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Archive for December 22nd, 2010

First Published Tuesday, 7th October, 2008.

Beautiful Scotland

The Autumn/Winter edition of Autism Scotland the bi-annual newsletter which highlights recent news and developments from The National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland is now available to download.


This edition includes an article celebrating the 10th anniversary of Daldorch House School and Continuing Education Centre.


If you would prefer a paper copy of the newsletter then please email scotland@nas.org.uk or call the Glasgow office on 0141 221 8090.



Relevant documents for downloading


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First Published Tuesday, 7th October, 2008.

Year Dot

About Year Dot


Year Dot is a Channel 4 social media experiment which can be followed through My Space, television and the Year Dot wesbite. It showcases 15 teenagers through a crucial period of their life, their ‘year dot’. The website has daily video diaries and blogs and regular interviews featuring professionally-shot footage. The television series comprises three blocks of 30-minute documentaries to be broadcast over the course of the year.


Year Dot is social networking with a positive spin, offering an exciting and refreshing reinvention of adolescent representation in the media. It focuses on young adults with a dream and their motivated attitude, quashing the idea of the hapless hoodie on the street.


Year Dot hopes to offer us positive role models and hope for the future.


Jamal is a reformed teen who uses social media for the positive, breaks the stereotype of urban youth culture in his endeavours to support his young family and local community.


Tom Mursell highlights the pressures and difficulties felt by adolescents faced with the dilemma of higher education. Tom’s video diary showcases his endeavour to create a business called notgoingtouni aimed at adolescents who are unsure on what to do next after school or college.


Our youngest NAS Councillor is a participant


Josh Muggleton is a 19-year-old with Asperger syndrome who will be using social media to help him through his first year at university.


Badly bullied and misunderstood at school, Josh has been sharing his experiences to help individuals and families affected by autism in his role as The National Autistic Society’s youngest National Councillor. He has been campaigning with the charity to improve education for children with autism for some time, including speaking at the House of Commons and meeting the Children’s Commissioner.


Josh was signed off school with anxiety and depression but after getting the right support at a college for people with autism, has just passed his A levels. He will study psychology at university, so he can help people with autism and other conditions in the future.


Josh hopes that Year Dot will let people see what life is really like with Asperger syndrome, the pros, the cons, but most importantly, that ‘life with Asperger syndome isn’t impossible and doesn’t have to limit what we achieve’.


Josh’s first programme went out on Wednesday 1 October at 11.25 and he should be on again on Friday 2 October.


Fact box


  • Over 40% of children with autism are bullied at school
  • 70% of schools are dissatisfied with their teachers understanding of autism
  • Autism is much more common than most people think, affecting 1 in 100 children. All teachers should expect to teach children with autism and it is vital that they receive appropriate training
  • People with autism often rely on routines to help them make sense of the world and understanding and communicating with other people is particularly difficult
  • An increased amount of self study time and difficulties with social interaction can leave students with autism isolated and make it harder for them to settle into university life
  • For further information on autism and The National Autistic Society (NAS) look no further than this website or call the NAS Autism Helpline on 0845 070 4004 (10.00am-4.00pm, Mon- Fri)


Related resources



External links


Source: http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=17583



First Published Tuesday, 7th October, 2008.

Fwd:


Hello everyone,


I am happy to announce that PETA’s recent, “Got Autism?” billboard has been
removed <http://blog. peta.org/ archives/ 2008/10/got_ autism_bill_ 1.php> by the
advertising company hosting it. The billboard misinformed the public about
the autism spectrum by falsely implying that milk consumption was the cause
of autism. Such advertising contributes to a state of public hysteria about
the autism spectrum, fueling the fear and resulting prejudice that
marginalizes us from society at large. It is unacceptable for autistic
people, our families and supporters to be used as instruments in PETA’s
political agenda or that of any other unscrupulous interest group. Our
community came together<http://www.ipetitio ns.com/petition/ autismPETA/ index.html>to
communicate the need for a swift withdrawal of this ill-informed piece
ofadvertising, and I’m pleased to say that were able to achieve a swift
result. That we were able to accomplish this so quickly and effectively
speaks well for the autistic community and the cross-disability rights
movement. Thank you all for your support.



If you’d still like to indicate to PETA the need to avoid exploiting the
autistic community in its future advertising, you can write to them at
info@peta.org as well as call them at 757-622-7382 and dial 0. You can also
sign our petition <http://www.ipetitio ns.com/petition/ autismPETA/>on this
topic, further indicating to PETA and the world that it does not pay to try
to attack and exploit the autistic and cross-disability communities.



Incidents like this show the need for a strong and activist autistic
self-advocacy movement, working closely with the broader disability rights
community. By uniting on issues like this one, we can work to address the
persistent biases that pervades the public discourse about autism in
specific and disability in general. As we speak, the blind
community<http://www.nfb. org/nfb/NewsBot. asp?MODE= VIEW&ID=368>is
uniting against false and offensive depictions of their community in
the new movie, “Blindness”. Over the last few months, disability rights
activists from all parts of the community came together to fight
against outdated and damaging portrayals of people with intellectual
disabilities<http://www.patricia ebauer.com/ category/ tropic-thunders/>in
the movie, “Tropic Thunder”. Less than a year ago, the disability
community united<http://www.autistic advocacy. org/documents/ nyu-response/ JointLetter- updated.pdf>behind
our successful effort<http://www.autistic advocacy. org/modules/ smartsection/ item.php? itemid=23>to
stop the NYU Child Study Center’s “Ransom Notes” ad campaign, which
portrayed children with disabilities as kidnap victims.



