Hampshire Autistic Society - Current Projects

Project Summary
Anglesey Lodge is an independent day care centre currently supporting 32 people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) between the ages of 18 - 65. We have found one of the most successful aspects of the day service is the arts and crafts work offered. By fostering imagination, encouraging social interaction and boosting self-esteem, arts and crafts projects have proved to be invaluable to our service users. We would like to develop the activities we can offer to include field trips to galleries and other areas where service users can try out landscape painting, brass rubbings and a variety of other creative activities.

We are currently fundraising for Interactive Whiteboards so that we can provide one for each classroom at Hope Lodge School.

The benefits of the interactive whiteboard as a teaching and learning tool: · Children of all ages and abilities with ASD have a particular need for visual support in their learning. · A learner's self-esteem is nurtured as they participate closely in the progress of a task and gain a concrete sense of achievement. · Students are enabled to develop independence and cultivate self-motivation by autonomous pursuit of certain tasks. · Shared learning with peers supports the development of social skills problematic to children with ASD.

Our school considers that daily access to an Interactive Whiteboard and Touch Screen would be both challenging and liberating for the autistic learner and an important addition to the facilities of our school. We are committed to doing our utmost to provide this piece of equipment for the children in our care.

The need for an Outreach Service
A diagnosis of a Autism will affect the whole family. The issues accompanying the condition may include: difficulties with communication and social interaction, challenging behaviours, agression toward others. Similar conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety or depression may affect some. Because of the impact on the whole family, at times siblings may feel isolated or excluded and parents/carers themselves may need advice and support from Outreach services.

It is extremely important that people providing care for those with ASD are given knowledge and skills, not only to deal with the presenting behaviours, but also to navigate the complex routes through the education, social services, health and benefits systems. These systems are by their very nature fragmented, often uncoordinated and bureaucratic. A lack of joined up services mean that families often do not have one point of contact for comprehensive information and support. It is essential that these families receive independent and timely information, advice, advocacy and services.

Outreach Officers
We currently have two part-time Outreach Officers. Their main role consists of receiving incoming calls and emails from parents/carers, families and professionals; providing advice and support in relation to any aspect of Austism. They also liaise with local Autism support groups in Hampshire and maintain a lending library of Autism books and videos.

Outreach & Project Manager (OPM)
We also currently have an Outreach & Project Manager (OPM) whose role is to develop Projects with private, public and voluntary partnerships. Current projects are Alert Card, QE2 Activity Centre, Pathway Group, Wordsworth House and Royal South Hants. The OPM raises awareness and supports professionals who work with Autism. We are aware that there is a great need for Autism outreach services in Hampshire and the expansion of this service to ensure the continuation of these posts are essential.

We currently need to replace minibuses both at Hope Lodge School and Day Services. Minibuses are an important mode of transport which enables Contact with the community it is an important component of a learner's development; we undertake regular trips and activities to support and reinforce learning. Our aim is to provide experiences and teach skills that will enable students to develop as much independence as possible and prepare then to live satisfying and fulfilling lives within their community

Children and adults with autism need support to access the world and make it comprehensible and manageable. A minibus also becomes a vital link between family, residential home and school/day centre for our service users.

Currently the cost of a 14 seater minbus is