02-24-2006, 08:00 PM
CHARITY IN PLEA FOR AUTISM TALES
By Ben Pindar
Community Newswire
HEALTH Asperger, 24 Feb 2006
A leading health charity was today calling on people across the country to share their experiences of autism and the globe marks an international year of awareness.
The National Autistic Society (NAS) wants people to share inspiring stories about Asperger syndrome, a form of autism, to help celebrate International Asperger Year.
2006 has been declared International Asperger Year as it marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dr Hans Asperger, the discoverer of Asperger syndrome.
This is the first ever worldwide celebration dedicated solely to Asperger syndrome, and the NAS is working to mark the occasion by celebrating the lives of those living with the condition in the UK.
Dr Asperger's centenary also marks the 25th anniversary of the publication of Dr Lorna Wing's paper, "Asperger syndrome: a clinical account", which helped bring worldwide attention to Asperger syndrome.
Lorna Wing was one of the founding members of the NAS and her years of hard work and dedication have contributed greatly in creating a better understanding of autism and Asperger syndrome.
The NAS estimates that there are currently over half a million people with autism in the UK and of those over 200,000 are thought to have Asperger syndrome.
Living with Asperger syndrome can be extremely difficult but with the correct support and the right environment, people with Asperger syndrome can achieve great things and live their lives to full potential.
The appeal for "Asperger Achievers" stories aims to highlight those who have Asperger syndrome and the difficulties and challenges they may have overcome.
A selection of Asperger Achievers stories will be published on the NAS website to acknowledge the huge achievements of people with Asperger syndrome and the support that they receive from those around them.
Louise Corbett, the NAS Helpline manager, said: "We know from regularly talking to people with Asperger syndrome and their families and carers that each person has a special story to tell.
"Not only will the Asperger Achievers stories highlight challenging and positive experiences of Asperger syndrome, but they will also raise awareness of Asperger syndrome by giving an insight into the lives of people affected by this lifelong developmental disability."
Those with a story to tell about a person with Asperger syndrome, or those with Asperger syndrome who want to share their story with the NAS, are asked to do so in no more than 800 words.
To submit your story, and a picture if possible, log on to the NAS website at http://www.autism.org.uk or post it to: Asperger Achievers, The Press Office, The National Autistic Society, 393 City Road, London, EC1V 1NG.
Those submitting stories are asked to include a name, telephone number and address as the charity will have to the authors before posting any stories on the NAS website.
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.
To make a donation or to find out more about the work of the NAS, visit http://www.autism.org.uk or call the NAS donation line 08702 33 40 40.
For more information about autism and for help in your area, call the NAS Autism Helpline on 0845 070 4004.
By Ben Pindar
Community Newswire
HEALTH Asperger, 24 Feb 2006
A leading health charity was today calling on people across the country to share their experiences of autism and the globe marks an international year of awareness.
The National Autistic Society (NAS) wants people to share inspiring stories about Asperger syndrome, a form of autism, to help celebrate International Asperger Year.
2006 has been declared International Asperger Year as it marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dr Hans Asperger, the discoverer of Asperger syndrome.
This is the first ever worldwide celebration dedicated solely to Asperger syndrome, and the NAS is working to mark the occasion by celebrating the lives of those living with the condition in the UK.
Dr Asperger's centenary also marks the 25th anniversary of the publication of Dr Lorna Wing's paper, "Asperger syndrome: a clinical account", which helped bring worldwide attention to Asperger syndrome.
Lorna Wing was one of the founding members of the NAS and her years of hard work and dedication have contributed greatly in creating a better understanding of autism and Asperger syndrome.
The NAS estimates that there are currently over half a million people with autism in the UK and of those over 200,000 are thought to have Asperger syndrome.
Living with Asperger syndrome can be extremely difficult but with the correct support and the right environment, people with Asperger syndrome can achieve great things and live their lives to full potential.
The appeal for "Asperger Achievers" stories aims to highlight those who have Asperger syndrome and the difficulties and challenges they may have overcome.
A selection of Asperger Achievers stories will be published on the NAS website to acknowledge the huge achievements of people with Asperger syndrome and the support that they receive from those around them.
Louise Corbett, the NAS Helpline manager, said: "We know from regularly talking to people with Asperger syndrome and their families and carers that each person has a special story to tell.
"Not only will the Asperger Achievers stories highlight challenging and positive experiences of Asperger syndrome, but they will also raise awareness of Asperger syndrome by giving an insight into the lives of people affected by this lifelong developmental disability."
Those with a story to tell about a person with Asperger syndrome, or those with Asperger syndrome who want to share their story with the NAS, are asked to do so in no more than 800 words.
To submit your story, and a picture if possible, log on to the NAS website at http://www.autism.org.uk or post it to: Asperger Achievers, The Press Office, The National Autistic Society, 393 City Road, London, EC1V 1NG.
Those submitting stories are asked to include a name, telephone number and address as the charity will have to the authors before posting any stories on the NAS website.
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.
To make a donation or to find out more about the work of the NAS, visit http://www.autism.org.uk or call the NAS donation line 08702 33 40 40.
For more information about autism and for help in your area, call the NAS Autism Helpline on 0845 070 4004.