Like any other community, we have the right to be treated with respect, in
media, in service-delivery and in all aspects of society. While responses to
offensive depictions of disability in popular culture are not the only
battle in the broader struggle for equity, inclusion, quality of life and
opportunity for all people with disabilities, this issue must remain an
important priority. Culture helps to shape the reality we live in. By
challenging the exploitative and offensive public discourse on disability we
find today, we can advance a broader agenda for disability rights. The
disability community is on the march and we will not be stopped. Thank you
once again for your effective action on this issue. I look forward to
working with all of you once again in the future. Remember, “Nothing About
Us, Without Us!”



Regards,
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.autistic advocacy. org
732.763.5530



First Published Monday, 6th October, 2008.

Fwd:


Hello all,


Recently, the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
(PETA) launched a new ad campaign entitled, “Got Autism?”, misleadingly
implying that the consumption of milk is associated with the cause of the
autism spectrum. PETA is misinforming the public about autism and thus
joining a long line of unscrupulous groups that have sought to try and
spread fear about autism as a means of pushing their particular agendas.


Attempts such as these treat individuals with disabilities as pawns in the
efforts of other constituencies. By refusing to acknowledge the right of the
autistic community to be referred to with respect instead of as the focus of
public hysteria, PETA contributes to a state of affairs which marginalizes
the disability community. People with disabilities, our families and our
supporters deserve better than the exploitation and fear-mongering that
comes about when disability is used as a means of scaring the general
populace. For millions across the globe, the answer to PETA’s “Got Autism?”
question is an unequivocal yes. That should not spell the end of our lives
or prevent us from being fully included throughout society. By exploiting
us, PETA becomes a culprit in the social forces that marginalize people with
disabilities and lead to the discrimination and prejudice that truly disable
us.


Let PETA know how you feel about its choice to exploit autistic people by
writing to them at* *info@peta.org* *or call them at* **757-622-7382 and
dial 0. In addition, we encourage you to express your support for these ads’
swift withdrawal by signing
this<http://www.ipetitio ns.com/petition/ autismPETA/>online petition.


Regards,
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.autistic advocacy. org
732.763.5530



First Published Saturday, 4th October, 2008.

Asperger’s boy ‘sleeping rough’


Gerwyn Morgan

Gerwyn Morgan needs to take medication

A teenage boy with Asperger’s syndrome who has gone missing may be sleeping rough, South Wales Police believe.


There have been several reported sightings of Gerwyn Morgan, 14, since he left home in Merthyr Tydfil at about 1500 BST on Wednesday, 24 September.


Residents have been asked to checked such places as outbuildings, garages and sheds.


Officers say they are becoming more concerned for the safety of Gerwyn, who needs to take medication.


Superintendent Tony Smith said: “Gerwyn is very young and we believe he may be sleeping rough and we are very anxious to find him to know he is safe and well.


“We are growing increasingly concerned for Gerwyn’s welfare. He has not had his medication which it is vital he takes for his well-being.


“We are concerned he is putting himself at risk by not taking it.”


Gerwyn was wearing cargo camouflage trousers, a blue t-shirt and a red sweater.


He is described as white, 5ft 9in (1.75m), with short untidy brown hair, thin build, spotty complexion and brown eyes.


Police ask anyone who notices “suspicious activity” in any outbuildings to get in touch. They also want to hear from anyone with information about Gerwyn.


Supt Smith said: “I’d urge anyone who may have seen Gerwyn or knows where he is to get in touch with us immediately”.


Asperger’s syndrome is a form of autism that affects how a person makes sense of the world. It can also cause problems with social skills.


Anyone who has information about Gerwyn or who knows his whereabouts can contact police on 01656 655555 or 01685 722541.


Source:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7652900.stm

‘Please come home son, we love you’


THE mother of a missing autistic teenager today made a heartfelt plea for her son to come home for his birthday.


Gerwyn Morgan, who turns 15 today, was last seen in his family home at The Grawen, Brecon Road, Merthyr Tydfil, 12 days ago.


Distraught Carole Curtis said: “Just come home son, we are all missing you and love you.”


Police have now extended their search for the schoolboy, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism and was last seen on September 24 at 2.40pm.


His mother said she lives in hope of good news with every ring of the phone.


Mrs Curtis said: “I’ve tried to be strong because of my 12-year-old daughter but now I’m just breaking down. My husband and my mother are trying to be strong for me.


“My head is in a whirl. If I drop off to sleep I’m having nightmares. I don’t know what to think. I’m at my wits’ end. I’m just praying Gerwyn will walk though the door. He should be home with us celebrating his birthday.”


Mrs Curtis added: “He doesn’t have any sense of direction, time or distance and what worries me is he is too trusting of people.


“If I try to eat I choke on my food because I feel guilty that he may not be eating.”


Detective Inspector Peter Pope said today: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Gerwyn’s welfare. He has not had his medication, and it is vital he takes for his well being.”


