Autism Education Trust e-newsletter - April 2009

[Guest guest]

**

*E**-Newsletter**: April 2009***

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the April 2009 edition of the Autism Education Trust

e-newsletter.

In this edition:

* AET Conference and Regional Roadshows: successful events and more

to come

* AET online: full website now live

* AET update: new DCSF funding secured and new governance arrangements

* IDP resources: new autism specific learning resources available

* TDA news: ITT training resources

* Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity: new grant to fund support

packages

* Guardian supplement: special AET newspaper supplement on autism on

19^th May

Thank you for your continued support,

-Jane Critchley

AET Project Head

*Tell a friend?*

Is there someone you think would be interested to hear about the AET?

Please forward this newsletter to them and ask them to send us their

details so we can keep them up to date.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

*AET National Conference and Regional Roadshows *

The first Autism Education Trust (AET) National Conference, held in

Westminster in February, was a great success with over 200 delegates

attending.

The one-day conference offered a range of seminars and speakers with the

aim of sharing good practice in autism education. The keynote address

was given by McCarthy-Fry, Minister for Schools and Learning, who

highlighted the importance of the AET?s work in helping achieve the

Government?s aspirations for improving autism education provision across

England.

For the full story click here

<http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/sitecore/content/AET/Global/News/%2\

0McCarthy-Fry%20speaks%20at%20AET%20conference.aspx>

Following on from this successful event, the AET took to the road for a

series of one-day roadshows giving people across the country the chance

to take part in an event similar to the national conference, as well as

addressing local autism-related issues. The AET roadshows have already

visited Liverpool, Carlisle, Norwich, Derby and Southampton. There is

one event still remaining in Exeter on Thursday 7^th May.

Limited places may still be available for the roadshow in Exeter.

*Places are free but must be booked in advance.*

For further information, please contact T: 0115 9113367 E:

conference@... .

------------------------------------------------------------------------

*AET Website Goes Live *

The new AET website has been launched at www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk

<http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/>

Clear and easy to navigate, the site is designed to provide the most

comprehensive online autism education information hub. There is material

specifically tailored for education practitioners and professionals,

local authorities and parents / carers of those on the autism spectrum,

as well as a ?Kids Zone? for children and young people on the autism

spectrum and their friends and siblings.

Resources include practical toolkits, good practice case studies and the

recent AET research in autism education. There is a forum area where you

can have your say and discuss topics online, as well as links to blogs

from other people on the subject of autism and special educational

needs. The Kids Zone includes games, puzzles and video clips by children

and young people on the spectrum, as well as questions about autism

answered in simple terms.

We hope you will find it useful and we value your feedback on it, so

click here to let us know what you think

<http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/%7E/link.aspx?_id=59B598517EE947DF9C0E49\

3E33886336 & _z=z>.

Also please feel free to include a link from your website to the AET

website.

*New Funding Secured*

Following the successful delivery of the items in the 2008/9 work plan,

we put together a plan for the continuation of activities started last

year and additional projects we want to deliver in 2009/10 and secured

£580,000 for a range of activities that including the development of a

Teen Zone for secondary school aged children and young people which

complements the Primary school age focussed Kids Zone. We will also

enhance our existing outreach activities to target more professionals

who can improve the experience of children on the spectrum.

We agreed the importance of commissioners of children?s services and are

extending our remit to include the provision of a range of services

around the needs of the child. This is consistent both with our vision

for children on the autism spectrum and the statement within the

recently published Child Health Strategy that AET will engage with PCT?s

in supporting improved education, health and social care ?packages?

around children and families. We will provide an expert in autism to

work within the Autism Special Interest Group on the Commissioning

Support Programme that aims to support Children?s Trusts.

