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FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY Our Autism Development Officer is providing FREE training on Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Advocacy. To view the training programme link to the training page here.
The aim of the Autism Development Officer post is to:
Raise Awareness of Autism for:
- Advocacy Organisations
- Individual Advocates
- Commissioners and Funder
Raise Awareness of Advocacy for:
- Autism Service Providers
- People with and affected by Autism
- Commissioners and Funders
Raise Awareness of issues surrounding Autistic Spectrum Disorder & Advocacy
- Identify barriers faced by service providers
- Identify issues in offering advocacy
- Campaign for better support for Autism and Advocacy in Scotland
If you have any information you wish to share or require any advice about Autism and Advocacy please do not hesitate to contact me at fwaterston@siaa.org.uk .
What is an Autistic Spectrum Disorder?
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (A.S.D.) is a term used to describe a complex developmental disorder that affects the way a person communicates, relates to and understands the world around them. We describe it as a spectrum to highlight the individual difference, differing abilities and wide ranging diagnoses given the label of A.S.D. The A.S.D label includes those diagnosed with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome. Autism was first identified in the 1940’s yet is still a relatively misunderstood condition. Autistic spectrum disorders are estimated to touch the lives of over 500,000 families throughout the UK. There are no physical characteristic associated with A.S.D. which means the condition is considered a hidden disability.
New research shows that as many as 1 in 100 people could have an autistic spectrum disorder (A.S.D.); many of these people receive little or no services and often find it difficult to access advocacy because they are undiagnosed or do not have an associated learning difficulty. “The Same As You?” National Implementation Group have also reported in their advocacy review that advocacy organisations should be doing more to ensure those with A.S.D. access independent advocacy.
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Autism 