Officers are following up the latest unconfirmed sighting of the teenager, who had no money or change of clothes. A young boy was spotted near the A470 layby at Storey Arms, between Merthyr and Brecon at 8pm on Saturday. Extensive ground and air searches have been carried out and the police helicopter has flown over Morlais Quarry.


Officers believe he may be sleeping rough. Householders have been asked to check their outhouses, garages and garden sheds.


Mrs Curtis, who has been out searching for her son with family and friends, and has put up missing posters in Merthyr, said: “The police have been up to Cyfarthfa Park with dogs.


“I’ve been up there with our dog Sheba. I know if Gerwyn had been around and saw Sheba, he would have dropped his guard and come to Sheba.


“I’m even thinking of asking people who have hunting dogs to come to the house to pick up Gerwyn’s scent to try to find him.”

“My oldest son William has been out in his car looking for him and friends have also gone out, but there has been no sign of him.”


Gerwyn was wearing camouflaged trousers, a pale yellow t-shirt and black school shoes when he left his home after returning from Penydre High School.


He is described as white, 5ft 9in (1.75m), with short untidy brown hair, thin build, spotty complexion and brown eyes.


Mrs Curtis fears he might think he was in trouble after a shopkeeper accused him of stealing a comic early that week.


Anyone with information is asked to contact South Wales Police on 01656 655555 or Merthyr Police Station on 01685 722541.


jackie.bow@mediawales.co.uk


Source:  http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/10/06/please-come-home-son-we-love-you-91466-21973840/

Mum blasts cruel rumour mongers


THE mother of an autistic son who has gone missing has blasted the vicious rumour monger who has spread word that the boy is dead.


Carole Curtis is the mum of missing autistic teenager Gerwyn Morgan (inset), who turned 15 on Monday (October 6).


Despite her heartfelt pleas, Gerwyn failed to return home in time for his birthday after he went missing from home on September 24.


And the family have been hit with a new low after hearing rumours about his death.


Mrs Curtis said: “My son rang to tell me some sick person has put a rumour around that Gerwyn’s been found dead in St Tydfil’s Hospital.


“I could really do without that sort of thing at the moment; it is disgusting.”


But the mum still lives in hope that Gerwyn, who has a form of autism called Asperger’s Syndrome, will return home safe and sound.


She said: “The police have put a whole new batch of posters up and a friend of mine has put more up around Aberdare way. We’re trying to spread them further afield.”


Days before Gerwyn’s birthday, Mrs Curtis, who lives in The Grawen, Brecon Road, said: “Just come home son, we are all missing you and love you.”


And she spoke of the family’s pain at not knowing where Gerwyn is.


She said: “I’ve tried to be strong because of my 12-year-old daughter but now I’m just breaking down. My husband and my mother are trying to be strong for me.


“My head is in a whirl. If I drop off to sleep I’m having nightmares. I don’t know what to think. I’m at my wits’ end. I’m just praying Gerwyn will walk though the door.”


Mrs Curtis added: “He doesn’t have any sense of direction, time or distance and what worries me is he is too trusting of people.”


Detective Inspector Peter Pope said: “We are growing increasingly concerned for Gerwyn’s welfare. He has not had his medication, and it is vital he takes it for his well being.”


Recent reported sightings near the Storey Arms of the teenager, who had no money or change of clothes, are still unconfirmed by police.


Officers believe he may be sleeping rough, and householders have been asked to check their outhouses, garages and garden sheds.


Mrs Curtis, who has been out searching for her son with family and friends, said: “The police have been up to Cyfarthfa Park with dogs. I’ve been up there with our dog, Sheba. I know if Gerwyn had been around and saw Sheba, he would have dropped his guard and come to Sheba.”


Gerwyn was wearing camouflage trousers, a pale yellow t-shirt and black school shoes when he left his home after returning from Penydre High School.


He is described as white, 5ft 9in (1.75m), with short untidy brown hair, thin build, spotty complexion and brown eyes.


Anyone with information is asked to contact South Wales Police on 01656 655555 or Merthyr Police Station on 01685 722541.


Source:  http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/merthyr/2008/10/09/mum-blasts-cruel-rumour-mongers-91466-21993887/

Voicemail in Asperger’s boy hunt


Gerwyn Morgan

Gerwyn Morgan needs medication, say police

A voicemail message service has been set up by South Wales Police for people to leave information about a missing teenager who has Asperger’s syndrome.


Gerwyn Morgan, 15, who needs to take medication, has not been seen since he left his Merthyr Tydfil home on the afternoon of Wednesday, 24 September.


The 01685 724323 service – which is also for text – is for anyone who might not want to contact police directly.


There were hopes Gerwyn would have made contact last Monday, his 15th birthday.


A poster campaign has also been launched in the Merthyr area.


There have been some unconfirmed sightings of the teenager since he disappeared but police said the last time he was actually seen was on 25 September, when he was caught on CCTV in Merthyr town centre.


Please call me, Gerwyn, get in touch through the school or the police so we can have a chat and know that you are OK
Rob Stevens, youth worker and Gerwyn’s friend

Police launched the voicemail hoping to gather more information about his movements over the last two and a half weeks.


Officers were also stopping shoppers at the local Asda and Tesco stores to show them posters of the missing boy.


“Some people may feel uncomfortable about phoning a police station or speaking to an officer if they only have a little piece of information they are unsure about,” said Ch Insp Ian Bellshaw.


