The Help! one day programme, supported by Vodafone, is a unique and free day scheme for parents and carers of young children who have recently been diagnosed with autism. The programme provides vital information, and gives an introduction to autism and the difficult issues that affected families can face, from every-day communication, social interaction and behavioural problems, to information on education legislation, benefits, rights and local support services.

Jan Snook, Head of the help! programme said:

“Help! touches families at a crucial time in understanding how autism will affect their lives. After receiving a diagnosis, parents and carers can feel very alone and the NAS help! programme exists to empower them with knowledge and understanding of this difficult lifelong condition.”

The help! one day programme in Cambridge will be taking place on 11th July from 9:30am – 3.15pm at Cambridge Rugby Union F.C, West Renault Park, Grantchester Road, Cambridge, CB3 9ED.

If you would like to participate in the help! one day programme, or for further information on other help! programmes in your area, please contact Gill Phillips on 0115 847 3530.
ENDS

Please contact Kimi Gill, Media and PR Officer for North and Central England on 0115 847 3528 or email  kimi.gill@nas.org.uk if you would like to attend or for further information.

Notes to editors:

 Autism (including Asperger syndrome) is a lifelong developmental disability. It is a spectrum condition occurring in varying degrees of severity. Around 535,000 people have autism in the UK today and over 2 million people are affected by the disability. It is characterised by a triad of impairments: difficulties forming social relationships, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication and the development of strong narrow obsessional interests.
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School can be a scary place for children with autism. It's time for change.

Autism is complex. Our demands are simple.

make school make sense

Visit www.autism.org.uk/msms now and find out how you can get involved!
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The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for people with autistic spectrum disorders and their families. Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism. The NAS provides a wide range of services to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible.

The NAS relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its vital work for people with autism. To become a member, make a donation or to find out more about the work of the NAS, visit the NAS website www.autism.org.uk or call the NAS donation line 08702 33 40 40, (national rates apply).

In March 2004 Vodafone UK entered into a three-year “cause partnership” with The National Autistic Society. The mobile phone company hopes to raise up to £6 million for the charity during this period. Vodafone’s support will enable the NAS to expand the reach of existing programmes, which raise awareness of autism and support people with autism and their carers.

For more information about autism and for help in your area, call the NAS Autism Helpline: 0845 070 4004 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, (local rates apply).

The NAS recently launched PARIS, the Public Autism Resource and Information Service, the first online autism-specific service directory. Visit www.info.autism.org.uk to find autism services and support networks in your area.