/ /

*AET Governance: New Steering Group Members Wanted!*

* *

The AET Steering Group has examined its existing governance structures

and is making a number of changes to simplify and clarify

decision-making, and review and develop representation on the Steering

Group to meet the needs of our increased level of funding and our

extended remit. As a result we are looking to add new members to the

Steering Group in a number of areas. We would like to hear from any of

the following who would like to be considered as a representative:

· An adult on the spectrum with a particular interest in Education

and/or health

· A parent or carer of a child on the spectrum (High functioning /

Aspergers)

· A parent or carer of a child on the spectrum (Classic Autism / with

additional learning needs)

· Young adult on the autism spectrum

· Director / Assistant Director of children?s services

· PCT Senior Manager (with interest in disabled children)

· Early Years representative

· Mainstream teacher

· Head of an autism outreach service

· Autism Education Researcher

This group would be joined by the chair of the Advisory Council who is

to be appointed at their next meeting.

The Steering Group is responsible for the strategic direction of the

AET, and members will be expected to attend quarterly meetings and will

take responsibility for specific areas of AET activity. Support will be

provided for people on the spectrum wishing to participate. For more

information, or a Steering Group skill set form please contact Kate

Pettifer or -Jane Critchley.

**

*IDP launched: new autism specific learning resources available*

New web and DVD resources on the autism spectrum are now available under

the Inclusion Development Programme (IDP).

Produced by DCSF, two new resources have been launched, one designed for

those working in early years settings and the other for those working in

mainstream primary and secondary schools. The resources have been

produced commissioned by The National Strategies, part of the DCSF, and

the content was developed by the team at the Autism Centre for Education

and Research at the University of Birmingham.

The resources are designed for people with little or no prior knowledge

of the autism spectrum and can be used by a person studying on their own

or in group training. The resources will also be useful to parents and

carers of children and young people on the autism spectrum.

For the Early Years Foundation Stage IDP materials click here

<http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/168117>

For the Primary and Secondary IDP materials click here

<http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/165037>

*TDA news: ITT training resources*

* *

The TDA has developed a training resource for initial teacher training

providers on the particular needs of pupils with an autistic spectrum

disorder.

This web-based resource is one of eighteen sessions that can be accessed

from TTRB Special Education Needs, which is a sub-portal of the Teacher

Training Resource Bank (TTRB).

Available to access online are the trainer presentation, handouts,

classroom activities and further reading suggestions. The modules cover

the background on what autism is, the similarities and differences in

the diagnosis of autism and Asperger syndrome, ways to create an

ASD-friendly classroom / learning environment and ideas about possible

strategies for teaching pupils with ASD.

To access this resource click here: TTRB Special Educational Needs

<http://www.sen.ttrb.ac.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?Keyword=autism & SearchOption=And & Sea\

rchType=Keyword & RefineExpand=1 & ContentId=14987>

* *

*New grant from Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity *

* *

For a child with ASD, the move from primary to secondary school can be a

very difficult change. A new research grant from the Great Ormond Street

Hospital Charity is helping to develop support packages to help to make

the process easier for children, their families and schools.

This three-year research programme will look formally for the first time

at the difficulties and stresses that occur when a child moves to

secondary school. By identifying specific factors, the results will

inform school and government policy on supporting children with autism

spectrum disorders in mainstream education.

If you have a child who is due to move to secondary school in September

2009 or September 2010, live within a few hours travel of London, and

would like to participate in this study, please contact the project via

email at: interaction@... or by phone on: 020 7829 8679, ext

8099.

Click here for full information on the study

<http://www.ich.ucl.ac.uk/gosh/clinicalservices/autism_services/Research>

*[Do you want to include the complete PDF flyer here?]*

*AET supplement in The Guardian 19^th May *

Look out for the special supplement sponsored by the AET to be published

in The Guardian Education on Tuesday 19^th May.

The supplement will provide an in-depth look at autism education in

England, with case studies from teaching staff, families and young

people on the autism spectrum across the country. This four-page special

will be inserted into the Guardian Education section and we will have

additional copies available on request.