“They might worry that police will think they are wasting their time or that it won’t be any use but at this stage any piece of information about sightings of Gerwyn, who he might be with or his movements could be a great help in finding him safe and well.”


He said any information will be treated confidentially by officers.


‘Very worried’


Gerwyn is described as white, 5ft 9in (1.75m), with short untidy brown hair, thin build, spotty complexion and brown eyes.


Earlier, a friend of Gerwyn and youth worker also issued a plea for him to get in touch.


Rob Stevens, Gerwyn’s learning support assistant at Pen Y Dre school in Merthyr, said the teenager had left on the day he was last seen “like on any other day”.


“We are now all very worried about him,” he said.


“If Gerwyn is staying away from home I want him to know that I and his teachers and classmates want him to come back safe.


“Please call me, Gerwyn, get in touch through the school or the police so we can have a chat and know that you are OK.”


“You are not in any trouble, we just want you to be safe.”


Asperger’s syndrome is a form of autism that affects how a person makes sense of the world. It can also cause problems with social skills.


Anyone who has information about Gerwyn or who knows his whereabouts can contact police on 01656 655555 or 01685 722541.


Source:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7664038.stm

‘We’re all worried, we want you back’


Gerwyn

A FRIEND and tutor today made a desperate plea to missing South Wales teenager Gerwyn Morgan.


“Call me, Gerwyn, or even come to the school, we are really worried about you, we all want you back,” said Rob Stevens to the 15- year-old pupil, who has been missing for 16 days.


Gerwyn, who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism, and needs to take daily medication, left his home in the Brecon Road area of Merthyr Tydfil on Wednesday, September 24.


His distraught family, who were praying he would return for his birthday last Monday, has not heard from him since.


Despite extensive police investigations there have been no confirmed sightings of him since September 25.


Chief Inspector Ian Bellshaw said: “We are still very worried about Gerwyn. He is only 15. He needs his medication and we need to find him.


“We have made appeals for Gerwyn to come home but this will not have much effect if he is deliberately staying away and does not want to be found.


“If Gerwyn is out and about we want to reassure him that he is not in any trouble but we need him to contact us or Mr Stevens so we know he is safe and well.”


Today the police were launching a massive poster campaign, hoping to jog people’s memories and gather information about Gerwyn’s movements within the last two weeks.


Rob, 55, a learning support assistant at Pen Y Dre school, has worked closely with Gerwyn as a one-to-one mentor for the last two years.


He urges him: “Don’t be afraid to contact me through the school or the police for a chat.


“You’re not in any trouble. We just want to see your safe return home and to school.


“If you only want to speak to me then the police can get hold of me. Someone else can contact them for you, or you’ve got the school number.”


Pupils have been told they should ring the police immediately if they see Gerwyn.


“Most children have mobiles these days and should use them straight away,” said Rob.


“Gerwyn’s family are heartbroken and everybody at Pen y dre School is very, very concerned about his welfare and safety.


“Everybody wants Gerwyn back as soon as possible.


“I would urge anybody that sees Gerwyn to contact the police immediately and I can’t emphasis the word immediately enough,” said Rob. “The sooner they are contacted the quicker they can respond.


“And anyone who may know where he is should tell Gerwyn to go home.


“We are very optimistic the outcome will be the one we are all wishing and praying for.”


Gerwyn is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall with short, untidy brown hair, thin build, spotty complexion and brown eyes.


Anyone who has information is asked to contact South Wales Police on 01656 655555 or Merthyr police station on 01685 722541 or Pen Y Dre school on 01685 721726.


Source:  http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/merthyr/2008/10/10/we-re-all-worried-we-want-you-back-91466-22007311/

CCTV footage

Missing teenager spotted at railway station


TEENAGER Gerwyn Morgan was spotted at a Bristol railway station two days after he went missing three weeks ago, it emerged today.

CCTV footage has confirmed a sighting of Merthyr Tydfil schoolboy Gerwyn by a police community support officer (PCSO) at Bristol Temple Meads railway station at 9.45am on September 26 – two days after his family last saw him.


It is not clear if 15-year-old Gerwyn, who has Asperger’s syndrome, had just arrived there or was trying to catch a train to somewhere else.


Today his mother Carole Curtis is travelling to Bristol by car with police officers to make TV and radio appeals.


During the journey, she spoke to Media Wales and said: “I’m on my way to Bristol in case he’s still there. The nearer I’m getting the worse I’m feeling.”


“I’m in a worst state now than ever. Bristol’s such a big place.”


Extensive investigations to trace Gerwyn’s movements are continuing and the police want to hear from anyone who may have seen Gerwyn, or knows where he is to get in touch.


“You won’t be in trouble, please come home” is the message Chief Inspector Ian Bellshaw wants the schoolboy to hear.


“I want Gerwyn to understand that he is not in any trouble – we just need to know that he is safe.


“If he’s worried about getting in trouble for running away then I want him to know that he hasn’t done anything wrong, we just need him to get in touch”.


“Though it is encouraging that we have another sighting of him in Bristol.This was more than 10 days ago and we do not know what has happened to him since.


“There is every possibility that he has now returned to South Wales as there have been further possible sightings of him in the area.”


Source:  http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/merthyr/2008/10/17/missing-teenager-spotted-at-railway-station-91466-22058186/

Missing Asperger’s boy found safe


Gerwyn Morgan

Gerwyn Morgan was found in apparent good health in London, say police

A teenage boy with Asperger’s syndrome who went missing nearly a month ago has been found safe and well in London.


