Autism Commissioning Plan 2013 - 2015
1.0 Introduction and National Policy Context
1.1
The Autism Act 2009 is the first ever piece of legislation passed in England that is Disability specific. The act puts a duty on
Government to produce a national strategy for Adults with Autism and provide guidance to councils and NHS bodies to
support its implementation.
1.2
The government’s national strategy: Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives 2010, sets out how local services for people with autism
should be developed and identifies 7 key outcomes and 3 service ambitions that local councils and health commissioners
should meet.
1.3
1.4
Seven quality outcomes that will show progress:
1. adults with autism achieve better health outcomes:
2. Adults with autism are included and economically active
3. adults with autism are living in accommodation that meets their needs
4. Adults with autism are benefiting from the personalisation agenda in health and social care, and can access personal
budgets
5. adults with autism are no longer managed inappropriately in the criminal justice system
6. Adults with autism, their families and carers are satisfied with local services
7. Adults with autism are involved in service planning
Service ambitions
1. Local authorities and partners know how many adults with Autism live in the area
2. A clear and trusted diagnostic pathway is available locally ; and
3. Health and social care staff make reasonable adjustments to services to meet the needs of adults with autism
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1.5
Dudley’s autism strategy was first agreed in 2007 and updated in 2011, this commissioning plan has been developed
through consultation with Dudley Autism Partnership; a multi agency board including carers and people with autism . This
plan sits alongside the Dudley Strategy for Adults with Autistic Spectrum Conditions 2011 – 2014 and focuses solely on the
needs analysis of the known population of people with Autism within Dudley.
2.0
Definition
2.1
For the purpose of this plan the term Autism refers to people who have a known Autistic Spectrum Condition including
people with Aspergers Syndrome. Autism is defined as “a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person
communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them” (NAS)
3.0
Service Ambition: Local authorities and partners know how many adults with Autism live in the area
3.1
As a spectrum condition where few people have at present received formal diagnosis, the numbers of people known to the
local authority who have Autism will need further validation over time, the recording of people with autism on the SNR is a
relatively new data set. The data shown below has included people where records state they have autistic tendencies, for
these people their primary disability will be a learning disability.
3.2
The prevalence rate for people with autism within the general population is estimated to be 1.1% (Autism Spectrum
Disorders in adults living households throughout England – report from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007,
published 2009). Based on the 2001 census figures this would suggest that there are 2400 adults with Autism within Dudley.
2
PANSI population data suggests that there is likely to be 1837 people with Autism in Dudley aged 18-64, projections for future
years up to 2030 do no show any significant increase in likely numbers of people aged 18- 64 overall. See table below
Age of People with
ASC in Dudley as
predicted by
PANSI
18 -24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
TOTAL people 1864
2012
2015
2020
2030
Male
Female
Total
Male
Female Total
Male
Female Total
Male
Female Total
236
324
365
392
335
1652
24
37
42
44
38
185
260
361
407
436
372
1837
230
349
331
409
329
1649
24
39
39
46
37
185
207
369
329
385
353
1643
22
41
38
44
40
185
227
333
394
333
364
1651
24
38
44
38
42
185
254
388
370
455
366
1833
229
410
367
429
393
1828
251
371
438
371
405
1836
3
3.3
The table below shows People with Autistic Spectrum Conditions known to the Special Needs Register in Dudley June 2012
by Age Group.
Age >
Autism
Autistic
Tendencies
Aspergers
Syndrome
ASC team cases
(excluding
Aspergers)
Totals
14-17
18-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
61 plus
Totals
48
1
54
11
17
1
9
9
6
2
4
1
138
25
10
4
3
1
0
0
18
3
103
13
6
2
2
129
62
172
34
25
10
7
310
3.4
The above information is separated by the source of information; the information has been checked to ensure there is no
double counting. The categories ASC team Cases and Aspergers Syndrome relate to people with higher functioning Autism.
The other two categories above include people with learning disabilities and Autism, and young people in transition.
3.5
The information regarding young people coming through transition (Aged 14-17) is gathered from the Children with
Disabilities Team and the Carers Network. The Carers Network operates in a similar way to the SNR as a voluntary register;
the disability information is provided by parents and carers and therefore may require some validation. The question of
whether the child/ young person has a formal diagnosis is not presently part of the profile taken by the carers network.
3.6
Transition information relating to young people with Autism is gathered as part of the Transition Operation Group meetings,
when young people reach the age of 18 the SNR writes to the young people/ family carer to invite them to be included within
the SNR Data Base. The ASC team work with people aged 18+.