* *

------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Autism education course round-up*

Here is a selection of autism education related courses coming up in the

next few months. The information below is from external sources. Its

inclusion in this newsletter should not be seen as endorsement or

accreditation.

* *

*A Complete Guide to Asperger Syndrome*

Date: 3 June 2009

Provider: Centre for the Development of Autism Practice (CDAP)

Speaker: Professor Tony Attwood

Venue: Exeter Conference Centre, Northernhay Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 3ER

Cost: £175 professionals (by invoice); £160 professionals (by cheque);

£80 people with an autism spectrum disorder and their families

Costs include lunch, refreshments, course materials and certificate of

attendance.

To book: Craig at autismcentre@...

or 01246 583826.

A full day seminar by Professor Tony Attwood exploring Asperger Syndrome

aimed at clinicians, educators and families of those with Asperger

Syndrome.

Professor Attwood a leading international authority on practice related

issues associated with Asperger syndrome. This seminar will explore

Asperger syndrome from the speaker's vast clinical experience and

involvement in both research and practice.

A range of topics will be discussed including the pathways and processes

involved in diagnostic assessment, to the manifestation of common

difficulties and differences. The speaker will also provide a host of

practical strategies to support personal development and fulfillment.

* *

*Understanding and supporting the child on the autistic spectrum *

Date: 12 June 2009

Provider: nasen (www.nasen.org.uk <http://www.nasen.org.uk/>)

Venue: Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay, Devon

Cost: nasen members £195, non-members £295

To book: 01827 311 500

This one-day conference, supported by the AET, highlights the new autism

specific resources that have been launched under the IDP.

Daly, Programme Lead working for the National Strategies, will

outline the aims and scope of the IDP. Dr Glenys , University of

Birmingham will look at the main challenges for making effective

provision for children and young people on the autistic spectrum.

The aim of the conference is to increase skills and knowledge to

identify the needs of children and young people on the autistic spectrum

and to look at how to provide the support needed to develop learning.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Have Your Say*

We are always keen to hear your thoughts and suggestions for the AET.

Please visit the AET website and fill in the online form to tell us

about your experiences of autism education. We want to hear from

parents, young people with autism and professionals working in the

autism education field.

Visit Have Your Say

<http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/en/Your-say.aspx> on the AET

website

------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Further information*

We hope you would like to continue receiving the AET e-newsletter.

However, if you do not wish to receive these updates in future please

email info@...

with the word ?unsubscribe? in

the subject line. If you have received this newsletter via a third party

and would like to be added to the regular mailing list please email the

above address to subscribe.

For any further information and feedback please contact us at

*Autism Education Trust*

393 City Road

London

EC1V 1NG

07795 667749

www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk <http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/>

info@...

------------------------------------------------------------------------

This message is from The National Autistic Society (NAS). The NAS

randomly monitors the content of e-mail messages sent and received.

Any opinions contained in this message are those of the author and are

not given or endorsed by the NAS unless the author is clearly stated to

have authority to bind the charity, and this has been duly verified by

e-mailing companysecretary@...

The NAS is a company limited by guarantee (No. 1205298) registered in

England and also a charity registered in England and Wales (CR269425)

and in Scotland (SC039427), its registered office being 393 City Road,

London, EC1V 1NG.

www.autism.org.uk <http://www.autism.org.uk>

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - www.avg.com

Version: 8.5.287 / Virus Database: 270.12.7/2085 - Release Date: 04/28/09

18:02:00

[Guest guest]

never heard of these people, thanks for sharing (are they any good?)

>

> **

>

> *E**-Newsletter**: April 2009***

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> Welcome to the April 2009 edition of the Autism Education Trust

> e-newsletter.

>

> In this edition:

>

> * AET Conference and Regional Roadshows: successful events and more

> to come

> * AET online: full website now live

> * AET update: new DCSF funding secured and new governance arrangements

> * IDP resources: new autism specific learning resources available

> * TDA news: ITT training resources

> * Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity: new grant to fund support

> packages

> * Guardian supplement: special AET newspaper supplement on autism on

> 19^th May

>

> Thank you for your continued support,

>

> -Jane Critchley

>

> AET Project Head

>

> *Tell a friend?*

>

> Is there someone you think would be interested to hear about the AET?