The search for Gerwyn Morgan, 15, of Merthyr Tydfil, had led South Wales Police to set up a voicemail service for people to pass on information.


There was particular concern because Gerwyn, who disappeared on 24 September, needs to take medication.


Police thanked media support during the search, which included reports of sightings at a Bristol railway station.


Police said their inquiries in to the teenager’s disappearance were continuing.


South Wales Police Chief Inspector Ian Bellshaw said: “We are very relieved that Gerwyn has been found this afternoon in the London area and appears to be in good health.


“I want to thank the public and the media for their help and co-operation in trying to find him over the last four weeks.


“We believe the media appeals in the south of England over the last few days have been instrumental in finding him.”


A poster campaign was launched in the Merthyr area as part of the search, and a youth worker said Gerwyn’s classmates at Pen Y Dre school had become concerned for him.


The last confirmed sighting of Gerwyn was the day after he went missing, when he was caught on CCTV in Merthyr town centre.


Asperger’s syndrome is a form of autism.

Missing teen Gerwyn Morgan found in Essex


THE relieved family of teenager Gerwyn Morgan, who has been found safe and well, are waiting to be reunited with him after a month of despair.


News was broken to mum Carole Curtis on Tuesday afternoon that a teenager had been found by police in Basildon, Essex.


“It was the longest two-and-a-half hours of my life waiting for them to confirm it was Gerwyn,” said Mrs Curtis, who faced the agonising wait at Merthyr Tydfil Police Station.


“When I see him I’m going to give him a big cwtch and I know I’ll break down crying.”


Gerwyn, who has Asperger’s Syndrome and needs to take daily medication, disappeared on September 24 from his family home in Merthyr Tydfil and sparked an extensive police and family search.


It is understood Gerwyn was found in Essex following a tip-off to police that he was meeting someone.


Mrs Curtis said yesterday: “I’m so relieved but despondent because I haven’t been able to speak to Gerwyn.


“I was told they were waiting for a police doctor to see if he was well enough to travel and social services would be involved. At the moment I’m still in limbo. I’m worst now than when he was missing. I’m at my wits’ end, I haven’t got a clue what’s happening.”


She said Gerwyn was back in Wales but didn’t know where.


“I know he is safe but I need to see him for myself to know in my own heart he is well,” she said.


“I just want my son home. I’ve been told social services have to be involved and other agencies. I’ve been waiting for other agencies to be involved and help for the past eight years.


“It has taken something like this to get anywhere. I’ve been told he’s with some foster family somewhere.”


Merthyr-based Chief Inspector Ian Bellshaw, who was involved in the search for Gerwyn, said: “We are very relieved that Gerwyn has been found in the London area and appears to be in good health.


“I want to thank the public and the media for their help and co-operation in trying to find him over the past four weeks.”


During that time members of his family searched the streets and put up missing posters. Police and his tutor at Penydre High School also made appeals through the media.


A sighting of Gerwyn at Bristol Temple Meads railway station, two days after he went missing and confirmed on CCTV footage, provided a breakthrough.


Mrs Curtis travelled to Bristol last Friday with police officers to make a TV appeal and this week, a month since Gerwyn went missing, police had planned a major leaflet drop in Merthyr, Cardiff and Bristol to enlist the help of milkmen, bus and taxi drivers.


Source:  http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/merthyr/2008/10/23/missing-teen-gerwyn-morgan-found-in-essex-91466-22094638/



First Published Friday, 3rd October, 2008.

Protest outside Embassy for hacker


editorial@hamhigh.co.uk
02 October 2008

By Robyn Rosen

A second demonstration in support of computer hacker Gary McKinnon drew a crowd of more than 100 supporters.
Mr McKinnon, 42 and a former Highgate Wood School pupil, has been accused of causing $700,000 worth of damage when he hacked into US systems in 2002.
In August, Mr McKinnon, who had been diagnosed with Aspergers’ syndrome just days before his trial, lost his final appeal to avoid extradition to the US and a possible 60 years in jail.
The Grosvenor Square demonstration outside the US Embassy on Sunday was organised by the London Autistic Rights Movement to pressure the Home Secretary to stop the extradition and have him tried in the UK.

Anya Ustazewski, committee member at the movement, said: “The reason we support Gary is that we can empathise with his situation. We read about his case and wanted to help by bringing more attention to his case through the protest.”