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3.7
As a spectrum condition the number of people identified by the SNR includes people with autistic tendencies/ people who
also have a learning disability, 3 of whom are noted to have PMLD. There is no specific prevalence data for people who
have Autism and a learning disability.
4.0
Gender
4.1
Of the 310 people identified gender is broken down as 20% female and 80% male, showing that Dudley has identified a
higher percentage of females with Autism that would be expected; the gender prediction on PANSI shows a ratio of 90%
male to 10% female.
5.0
Ethnicity
5.1
90% of people known are White British, 2.9 % are of Asian or mixed Asian background, 2.9% are of black / mixed
black/Caribbean background and the remaining 4% are either unknown or other white ethnic group. The ethnicity breakdown
is largely consistent with Dudley’s general population demographic.
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6.0
Accommodation
6.1
41 people with Autism are identified as living in residential care, 19 people are identified as being in receipt of Support
funded by Supporting People, and 19 people funded through Learning disabilities budgets for people in Supported Living
services. Of the 310 people Identified, 148 (59.7%) live with Family
6.2
There are 19 people funded by Dudley who are out of area, these are people who have a learning disability and complex
needs including Autism and are living in residential homes.
Accomodation of Adults with Autism
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
Supported Living
Residential
with Family
6.3
There are a number of people who have not disclosed address and accommodation type, and others who will have their own
tenancy and purchase support via a personal budget that we have not been able to count.
6.4
The chart below shows people with Autism known by ward area.
6
People
with
ASC
byby
Ward
People
with
ASC
Ward
25
20
15
10
6.5
No address
Out of district
Cradley heath &
Wollescote
Cradley & Foxcote
Upper Gornal &
Woodsetton
Coseley East
Norton
Wordsley
Halesowen South
Brockmore & Pensnett
St Thomas’s
Bellevale
Kingswinford South
Pedmore &
Stourbridge East
Kingswinfrod North &
Wallheath
Quarry Bank & Dudley
Wood
Wollaston &
Stourbridge Town
Brierley Hill
Netherton Woodside &
St Andrews
Lye & Wollescote
Lye & Stourbridge
north
Hayley Green &
Cradley south
Castle & Priory
Sedgley
Gornal
Amblecote
St James’s
0
Halesowen North
5
People with High functioning autism / Aspergers syndrome often experience problems finding suitable accommodation and
in the right location. The nature of their disability often means that they would have difficulty living in new areas as adapting
to change is a common difficulty experience by people with Autism. Provision for adults with learning disabilities is not
usually appropriate for those with high-functioning autism, as they have different needs, but much mainstream housing is
equally unsuitable. There is a lack of affordable supported housing for people with autism, particularly in the south of the
borough. Many people also express a preference for living alone, as opposed to sharing a tenancy, as they can find
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interaction difficult. Separate flats with a common area allow people their own space and independence, but with the option
of seeking company.
6.6
People with Aspergers and high functioning Autism often need low level support to maintain their tenancies, help with paying
bills, dealing with correspondence and help with organising appointments etc.
6.7
The Disability Housing Group is a sub group of the Learning Disability Partnership Board but considers the needs of all
people with a disability within the borough. The needs of people with autism has been raised within this meeting and will
continue to be flagged up when potential suitable opportunities arise.
7.0
Carers
7.1
There is no accurate data held at present for the number of carers of people with Autism. The list of services Appendix 1
however includes support groups for carers.
7.2
Carers are represented on the Dudley Autism Partnership Board, the membership of the board, the terms of reference and
dissemination of information is being reviewed in 2013.
8.0
Current Spending in relation to care and support services for people with Autism & personalisation
8.1
Sources of funding for care and support in Dudley and total expenditure
Funding source
Learning Disabilities Budget
Learning Disabilities Budget
Supporting People Spend
Total
Support type
Residential
Supported Living
Housing related support
Expenditure
£4m
£1,5m
£35,000
£5,535,000
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8.2
There are approximately between 40 – 50 people with Autism who are in receipt of a personal budget/ direct payment, work
will be undertaken to monitor the data for people with autism in receipt of direct payments.
9.0
Information / Data Capture to inform service planning
9.1
The data held on the SNR register regarding people with Autism and Young people with Autism is a relatively recent
development and further work is required enable a full breakdown of the needs and circumstances of people with autism
within Dudley, including gathering information from Mental Health Commissioners and GP practices.
