Austism Society celebrates official launch (From Swindon Advertiser)

Austism Society celebrates official launch

11:10am Monday 6th July 2009 in

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A SOCIETY which supports people with autism and their families celebrated its official launch yesterday.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) Swindon and District Branch held a picnic and funday at Brimble Hill School, on Tadpole Lane, North Swindon.

The society aims to give families a support network as well as promoting understanding of autism spectrum disorders.

Swindon parents attending the launch said they welcomed the formation of a local branch.

Caroline Pacy, from Freshbrook, said yesterday’s event was the longest time she had ever been able to leave her 10-year-old son alone to play.

She said: “It’s a really great feeling to know that I can let him go and play and that he is in a safe environment.

“It’s good to know that people aren’t going to get angry with him or tell me to control him.

“There is a lot of ignorance about autism and that is a constant battle. I don’t want to have to explain what autism is and why my son behaves that way every single time.

“A lot of the time the adults are worse than the children.

“It’s quite shocking how little they understand about autism. They think it means either he’s ill and he’ll get better or that he’s just being naughty.”

Emma Webb, from Wroughton, has had similar problems with her eight-year-old son, George.

She said: “People are so rude some times. Even when I explain about his autism people just say ‘You should keep him under control’.

“I think a society that is educating people about autism is good. It’s also a real comfort for the families. This kind of thing in Swindon is long overdue.”

James Carrol, of Swindon-based Evil Twin Artworks, has employed autistic people on work placements and said he would encourage other companies to do the same.

He said: “Once you get over the initial shyness or communication problems you often find you have a very intelligent, very creative person underneath.

“There is this attitude that people with autism have problems communicating with us but I think it’s more that we have problems communicating with them.”

Attractions at the launch event included a softplay area, a rounders match, a giant chess game and snakes and ladders.

Families also visited information stalls and received advice from members of the NAS.

Email Sally Grubb on 01793 770079 or visit swindon@nas.org.uk .