What is the cause of autism? Expand The cause of autism is unknown but there is strong evidence of genetic links. It is a lifelong difference in a person’s neurology. With the right support and acceptance those of us who are autistic can lead rewarding and fulfilling lives.
How does autism affect people? Expand Although there are core features in common in many individuals, their autism will affect them uniquely. It’s important to remember that a person with autism is still a person and will have their own personality.
How many people are autistic? Expand Previously it was thought that around 1% of the population will be autistic - which is 1 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 However, it’s now widely accepted that these statistics are outdated, and certainly from our experience, we believe this to be much, much higher.
Is autism a disability? Expand On its own autism is not necessarily a disability, but it can be disabling. Often autistic people will be diagnosed with another co-occurring conditions and sometimes an additional learning disability or learning difficulty.
What is the difference between a learning difficulty and a disability? Expand 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.
What benefits am I entitled to? Expand 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 CreditFind out more information at www.autism.org.uk/benefits
What is an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)? Expand 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.
I would like to read about the experiences of people with autism, can you recommend any writers? Expand Temple Grandin and Donna Williams provide a real insight into autism through their books.
How can the North East Autism Society help? Expand We use a holistic, person-centred approach to understand and support autistic people. It 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.