9.2
Data held will need to be validated / cross referenced with GP surgeries to confirm accuracy of numbers. As part of the link
work with GP surgeries in addition to the need for autism awareness, understanding of the way GP’s within Dudley use the
read codes to identify people with autism will need to be explored; there are currently 6 read codes for autism.
9.3
The promotional material for the Special Needs Register is largely aimed at people with a learning disability, a leaflet that
specifically outlines the benefits of the register for people with autism may prove useful
9.4
The Specialist Health Service provided by BCPFT at Ridge Hill can only support people with autism if they also have a
learning disability. Regular contribution from the service is made to the Dudley Autism Partnership board.
9.5
The number of people with autism who are supported by Mental Health services is also an area that needs to be addressed
to achieve better links for data sharing with Mental Health services. The list of people with Autism held by the SNR identifies
48 people with Mental Health issues, however none of these people have a primary Mental Health diagnosis.
10.0
Gaps in Information
10.1
Information regarding people with autism in Dudley is currently gathered from the ASC team, Transition Operational Group
and historic information on the SNR.
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10.2 Engagement and formal information pathways with CCG’s and Mental Health need to be agreed and formalised to ensure
data about the numbers of people with Autism is effectively captured. A promotional event targeted at GP’s would assist with
raising awareness and setting out expectations and partnership arrangements in line with the Autism Act, national and local
strategies. The promotion of the Dudley e-learning for autism awareness should also be showcased at such an event.
10.3
The BCPFT contract does not include people with Autism; however people with dual diagnosis are supported by the service,
metrics within the contract do not separate out specific conditions. The review of the contract should consider what useful
information can be provided to inform commissioning.
10.4
The CTLD Community Nurses are linked to named GP surgeries; part of the link role is to raise awareness of the needs of
people with learning disabilities. Autism awareness raising within GP practices, highlighting or reinforcing best practice in
terms of reasonable adjustments and autism screening would be beneficial.
11.0 Employment
11.1
The ASC register has been cross referenced with the Employment Plus Teams list of clients to identify people in paid work
or voluntary work. There are 4 people (1.2%) known to be in paid work and 7 people (2.2%) known to be volunteers. Further
validation of the ASC register may identify people in work where their employment status is currently unknown. According to
information quoted on the National Autistic Society website, nationally only about 15% of people with Autism are in paid
employment.
11.2
The Employment Plus team criteria includes adults with Autism, a job coach dedicated to supporting people with Autism into
employment is to be recruited. The Local Authority has 2 Service level agreements focused on providing employment
training, one in Catering and the other in horticulture; people with Autism are eligible to access both these training
opportunities. Referrals for the training are via the employment team.
11.3
BCPFT OT’s have recently set up a pilot work programme to support people who wish to gain employment – the group is
focused around people with learning disabilities but may include people who have autism in addition to their learning
disability.
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12.0
Gaps in employment services for people with Autism
12.1
Feedback received through members of DAP has indicated that staff at Job centres have a lack of Autism awareness.
Support for people with autism into employment is currently only provided by the Local Authority and independent sector.
The importance of health engaging in the employment agenda for people with Autism should be recognised by Health
Commissioners; being economically active has clear benefits to people’s health and wellbeing.
12.2
Job centre staff are also often reported to have a lack of awareness or understanding regarding autism. Promotional activity
linked to the Employment plus team and e-learning training should be extended to Job Centre Plus and other mainstream
services.
13.0
Health Needs Of People With Autism
13.1
Specific health concerns for people with Autism within Dudley can not be reliably reported at present, GP’s have up to 6 read
codes they can choose from to record Autism but at present data from GPs is not collated. The SNR will link with GP
surgeries and health informatics teams to establish more accurate data for top line numbers and start to identify the specific
health needs and trends.
13.2
The national strategy recommends that young people in transition who do not have a formal diagnosis should at least have
some form of health action plan. People with Autism are not included in the Direct Enhanced Services Health Action Plan
scheme unless they also have a learning disability. GP’s receive financial remuneration for completing health checks for
people with learning disabilities, at present there is no financial or other incentive for GP’s to do the same for people with
Autism.
13.3
A CQUIN target focused on identifying people with Autism could be suggested for Health Commissioners to consider, this
would also serve to raise awareness of Autism and support data capture thus providing information about the population and
health needs of people with Autism.