> Please forward this newsletter to them and ask them to send us their

> details so we can keep them up to date.

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> *AET National Conference and Regional Roadshows *

>

> The first Autism Education Trust (AET) National Conference, held in

> Westminster in February, was a great success with over 200 delegates

> attending.

>

> The one-day conference offered a range of seminars and speakers with the

> aim of sharing good practice in autism education. The keynote address

> was given by McCarthy-Fry, Minister for Schools and Learning, who

> highlighted the importance of the AET?s work in helping achieve the

> Government?s aspirations for improving autism education provision across

> England.

>

> For the full story click here

>

<http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/sitecore/content/AET/Global/News/%2\

0McCarthy-Fry%20speaks%20at%20AET%20conference.aspx>

>

> Following on from this successful event, the AET took to the road for a

> series of one-day roadshows giving people across the country the chance

> to take part in an event similar to the national conference, as well as

> addressing local autism-related issues. The AET roadshows have already

> visited Liverpool, Carlisle, Norwich, Derby and Southampton. There is

> one event still remaining in Exeter on Thursday 7^th May.

>

> Limited places may still be available for the roadshow in Exeter.

>

> *Places are free but must be booked in advance.*

>

> For further information, please contact T: 0115 9113367 E:

> conference@... .

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> *AET Website Goes Live *

>

> The new AET website has been launched at www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk

> <http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/>

>

> Clear and easy to navigate, the site is designed to provide the most

> comprehensive online autism education information hub. There is material

> specifically tailored for education practitioners and professionals,

> local authorities and parents / carers of those on the autism spectrum,

> as well as a ?Kids Zone? for children and young people on the autism

> spectrum and their friends and siblings.

>

> Resources include practical toolkits, good practice case studies and the

> recent AET research in autism education. There is a forum area where you

> can have your say and discuss topics online, as well as links to blogs

> from other people on the subject of autism and special educational

> needs. The Kids Zone includes games, puzzles and video clips by children

> and young people on the spectrum, as well as questions about autism

> answered in simple terms.

>

> We hope you will find it useful and we value your feedback on it, so

> click here to let us know what you think

>

<http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/%7E/link.aspx?_id=59B598517EE947DF9C0E49\

3E33886336 & _z=z>.

> Also please feel free to include a link from your website to the AET

> website.

>

> *New Funding Secured*

>

> Following the successful delivery of the items in the 2008/9 work plan,

> we put together a plan for the continuation of activities started last

> year and additional projects we want to deliver in 2009/10 and secured

> £580,000 for a range of activities that including the development of a

> Teen Zone for secondary school aged children and young people which

> complements the Primary school age focussed Kids Zone. We will also

> enhance our existing outreach activities to target more professionals

> who can improve the experience of children on the spectrum.

>

> We agreed the importance of commissioners of children?s services and are

> extending our remit to include the provision of a range of services

> around the needs of the child. This is consistent both with our vision

> for children on the autism spectrum and the statement within the

> recently published Child Health Strategy that AET will engage with PCT?s

> in supporting improved education, health and social care ?packages?

> around children and families. We will provide an expert in autism to

> work within the Autism Special Interest Group on the Commissioning

> Support Programme that aims to support Children?s Trusts.

