters from this very productive period of Winnicott's working life including articles on the false self, psychosis, psychosomatic illness, regression, children's thinking, trauma, aggression, dissociation, psychoanalytic research, male and female elements, guilt, the unconscious and a selection of letters on psychoanalytic and more general topics.
  national autistic society reviews: Sand in My Sandwich Sarah Parshall Perry, 2015-03-10 You know that thing when you're in Walmart at noon before you discover you haven't brushed your teeth? Sarah Parshall Perry gets that. She also gets weird things showing up in her bed, her daughter asking for war paint, and her son crawling into a giant blue sock on Christmas morning. Mainly, she gets that conflicted feeling of finding her kids hanging out in the dogs' cages and happily realizing they have stopped getting into trouble for a minute. According to Perry, The hardest stuff is the quickest way to God, and readers get to watch the systematic destruction of her carefully planned life, laughing at her missteps, aching at her tragedies, and recognizing themselves along the way. A mother of three children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum, she has experienced plenty of ups and downs, but from the chaos of her ordinary life she pulls the universal truths of motherhood, addressing them with humor, poignancy, and a naked honesty that will make the reader think, That sounds a lot like my crazy life. Perry helps mothers realize they aren't alone, even if they've fallen off the straight and narrow of their intended path and are instead lying in the ditch next to it. Life's a mess. But as Perry reminds us, it's all for a purpose. Perfect for mothers, this book will encourage, inspire, and enlighten.
  national autistic society reviews: Personalisation in Practice Suzie Franklin, Helen Sanderson, 2013-11-21 This book demonstrates very clearly how the personalisation of support and services works in practice. The authors describe how Jennie, a young person with autism and learning difficulties, was supported through the transition from school to living independently using simple, evidence-based person-centred planning tools. Jennie's story illustrates the importance of quality person-centred reviews, dispels the many myths surrounding Individual Service Funds and personal budgets and demonstrates how families, schools and other agencies can work collaboratively to help young people with disabilities move into adulthood with more choice and control over their lives, and with better life prospects. Practical pointers for readers to apply to their own circumstances are included, and the book contains helpful examples of the key person-centred thinking tools. Anyone involved in supporting children and young people with disabilities as they approach adulthood, including parents and carers, SENCOs, teachers, social workers and service providers, will find this to be essential reading. More generally, it will be an informative resource for those seeking a better understanding of how personalisation and person-centred planning work in practice.