14.0
Services For People With Autism Within Dudley
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14.1
Dudley has a dedicated Autistic spectrum condition Team who are working with approximately 125 people with autism,
(there are 84 open cases). There are 32 people with autism receiving support via supporting people funding provided by an
independent care provider, this funding is primarily low level housing related support, helping people retain their tenancies.
14.2
A list of services known to be supporting people with Autism in Dudley is detailed in Appendix 1, not all these services are
listed on the Community Information Directory. There are 11 organisations listed on the Dudley Community Information
Directory who state that they provide care and support for people with autism, only one of these organisations has NAS
accreditation.
15.0
Service quality
15.1
There are presently no Dudley providers on the National Autistic Society accreditation scheme though one Dudley provider
of residential care is noted to have been working towards accreditation since 2007. The current contracts do not specify any
specific training or quality assurance with regards to Autism, in order to ensure that providers have the requisite knowledge
and skills a preferred training package or set of outcomes to measure quality could be introduced. A starting point for this
could include the Autism e-learning module being developed and the QCF Autism modules offered by DMBC training.
16.0
Ambition 2 :A clear and trusted diagnostic pathway is available locally
16.1
A regional centre and diagnostic service has been developed in Edgbaston, Birmingham. The centre, known by the acronym
SPARC (Specialist Autism Resource Centre), is being set up as an independent charity involving Local Authorities,
clinicians, the University of Birmingham and Autism West Midlands. The service will provide a diagnosis and individual
support plan, it emphasises that local partnerships and support are essential so that people are clear that post diagnosis
support and or signposting is provided locally.
16.2
Consideration of different models, services and pathways will be considered. Leicester, Sheffield and Liverpool have
established models which may provide useful information. Action relating to establishing a clear and trusted diagnostic
pathway is outlined in the main Dudley Autism Strategy 2011-2014.
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17.0
Ambition 3: Health and social care staff make reasonable adjustments to services to meet the needs of adults with
autism
17.1
Care and Support Contracts issued in 2012 now state that Provider’s should have an awareness of Autism and Autism is
listed as an expected training topic for all providers. Commissioned care and support providers are contractually required to
submit an annual data return, this year Autism training has been included to establish a baseline of care staff that have
completed some form of autism training. The finding of the data will be reported to the DAP board.
17.2
Within Dudley there are a number of care and support providers who are currently supporting people with Autism, at present
the contracts are written primarily for people with learning disabilities though some minor recent amendments have been
made. Dudley does not operate a formal framework agreement with regards to the contracting process but does have an
approved provider list of those organisations that hold contracts. The benefits of a specific contract or framework will be
considered, this may be by way of inviting existing providers to opt into an approved list for providers providing care and
support for people with autism whereby they would need to demonstrate that they have sufficient knowledge understanding
and experience to provide high quality support to people with autism. The process could be managed through desk top
activity and evidence submissions but should involve some validation by people with Autism if possible.
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Commissioning Action Plan 2012-2015
Standard / Expectation
Action Required
Responsible Officer
Timescale
Local authorities and
partners know how many
adults with Autism live in
the area
Develop and improve the
accuracy of data held on the
SNR by cross referencing and
having regular updates with :
 GP surgeries
 the ASC social workers
 Employment Plus
 Mental Health Team
 Carers Network/CDT
 Criminal Justice team
Develop separate Autism
transition data and higher
functioning autism data with
the SNR
SNR to record where people
have health action plans,
health checks & record
specific health needs
JC / SNR Co-ordinator
Sept 2013
JC / SNR Co-ordinator/ MS
September 2013
JC / SNR Co-ordinator
November 2013
14
Standard / Expectation
The needs of people with
autism should be taken
into account in local
housing planning
Health and social care staff
make reasonable
adjustments to services to
meet the needs of adults
with autism
Action Required
Responsible Officer
Timescale
Develop Autism specific
leaflet for SNR to raise
awareness of the register as a
planning tool for service
development.