>

> / /

>

> *AET Governance: New Steering Group Members Wanted!*

>

> * *

>

> The AET Steering Group has examined its existing governance structures

> and is making a number of changes to simplify and clarify

> decision-making, and review and develop representation on the Steering

> Group to meet the needs of our increased level of funding and our

> extended remit. As a result we are looking to add new members to the

> Steering Group in a number of areas. We would like to hear from any of

> the following who would like to be considered as a representative:

>

> · An adult on the spectrum with a particular interest in Education

> and/or health

>

> · A parent or carer of a child on the spectrum (High functioning /

> Aspergers)

>

> · A parent or carer of a child on the spectrum (Classic Autism / with

> additional learning needs)

>

> · Young adult on the autism spectrum

>

> · Director / Assistant Director of children?s services

>

> · PCT Senior Manager (with interest in disabled children)

>

> · Early Years representative

>

> · Mainstream teacher

>

> · Head of an autism outreach service

>

> · Autism Education Researcher

>

> This group would be joined by the chair of the Advisory Council who is

> to be appointed at their next meeting.

>

> The Steering Group is responsible for the strategic direction of the

> AET, and members will be expected to attend quarterly meetings and will

> take responsibility for specific areas of AET activity. Support will be

> provided for people on the spectrum wishing to participate. For more

> information, or a Steering Group skill set form please contact Kate

> Pettifer or -Jane Critchley.

>

> **

>

> *IDP launched: new autism specific learning resources available*

>

> New web and DVD resources on the autism spectrum are now available under

> the Inclusion Development Programme (IDP).

>

> Produced by DCSF, two new resources have been launched, one designed for

> those working in early years settings and the other for those working in

> mainstream primary and secondary schools. The resources have been

> produced commissioned by The National Strategies, part of the DCSF, and

> the content was developed by the team at the Autism Centre for Education

> and Research at the University of Birmingham.

>

> The resources are designed for people with little or no prior knowledge

> of the autism spectrum and can be used by a person studying on their own

> or in group training. The resources will also be useful to parents and

> carers of children and young people on the autism spectrum.

>

> For the Early Years Foundation Stage IDP materials click here

> <http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/168117>

>

> For the Primary and Secondary IDP materials click here

> <http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/node/165037>

>

> *TDA news: ITT training resources*

>

> * *

>

> The TDA has developed a training resource for initial teacher training

> providers on the particular needs of pupils with an autistic spectrum

> disorder.

>

> This web-based resource is one of eighteen sessions that can be accessed

> from TTRB Special Education Needs, which is a sub-portal of the Teacher

> Training Resource Bank (TTRB).

>

> Available to access online are the trainer presentation, handouts,

> classroom activities and further reading suggestions. The modules cover

> the background on what autism is, the similarities and differences in

> the diagnosis of autism and Asperger syndrome, ways to create an

> ASD-friendly classroom / learning environment and ideas about possible

> strategies for teaching pupils with ASD.

>

> To access this resource click here: TTRB Special Educational Needs

>

<http://www.sen.ttrb.ac.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?Keyword=autism & SearchOption=And & Sea\

rchType=Keyword & RefineExpand=1 & ContentId=14987>

>

> * *

>

> *New grant from Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity *

>

> * *

>

> For a child with ASD, the move from primary to secondary school can be a

> very difficult change. A new research grant from the Great Ormond Street

> Hospital Charity is helping to develop support packages to help to make

> the process easier for children, their families and schools.

>

> This three-year research programme will look formally for the first time

> at the difficulties and stresses that occur when a child moves to

> secondary school. By identifying specific factors, the results will

> inform school and government policy on supporting children with autism

> spectrum disorders in mainstream education.

>

> If you have a child who is due to move to secondary school in September

> 2009 or September 2010, live within a few hours travel of London, and

> would like to participate in this study, please contact the project via

> email at: interaction@... or by phone on: 020 7829 8679, ext

> 8099.

>

> Click here for full information on the study

> <http://www.ich.ucl.ac.uk/gosh/clinicalservices/autism_services/Research>

>

> *[Do you want to include the complete PDF flyer here?]*

>

> *AET supplement in The Guardian 19^th May *

>

> Look out for the special supplement sponsored by the AET to be published

> in The Guardian Education on Tuesday 19^th May.

>

> The supplement will provide an in-depth look at autism education in

> England, with case studies from teaching staff, families and young

> people on the autism spectrum across the country. This four-page special

> will be inserted into the Guardian Education section and we will have

> additional copies available on request.

