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  • life-with-autism
  1. About Autism
  2. Being Autistic

Being Autistic

Whether you are autistic or recognise one of the many Neurodiverse differences in yourself, or you are a family member or friend of someone who may benefit from having additional support, this section explains more about autism and answers some frequently asked questions.

What is the cause of autism?

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There have been many theories around autism that have come and gone, or moved on. But some of these theories have become ingrained in our cultural and professional way of thinking and, in turn, reinforced notions that autism has a ‘cause’ and can, therefore, be cured.

In actual fact, autism is ‘caused’ by hundreds of different genes working together, is genetic, and becoming more widely accepted as heritable.

Published: 29th October, 2015

Updated: 12th April, 2021

Author: Colin Powell

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How does autism affect people?

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In essence, an autistic person will see, process and understand the world in a different way from someone who isn’t autistic, for all of their life.

While there may be some commonalities between autistic people - such as finding it difficult to be in or read social situations - it's important to remember that an autistic person is still a person and will therefore have their own personality, as well as different strengths, abilities and interests, as do all humans.

Published: 30th October, 2015

Updated: 12th April, 2021

Author:

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How many people are autistic?

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Previously it was thought that around 1% of the population will be autistic - which is one in 100 people. However, it’s now widely accepted that these statistics are outdated, and certainly from our experience, we believe this to be much higher. 

Published: 31st October, 2015

Updated: 12th April, 2021

Author: Sally Squires

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What is the difference between a learning difficulty and a disability?

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Learning disability – is a general term that refers to individuals who find it harder to learn, understand and communicate. Other terms that are used to describe an individual’s situation include complex needs or high support needs.

Learning difficulty – is often used in educational settings and refers to individuals who have specific problems with learning as a result of either medical, emotional or language problems. Children and young people requiring special education needs (SEN) are often described as having a learning difficulty.

Published: 2nd November, 2015

Updated: 30th March, 2020

Author: Lisa Taylor

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What benefits am I entitled to?

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You may be entitled to claim:

• Income or Employment Status
• Disability Living Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• Extra Child Tax Credit
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit or Council Tax reductions
• Universal Credit

Published: 3rd November, 2015

Updated: 3rd April, 2020

Author: Lisa Taylor

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What is an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)?

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An Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document which sets out a description of your child's needs (what he or she can and cannot do) and what needs to be done to meet those needs by education, health and social care. 

Regarding Special Educational Needs & Disability, Code of Practice:

  • Young people can now specify an Independent Specialist Provider on their Education Health Care (EHC) Plan.
  • Post-16 providers can be invited to a young person’s review from Year 9 onwards. 
  • Parents and young people do not need to apply for and be rejected from a General Further Education college (GFE) before requesting a specialist provider. 
  • Personal budgets can be included within EHC Plans.
  • Personal budgets can be used to purchase our short-breaks services.
  • Children and Young People must be the centre of their own EHC Plan.
  • You can download education local offers.

Published: 3rd November, 2015

Updated: 30th March, 2020

Author: Lisa Taylor

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How can the North East Autism Society help?

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We use a person-centred approach to understand and support autistic people. This helps us to develop and deliver strategies for each individual to help them to grow and develop according to their aspirations.

We have schools, a further education college, residential homes, short breaks accommodation, day services, employment services, family support, supported living and free services that include toddler groups, parent workshops, youth groups and online groups.

Published: 5th November, 2015

Updated: 12th April, 2021

Author: Chris Surtees

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Showing 10 of 7

Latest

  • Support for employers

    Support for employers

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    Support in work

  • Meet the Team

  • Creation of 250 jobs as NEAS continues to grow

    Creation of 250 jobs as NEAS continues to grow

    North East Autism Society is creating 250 additional jobs across the North-east, as demand for our services increases.

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    Adult Day Services - ‏‏‎‎‏‏‎ New Warlands Farm

    Adult Day Services - New Warlands Farm is our purpose built vocational training centre based on the outskirts of Durham in 77 acres of farm and woodland.

  • Our sites

    Our sites

  • What is Autism?

    Autism is the word used to describe a lifelong difference in a person’s neurology. It’s very difficult to say exactly what ‘it’ is because it can’t be separated from the person.

  • What we do

    What we do

    We help remove barriers to support individuals with autism and learning difficulties into employment. This new service has been designed to support both the individual, and also the employer.

  • Child Residential Care

    Child Residential Care

    We design individual programmes for each child or young person who stays in one of our residences to ensure their specific needs are met. We offer weekly, termly and 52 week residential placements.

  • What We Believe

    What We Believe

    We provide a wide – and ever growing – range of services for autistic children, young people and adults, and those with other examples of neurodiversity.

  • Our Homes

    Creating a 'home from home' environment for autistic children and those with learning difficulties

  • Trampolining Sessions

    Trampolining Sessions

    Our FREE trampolining lessons are open to children, young people and adults with special needs.

  • Family Workshops

    Family Workshops

    Our workshops focus on empowering parents to use their natural skills to support their children.

  • Volunteering opportunities

    Volunteering opportunities

    Volunteering is all about making a difference to other people's lives. Taking time out to change things for the better can be great fun. Find out about the list of roles available and the benefits volunteering can have.

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Autism family workshops autism groups autism leisure activities autism respite care Autism workshops Befriending Children's residential care outreach support Parent and sibling workshops respite care short breaks Volunteering Volunteering opportunities
How to donate

How to donate

By giving a donation or regular gift you are supporting the vital work we do with children, young people and their families. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 6th November, 2013

Updated: 10th December, 2020

Author:

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North East Autism Society | 15 Lumley Court | Drum Industrial Estate | Chester-le-Street | County Durham | DH2 1AN

Tel: 0191 4109974 or E-mail: [email protected]

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