It is an exciting year for North East Autism Society; we are celebrating our 35th Anniversary!

We kick start the celebrations on Thursday 2nd April, World Autism Awareness Day and are encouraging individuals to take part in our ‘Make It Blue’ campaign. This involves people wearing a blue awareness ribbon or hosting a blue themed event.

We have a range of exciting events planned throughout the year for everyone to take part in and we will be taking everyone on the journey with us as we look back at the history of NEAS. The 35th Anniversary celebrations will finish on a high note with an Achievement Awards Ceremony for our learners and staff.

The History of NEAS

• The Society was founded in 1980 by a group of parents whose children had autism spectrum conditions. They wanted to send their children to a school where the staff understood their needs and where each child would be helped to achieve their full potential. The organisation was set up as a registered charity called “The Tyne and Wear Autistic Society”.

• Since the 1980’s Thornhill Park School has become firmly established as a major regional and national resource. This led to further developments for ‘Children’s Services’ to offer year round residential care for children with autism. Our care and educational staff work together to provide a 24-hour programme of development, particularly in social skills, communication and leisure.

• Our services were extended in 1994 with the provision of Adult Services to provide educational and vocational programmes to adults over the age of 19 years. Today our services include Thornbeck College, social and vocational programmes, workshops where employment skills are learned as well as a range of residential homes and supported living arrangements.

• We established a range of Family Support Services in 2009. The services are provided seven days a week in the local community and are tailored to meet the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

• With the expansion of our services throughout the North East we re-branded in September 2009 to become the “North East Autism Society”.

Money raised throughout the year will help fund our Family Development services that offer vital support to families across the region and includes our toddler groups, parents workshops, family support group, adults social group and trampolining club.

If you would like to donate to the campaign please text NEAS35 followed by <donation amount> to 70070 or why not get involved in the many events we have planned throughout the year.

For more information about the 35th Anniversary please contact:

Fundraising Team on 0191 410 9974 or email