Wilson Sharp, 60, Mr McKinnon’s stepfather, said: “The demonstration went pretty well. Gary has been very anxious and depressed. He has just been moping around at the moment. They could take him at any moment.
“It’s been four weeks since he lost his appeal and we think they’re waiting for the American elections to be over so there is no embarrassment.
“But the fact that they are waiting is a plus, I think. I’m always hopeful but at the same time I don’t have much faith in the justice system.”
Lucy Clarke, Mr McKinnon’s girlfriend, said: “All his friends and family came. I’m really scared of getting my hopes up – we have been let down so many times.
“I’ve been a nervous wreck the past few weeks. I’m just waiting for the phone to ring.
“Gary is no better, he is very anxious and won’t talk to anybody. I’m worried about his health. He is suffering with anxiety attacks and chest pains.”
The hacking offence took place in Mr McKinnon’s Crouch End home.
He admitted looking at some of America’s most sensitive information, but argued he was conducting research into UFOs.
This is the second time people have come together to publicly show their support for him.
On September 2, dozens of supporters gathered at a protest outside the Home Office where his mother, Janis Sharp, handed a personal letter to Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
Meanwhile, a portrait of Mr McKinnon painted by an autistic artist will be on display at an art exhibition.
The painting, by artist Rozagy, will be part of the Autism Research Centre’s autism, art and music evening on Sunday, hosted by Jools Holland at the Savoy Theatre.
A Home Office spokesman said this week: “Further representations have been received from Mr McKinnon’s solicitors against his surrender to the USA and these are receiving consideration.”
Investigations by the Ham&High shed no further light on a possible date of Mr McKinnon’s extradition.
The US Embassy referred to the Home Office, who initially passed responsibility to the Met police.
After further enquiries and the issue being passed back to the Home Office, a spokesman finally said: “Gary McKinnon’s lawyers have made statutory representations to the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to try to prevent his extradition to the US.
“She is currently speculating on her decision.
“No date has yet been set for Mr McKinnon’s extradition.

Source:  http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/content/camden/hamhigh/news/story.aspx?brand=NorthLondon24&category=Newshamhigh&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newshamhigh&itemid=WeED02%20Oct%202008%2015%3A37%3A34%3A063



First Published Thursday, 2nd October, 2008.

Parliament House, Canberra, Australia

A4 Update 2008 (September), Vol 6. No. 7


The links for the latest A4 Update are:

MS Word
www.a4.org.au/documents/updates/A4-2008-Update07.doc
PDF
www.a4.org.au/documents/updates/A4-2008-Update07.pdf



Previous A4 Updates are available for downloading from the A4 website (see www.a4.org.au/news.htm).

Currently, the A4 website is not working properly … new members cannot sign up at the moment. We hope to have normal operations working soon.



First Published Thursday, 2nd October, 2008.

End Child Poverty

Support End Child Poverty’s ‘Keep The Promise’ event


Join thousands of families as they campaign to end child poverty by coming to the Keep the Promise rally in Trafalgar Square on 4 October. The rally will be the biggest ever event to end child poverty and aims to hold the Government to its promise to halve child poverty by 2010 and end it by 2020. The NAS is a member of End Child Poverty, an influential coalition of 120 organisations which aims to lift families out of poverty.


The event will begin with a short march led by children and families from Millbank into Trafalgar Square and this will be followed by speakers and activities in Trafalgar Square. Families can join the rally for the march or just for the event in Trafalgar Square.


For the march, families need to meet at Lambeth Bridge, Millbank from 11.30am and the march will begin at 12.30pm. The event in Trafalgar Square will begin at 1pm and there will be children’s activities, entertainers, speeches and a ‘mass moment’.


Note: the event will be loud with bands playing and the ‘mass moment’ will involve everyone present making as much noise as possible. The timing of the mass moment will be publicised at www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/promise

With your support, we can ensure that the Government does ‘Keep the Promise’ of a generation and end child poverty.


There’s more info about ‘Keep the Promise’ at www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/promise


Related resources


End Child Poverty Campaign Rally: Gordon Brown urged to increase DLA, CLA


(London, UK) The biggest ever event to End Child Poverty takes place in London this Saturday, 4th October, with thousands expected to participate in a march from Millbank via Westminster to Trafalgar Square.


According to the latest statistics from the End Child Poverty Campaign – 1 in 3 children are in poverty. They say 5.5 million children are in families that are classed as “struggling” – 98% of children in some areas.


Campaigners are staging the ‘Keep The Promise’ event on Saturday urging the Government to keep to their promises on eradicating poverty.


Over 130 UK organisations, including the UK Autism Foundation, are supporting the End Child Poverty march.


Supporting the campaign is Ivan Corea of the UK Autism Foundation who said: ‘The credit crunch is devastating families with autism. Many are faced with increased food bills, fuel bills, some face re-possessions. We are urging the Government to step in and help the vulnerable and the marginalised financially….this must include an increase in tax credits, the disability living allowance and the carer’s allowance.’


The UKAF’s appeal is also supported by the highly influential Baroness Uddin of Bethnal Green in the House of Lords. Lady Uddin has campaigned for over a decade on child poverty and minority ethnic communities in the United Kingdom, especially in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.


The UK Autism Foundation has just released a newsletter highlighting ‘Autism and the Credit Crunch.’ The charity calls on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to help families with autism who are below the poverty line – the suffering is very real, according to UK autism campaigners and they are appealing urgent help. The UK Autism Foundation has announced plans to build the first ever state-of-the-art Autism Centre in London – based in the London Borough of Redbridge, build an Autism School to service the needs of children and young people with autism across East London from Tower Hamlets to Redbridge and to reach out to the poor – the charity hopes to build a fund in order to help the poor.


The charity is urging companies, entreprenuers and organisations to partner with them in the ‘vision for autism’ they have set up a target of £10 million in order to make the vision a reality. Supporting the UKAF is Lee Scott MP who is championing the cause of autism in the House of Commons, Scott is a member of the powerful House of Commons Select Committee on Health – he has accepted the position of Patron of the UK Autism Foundation and has pledged to support this work.


Parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome are expected at the event on Saturday. People are meeting at Millbank, near Lambeth Bridge at 11 30 am on Saturday 4th October followed by a march through Westminster to Trafalgar Square. Family fun will follow at 1400 with speakers at Trafalgar Square. The Children’s Society celebrity campaigner Sophie Ellis Bextor will be among them.


For further particulars please see the organiser’s website:
http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/promises


For the UK Autism Foundation website:
http://www.ukautismfoundation.org


Source:  http://www.bloggernews.net/117967


The following articles are courtesy of NAS Communication magazine (Autumn 2008)

balancing money

MONEY MATTERS FEATURE

Credit Crunch


Many people on the autism spectrum – and those caring for them – struggle to live on low incomes and managing money can be a major concern. To make matters worse, people on the spectrum are sometimes offered loans and credit that they can ill-afford to repay, leading to unmanageable debt.


An increasing number of the calls the NAS receive relate to a host of financial issues, such as debt and financial planning for the future. “For many people with autism, dealing with financial issues can be very difficult,” says Caroline Hattersley, NAS Head of Information, Advice and Advocacy.


Cases include the brother of a man in his fifties, diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, who lives in a supported living scheme. The caller was worried that his brother’s poor money management skills are getting him into difficulties, as he spends a lot of money and continues to be given bank loans because he is deemed capable of managing his affairs.


Confused and angry, he is in debt and can’t see a way of getting out of it.


Another story, from the case files of a Citizen’s Advice Bureau, tells of a young autistic man, mental health difficulties and dyslexia. He didn’t want a bank account but found he had to have one in order to receive his benefits. He is now in debt, having been given credit, ill-advisedly, and cannot come to an arrangement with the bank. He is unable to deal with the complexities of banking and unable to cope with the bank officials, who in turn seem unable to deal with him. Confused and angry, he is in debt and can’t see a way of getting out of it.


The Financial Services Authority (FSA)’s National Strategy for Financial Capability is funding the NAS to provide information and support to people seeking advice on financial issues, such as managing bills, debt, bank accounts and planning a more secure future. The funding will help to pay for training so that NAS Autism Helpline advisers are better equipped to talk about money matters with callers.


Also available are two new factsheets. The first, Managing your money, looks at how to draw up and keep to a budget, finding ways to increase your income and reduce your spending, how to choose and use a bank account, credit/debit, pre-payment and store cards, bills, savings, borrowing, debt and insurance. There is also a section on how to help someone else to manage their affairs, if that person does not have the mental capacity to make decisions about their own finances.


The second new factsheet, Borrowing money and managing debt, deals specifically with borrowing money and managing debt. It looks at the main types of borrowing, what to think about before you borrow and what to do and where to go for advice and help if you start to struggle to meet your repayments.

Micawber

The Micawber principle


The Micawber principle – if your expenditure is more than your income, the result is misery – is as true today as when Dickens wrote David Copperfield in 1850.


Before you borrow money, ask yourself some questions.


  • *Do I need it?
  • *Could I save instead?
  • *Is there anything I could sell?
  • *Can I reduce my outgoings?
  • *Can I increase my income?
  • *Am I receiving all the benefits and tax credits I’m entitled to?

Borrow wisely


If you do decide to borrow money, do it wisely.


  • *Get a clear picture of your finances. Be realistic about what repayments you will be able to afford.
  • *Check whether you are creditworthy. If your ‘credit score is low, some lenders will not lend to you, or will only offer you more expensive loans, as they see you as a higher risk.
  • *Weigh up all the costs of the loan you are considering, including the interest rates, any fees, charges and repayments.
  • *Avoid borrowing money to pay off an existing loan.
  • *Open your bills and pay them promptly. If you don’t make repayments on time, your debts can quickly spiral out of control.
  • *Don’t borrow more than you need.

Get advice


When you borrow money, you are entering into an agreement with a lender to repay it in the amounts and timescales that you agreed. If you don’t do this, the lender is entitled to take steps to get its money back. The result of failing to pay certain debts can be very serious – you could lose your home, for example, if you fail to pay rent or mortgage repayments.


If you are consistently struggling with debts or to meet repayments, you need to take action. If you are in this situation, try not to worry – many people find themselves in debt and there is a lot of support and advice available.


  • *Don’t ignore the problem: the longer you leave it, the worse it will get.
  • *Stop borrowing.
  • *Get independent advice.

Advice and support


If you have enough money left over after paying your priority creditors and essential expenses, you may be able to arrange a debt management plan – an arrangement with your creditors to pay back the debt by regular instalments. Instead of you speaking to your creditors yourself to arrange the plan, a debt management company does it for you. Usually, you will have to pay for this service.


General money advice

The two new NAS factsheets, Managing your money and Borrowing and managing debt, are both available from the NAS Autism Helpline on 0845 070 4004 (10am-4pm, Monday-Friday) or you can request them by texting 07903 200 200.



For more information, tips and impartial tables to help you compare financial products, visit www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk



For details of tools to help you if your work includes helping other people improve their money skills, visit www.financial_capability.fsa.gov.uk



For free debt and money advice

A number of organisations offer free and confidential debt and money advice.



Citizens Advice Bureau. Details in the phone book or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk



Community Legal Service 0845 345 4345



Consumer Credit Counselling Service 0800 138 1111



Money Advice Scotland


www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk



National Debtline 0808 808 4000



Benefit and tax credit advice



Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882 200 (freephone) or visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau.