JC / SNR Co-ordinator
November 2013
SNR to record where people
have formal diagnosis or
diagnosis via GP or other
The housing needs of people
with autism in Dudley to be
raised within the Disability
Housing Group
Encourage housing staff to
undertake the Autism elearning course
Encourage providers
supporting people with autism
to register their details on the
Dudley Community
Information Directory
JC / SNR Co-ordinator
JC/MS
Completed
JC/MS
March 2014
JC
Dec 2013
15
Standard / Expectation
Action Required
Responsible Officer
Timescale
Health and social care staff
make reasonable
adjustments to services to
meet the needs of adults
with autism
Speak to DCID about having a
special tag (s) or filter for
services for people with
Autism to enable people to
quickly identify services
JC
October 2013
Audit autism training in respect
of independent care providers
commissioned by the council
& report to DAP
Autism awareness training to
be mandatory for council staff
JC
November 2013
AP/MS
October 2013
Identify tiered training
approach for professionals
and clinicians including
awareness training for GP’s
Consider linking awareness
training and feedback to
Autism Friendly resource
monitoring – may link to
Dudley LD website or DCID
Council / BCPFT / CCG’s
March 2014
JC /MS
March 2014
16
Standard / Expectation/
Gap
Action Required
Responsible Officer
Timescale
Health and social care staff
make reasonable
adjustments to services to
meet the needs of adults
with autism
Suggest Autism CQUIN for
CCG’s to identify next year –
to identify/ screen/ code and
flag people with autism
AP to take to BC Programme
board
Dec2013
Awareness workshop targeted
at GPs
Consider approved autism
provider list / framework and
additional specification for
contracts.
AP /MS/JC
March 2014
JC
March 2014
17
Standard / Expectation/
Gap
Identify the number of
carers of people with
autism
People with autism are
benefiting from the
personalisation agenda
and can access personal
budgets
Action Required
Responsible Officer
Timescale
Community Nurses linking with
GP surgeries to raise
awareness of Autism and
need for people to be
identified / screened/ health
checked/ signposted and
coded appropriately
Carers information to be
added to the SNR profiles for
people with autism where
permission is given.
Identify the number of people
with autism who have direct
payments and personal
budgets
Establish an ongoing
recording process for people
with autism in receipt of DP’s /
PB’s .
Consider any autism related
reporting that can be provided
by BCPFT or other providers
JC to raise with CCG/
BCPFT
Dec 2013
JC / SNR co-ordinator
Dec 2013
JC/MS
September 2013
JC/AP
18
Standard / Expectation/
Gap
Action Required
Responsible Officer
People with autism are
included and economically
active
Increase the number of people
with autism supported into
paid employment in Dudley
MS
Raise awareness of the needs
of people with autism with Job
Centre Plus staff and other
mainstream agencies via
promotion of e-learning course
and links with E-Plus
MS/ E-Plus
Timescale
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Appendix 1
Autism Specific Services within Dudley
ASC team
Ladies Walk Centre
Sedgley
Dudley
DY3 3UA
01384 81 1587 / 1590
Two social workers make up the team to support adults (aged 16 plus) with higher-functioning autistic spectrum condition. Referrals
are accepted direct from people with autism, professionals, carers, parents or other family/friends who feel they have social care
needs. The assessment may result in work with the client to access services, which may include areas of employment,
education/training, leisure activities or in activities to help build their social skills. Other support to the client and those involved in
their care may also be possible if a need has been identified. The assessment may involve the thoughts of carers/parents etc,
providing the client provides consent. The team may also be a source of information to enable signposting to other services. The
team may also be involved in developing other services to support this client group as need arises.
Autism Drop In Group - Tuesday 10.00am-12.30pm
Bonded Warehouse
Canal Street
STOURBRIDGE,
West Midlands.
DY8 4JB
Contact Richard or Helen For further information :01384 81 1587 / 1590
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Autism/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ) Support Group
This is a group for parents of children affected by an Autism Spectrum disorder (Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD).
Meets Every other month on a Wednesdays 1.00-2.30pm
Stourbridge Children and Family Centre,
Forge Road,
STOURBRIDGE,
West Midlands.
01384 818780
stourbridge.familycentre@nch.org.uk
Supporting People Team (Autism service)
Ednam House
No Limits Community Project –Working 4 Autism
NO LIMITS Community Project is a registered charity
NO LIMITS Community Project is happy to work in partnership with any groups interested in working with our members to enhance
and improve their opportunities. No limits lists partners & affiliates as Dudley CVS, The Coach House, Attend and the national
lottery. The project is interested in developing employment opportunities through partnerships.
Chris Morgan, Project Manager, on 01384 376796 or
email chris-nolimits@hotmail.com
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NO Limits Pool team
Meetings are the first Monday in the month at a pub in STOURBRIDGE. 7.30 to 9.00pm.
