What is autism?
“Around 700,000 people in the UK are on the autism spectrum. Together with their families they make up around 2.8 million people whose lives are touched by autism every single day.
“Autism is a lifelong, developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them.”
How do the National Autistic Society help?
Being diagnosed with autism can be a tough and lonely time for autistic people and their families. The National Autistic Society aims to “provide information, support and pioneering services” during this difficult period and throughout the lives of Britain’s autistic population. Last year 4.4 million people visited their website, and sixteen thousand called their helpline.
Alongside the provision of support services they campaign to destigmatise this deeply misunderstood condition through promoting awareness and collaborating with the UK government.
The hard work undertaken by The National Autistic Society’s staff brings families closer together and helps autistic children and adults live happy, fulfilling lives. If you are interested in getting involved in this charity’s amazing work then you can visit their website here: http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved
ICB estimates that it may have more than a thousand members in the UK with family members eligible for the type of support that The National Autistic Society provides. To understand and illustrate the effect the condition can have on families, ICB was privileged to interview Valentina Hogg, an ICB Branch Chair whose son, Walter, was diagnosed with both autism and cerebral palsy at a young age. Read the full article here.
Valentina (left) exploring a farm with son Walter, her daughter Daciana Mary, and her sister.
If you have another charity that’s close to your heart, please let us know here, and you could see them promoted in this space in the coming months!