NAS Welfare Rights service 0845 070 4004

cash flow

CASH FLOW

Life can be very expensive, especially if a parent or carer has to give up their job to fulfil caring responsibilities. In the current economic climate, we’re all having to tighten our belts. Here are some websites that can help you manage your money and debts.


Adviceguide

www.adviceguide.org.uk


Adviceguide is an online service from the Citizens Advice Bureau network. The site provides independent, practical, up-to-date information and advice on a range of rights and entitlements. Follow the heading ‘Your money’ in the left-hand column for information on benefits, employment, tax, and debts. Alternatively, you can access ‘FAQs'(frequently asked questions) and ‘Fact sheets’ in the light blue boxes on the right-hand side of the home page. Use the drop-down menu to select the subject you’re interested in and then click on the arrow. The information given states which of the UK nations it is applicable to but you can also use the blue tabs along the top of the page to select information relevant only to England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.


Information is also available in a range of languages: select the Cymru tab for the Welsh language version, or select a link to ‘Translated information’ in a blue box on the right-hand side. If you’d prefer to visit or talk to your local CAB, you can find their contact details under ‘Find your local CAB’ towards the bottom of the page.



Disability Alliance

www.disabilityalliance.org


The Disabilty Alliance is a charity which aims to relieve the poverty and improve the living standards experienced by disabled people. They provide information on benefits and tax credits to disabled people, their families, and professional advisors. Their website is simple and uncluttered. Follow the heading ‘Benefits’ for benefits advice and information. Alternatively, you can access their factsheets by following the link at the bottom right-hand of the page.



turn2us

www.turn2us.org.uk

turn2us is a new online service to help people calculate what benefits they’re entitled to, as well as providing information on charities offering grants. The home page has two key areas. The first is on the left, where you can search for grant-making charities. You can filter by different types of charity – for example, there is a link to charities for people with disabilities – or you can type your search term into the box. On the right-hand side of the site is a calculator to help you work out which benefits and tax credits you may be entitled to.

find the hidden word

Don’t forget…

Information and advice on benefits for people with ASDs and their families is available at www.autism.org.uk/benefits or you can contact the NAS Welfare Rights Service, through the NAS Autism Helpline, on 0845 070 4004 or email welfarerights@nas.org.uk



New information sheets

  • Benefits: which benefits am I entitled to?
  • Disability Living Allowance: high rate mobility for children with an autism spectrum disorder

Available from the NAS Autism Helpline on 0845 070 4004 or email autismhelpline@nas.org.uk


NAS Websites

Search for information on the NAS and autism spectrum disorders at www.autism.org.uk


Search for books, articles and multimedia in the field of autism at www.autism.org.uk/autismdata


Search for services for autistic people across the UK at www.autism.org.uk/autismdirectory


Access personalised information about autism, entitlements and services at www.autism.org.uk/signpost

The National Autistic Society & Financial Services Authority have put together the very informative and completely Free`Managing Money Workbook – a guide for people on the Autism spectrum‘:


http://www.autism.org.uk/products/free-resources/fsa-managing-money.aspx



First Published Wednesday, 1st October, 2008.

Concern for missing Asperger boy

Gerwyn Morgan

Gerwyn Morgan has been urged to contact his family

Concerns are growing for the welfare of a 14-year-old boy with Asperger’s syndrome who has gone missing.


Gerwyn Morgan left his home address in Merthyr at about 1500 BST on Wednesday, 24 September.


Police said Gerwyn needs to take medication for his well being and are appealing for information.


He was last seen on Thursday, 25 September in Merthyr town centre, when he was wearing a red fleece and camouflage trousers.


Gerwyn is white, 5ft 9in (1.75m), with short untidy brown hair, thin build, spotty complexion and brown eyes.


Insp Jeff Vaughan urged anyone who might have seen Gerwyn or knows where he is to contact them immediately.


“We are growing increasingly concerned for Gerwyn’s welfare,” he said.


“He has not had his medication which is vital for his well-being.


“We are concerned he is putting himself at risk by not taking it.


“I’m asking Gerwyn to call his family and let them know he is okay or to call us or go to a police station.


“There have been a number of reported sightings of Gerwyn in the Merthyr area since he was reported missing and I’d ask anyone with information to call us.”


Asperger’s syndrome is a form of autism that affects how a person makes sense of the world. It can also cause problems with social skills.


Anyone who has information about Gerwyn or who knows his whereabouts can contact police on 01656 655555 or 01685 722541.


Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7646954.stm



First Published Wednesday, 1st October, 2008.

Check out our think differently about autism website to see our latest film


As part of our ”think differently about autism campaign, we’re focusing on daily situations to draw attention to how proper understanding of the condition can make a huge difference to those affected by autism.


You can help by viewing the film and sending the link onto your friends or by becoming our friend on Facebook [you need to have registered and then log in to access this link] or MySpace.


For more ideas visit our website

Help us to encourage people to think differently about autism


Source: http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=17580

Autism charity features images of bullying


By Rosie Walker, Third Sector Online, 29 September 2008


The National Autistic Society has launched its first campaign featuring images of people with autism being bullied.


Four national press ads will run throughout October. The charity is also using direct mail for the first time to target a cold donor audience. It is sending out 400,000 recruitment packs and will also show online films.