Captain is Bruce Collier, Vice-Captain is James Currien
If you are interested in joining our pool team and want more information, in the first instance,
contact: Chris Morgan, NO LIMITS Project Manager
Email: chris-nolimits@hotmail.com ,
or 01384 376796
(Information courtesy of No Limits Website)
Aspirations Drama Workshop –Friday Afternoons 2-4 at the Coach House
Coach House, Oldswinford (Corner of Rectory Rd & The Steeples, DY8 2HL) Here is an opportunity to have fun and write your own
script. Create your own characters. Learn how to put on your own Play / panto. Make your own props and scenery. Create your
own costumes. It’s what you make it!!
Facilitated by MEL ELLWOOD, an experienced special needs drama tutor. (Information courtesy of No Limits Website)
Gym Club
Gym Club is run every Wednesday morning at 11.15am to 12.15pm Our Qualified Instructor is Jason Harper and he is keen to help
you to become fitter and healthier. Dietary advice given. At The Coach House(Information courtesy of No Limits Website)
5 a side Foot Ball The Kewford Colts/Eagles
A group of members join The Kewford Colts/Eagles on Sunday Mornings, 10:00am until 11:45am. Trained Special Needs FA
coaches, £3.50 a session. Crestwood School, Kingswinford. Every 4th Sunday training / league games at Villa Park Academy.
Initial one off payment of £10 for kit, shirt, shorts, socks and fleece. Provide own boots & shin pads (Information courtesy of No
Limits Website)
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T.O.A.D.S.
A support group for parents/carers of teenagers/adults in the Dudley borough with Asperger's Syndrome/ Autistic Spectrum
Disorders. The group is called TOADS-Triumph Over Autism Dudley Support. Ages 16 upwards - no upper limit.
Contact: 01384 279621
The Rainbow Club
Indoor activities for adults with autism or a learning disability every Monday from 9.15am to 12.15pm. The Rainbow Club is based
at the Richardson Hall Cottage, Lawnswood Road, Wordsley. Members are asked to pay £2.50 each week, which includes tea or
coffee. Carers and visitors have free admission and drinks, but voluntary contributions will be gratefully accepted. Board games and
football games, but members will be able to influence future activities depending on funding. e.g. computer games, such as
Nintendo Wii.
Contact : Mike Hands 07891 226184
Dudley Autistic Support Group www.dasg.org.uk
Is open to all parents and carers living in the Dudley borough who have a child with an autistic spectrum condition and to the interested
professionals who support them. parents and carers who live out of the borough who have no support group in their locality are also welcome aims to support children up to the age of 16 who have an autistic spectrum condition. the needs of siblings are also seen as important and
many of our activities are family events - campaigns for the rights of young people and parents who have been subjected to discrimination as a
result of their family member’s autism - holds parent support group meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Samson & lion public
house in Wordsley (opposite the Wordsley school) where parents can share common experiences and concerns. sometimes guest speakers talk to
the group - campaigns for better services for our children in terms of service provision and endeavours to maximise family incomes to achieve a
better quality of life - arranges social events for parents - organises events for all the family such as holiday activities during school breaks produces a newsletter for all group members - offers telephone and face to face support to parents experiencing difficulties and issues - can
signpost to other sources of help and support - runs a telephone advice line on 01384 823487 Mon – Fri 7 – 9pm
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http://www.autismdontpanic.co.uk/ - website providing information about Autism –Compiled and designed by Neale Pilkington &
Chris Hampton with support from Dudley Autistic Support Group. Provides a Support Group for teenagers with mild Autism meets
every second Monday 7.30- 9.00pm at Dudley United Reformed Church, Trinity Rd, Dudley. For more information contact Chris on
0752 873 4407 or visit autismdontpanic.co.uk
The Den
The Den is a website developed by the Autism Education Trust specifically for use by young people who are on the autistic
spectrum and or their friends. The website promotes itself as an “information Hub” and covers areas such as health, work, study ,
travel , the law, money and home life.
http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/the-den.aspx
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Regional & National Organisations
Autism Services Directory - National Autistic Society
A comprehensive directory of services and support for people with an autism spectrum disorder, their families, and people who
work with them
http://www.autism.org.uk/directory
Autism - West Midlands
Provides information and support to families, professionals and individuals who have an autistic spectrum disorder.
0121 450 7575 Helpline
info@autismwestmidlands.org.uk
http://www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk
Tel: 0121 450 7580
18 Highfield Road,
Edgbaston,
BIRMINGHAM,
West Midlands.
B15 3DU
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