>

> * *

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> *Autism education course round-up*

>

> Here is a selection of autism education related courses coming up in the

> next few months. The information below is from external sources. Its

> inclusion in this newsletter should not be seen as endorsement or

> accreditation.

>

> * *

>

> *A Complete Guide to Asperger Syndrome*

>

> Date: 3 June 2009

>

> Provider: Centre for the Development of Autism Practice (CDAP)

>

> Speaker: Professor Tony Attwood

>

> Venue: Exeter Conference Centre, Northernhay Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 3ER

>

> Cost: £175 professionals (by invoice); £160 professionals (by cheque);

>

> £80 people with an autism spectrum disorder and their families

>

> Costs include lunch, refreshments, course materials and certificate of

> attendance.

>

> To book: Craig at autismcentre@...

> or 01246 583826.

>

> A full day seminar by Professor Tony Attwood exploring Asperger Syndrome

> aimed at clinicians, educators and families of those with Asperger

> Syndrome.

>

> Professor Attwood a leading international authority on practice related

> issues associated with Asperger syndrome. This seminar will explore

> Asperger syndrome from the speaker's vast clinical experience and

> involvement in both research and practice.

>

> A range of topics will be discussed including the pathways and processes

> involved in diagnostic assessment, to the manifestation of common

> difficulties and differences. The speaker will also provide a host of

> practical strategies to support personal development and fulfillment.

>

> * *

>

> *Understanding and supporting the child on the autistic spectrum *

>

> Date: 12 June 2009

>

> Provider: nasen (www.nasen.org.uk <http://www.nasen.org.uk/>)

>

> Venue: Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay, Devon

>

> Cost: nasen members £195, non-members £295

>

> To book: 01827 311 500

>

> This one-day conference, supported by the AET, highlights the new autism

> specific resources that have been launched under the IDP.

>

> Daly, Programme Lead working for the National Strategies, will

> outline the aims and scope of the IDP. Dr Glenys , University of

> Birmingham will look at the main challenges for making effective

> provision for children and young people on the autistic spectrum.

>

> The aim of the conference is to increase skills and knowledge to

> identify the needs of children and young people on the autistic spectrum

> and to look at how to provide the support needed to develop learning.

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> *Have Your Say*

>

> We are always keen to hear your thoughts and suggestions for the AET.

> Please visit the AET website and fill in the online form to tell us

> about your experiences of autism education. We want to hear from

> parents, young people with autism and professionals working in the

> autism education field.

>

> Visit Have Your Say

> <http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/en/Your-say.aspx> on the AET

> website

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> *Further information*

>

> We hope you would like to continue receiving the AET e-newsletter.

> However, if you do not wish to receive these updates in future please

> email info@...

> with the word ?unsubscribe? in

> the subject line. If you have received this newsletter via a third party

> and would like to be added to the regular mailing list please email the

> above address to subscribe.

>

> For any further information and feedback please contact us at

>

> *Autism Education Trust*

>

> 393 City Road

>

> London

>

> EC1V 1NG

>

> 07795 667749

>

> www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk <http://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/>

>

> info@...

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> This message is from The National Autistic Society (NAS). The NAS

> randomly monitors the content of e-mail messages sent and received.

> Any opinions contained in this message are those of the author and are

> not given or endorsed by the NAS unless the author is clearly stated to

> have authority to bind the charity, and this has been duly verified by

> e-mailing companysecretary@...

> The NAS is a company limited by guarantee (No. 1205298) registered in

> England and also a charity registered in England and Wales (CR269425)

> and in Scotland (SC039427), its registered office being 393 City Road,

> London, EC1V 1NG.

> www.autism.org.uk <http://www.autism.org.uk>

>

>

>

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com

> Version: 8.5.287 / Virus Database: 270.12.7/2085 - Release Date: 04/28/09

18:02:00

>