Tag: National Autistic Society Scotland

Short film starring autistic pianist wins Scottish BAFTA

A documentary film showcasing a talented autistic pianist has won a prestigious Scottish BAFTA award.

Harmonic Spectrum, which features 25 year old Edinburgh-based Sean Logan, was awarded the distinguished honor in the Short Film & Animation category at the star-studded BAFTA Scotland Awards on Saturday.

The film focuses on Sean, a talented musician using the piano to navigate life on the Autistic Spectrum. As he is drawn into new musical collaborations, he must learn to balance his enthusiasm and compulsive energy with understanding and compromise, redefining his artistic perspective.

The documentary short was produced and directed by Austen McCowan and Will Hewitt (above), and has been shown at several film festivals throughout the UK.

Having already gained Best Short Documentary at the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and the Optical Sound Award at the Flatpack Film Festival, the BAFTA win is the film’s most high-profile honour to date.

The BAFTA Scotland awards honour achievement in Scotland’s film, television and video game industries.

Sean Logan, who is starring in Harmonic Spectrum, said: “I hope that the legacy of this film is focused on what art can mean for people on the spectrum. Music is a therapeutic tool for people like myself, it connects me to people, music is something that brings people together.

“What I’ve learned is that the help is out there, and it’s by using tools that are out there already in the world for autistic people like myself, that I’ve succeeded. However, we need to ensure that people have access to those tools, because loads of people are still struggling.

“We’re really coming into a great time for people on the spectrum, as autism is being understood and identified a lot more now, and by 2050, who’s to say that neurodiversity won’t be the norm?”

Rob Holland, External Affairs Manager at the National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to see Harmonic Spectrum receiving a Scottish BAFTA award, as it represents an important step in raising awareness of the lives and experiences of the 56,000 autistic people in Scotland.

“The depiction of autistic people in film and TV has often been from the perspective of non-autistic people and in many cases has compounded myths and assumptions. This film flips that putting Sean’s voice as well as his music at the heart of the story.

“We hope that this achievement will inspire more stories from autistic people like Sean to be told through film.”

Review of Autism Strategy criticises lack of progress

An independent review of the Scottish Government and COSLAs 10-year Autism Strategy has been published today.   

The strategy, which comes to an end this year, set out with the vision that by 2021 autistic people would be “respected, accepted and valued by their communities and have confidence in services to treat them fairly so that they are able to have meaningful and satisfying lives’.  

The review concludes: “After ten years, valuable resources have been created and new and additional services delivered. However, real change for many autistic people, both in how they engage with services and in how they are supported to live productive lives, is not as evident. To have a greater impact, the services and support need to have greater reach, become embedded and be sustained.”  

This echoes the findings from the Cross-Party Group on Autism’s own 2020 review the ‘Accountability Gap’ which found (from a survey of 900) that 72% of autistic people and families did not have enough support to meet their needs across a number of areas including education, care and employment.   

In the lead up to the May Holyrood Election National Autistic Society Scotland together with partners Scottish Autism and ENABLE Scotland campaigned under the banner of ‘Our Voice Our Rights’ for a Commissioner to promote and protect the rights of individuals and their families.   

This resulted in a commitment in the SNP Manifesto to introduce a Commissioner as part of a Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill. Scoping work on this is due to begin shortly.  

Nick Ward, Director of National Autistic Society Scotland, (above) said: “What is clear from today’s review of the Scottish Strategy for Autism is that autistic people and their families are still, after ten years, not getting the vital support that they need to live meaningful and fulfilled lives.

“The review echoes findings from last year’s ‘Accountability Gap’ report produced by the Cross-Party Group on Autism which found that while progress had been made, 72% of individuals and their families did not get enough support to meet their needs.      

“Today’s review sets out some positive ways forward and we are delighted that Scottish Government has committed to establishing a Commissioner. We believe a Commissioner with robust powers to uphold rights, challenge bad practice and promote good will lever real change.”  

Suzanne from Dunfermline was part of the ‘Our Voice Our Rights’ campaign and has an autistic son called Callum. She said: “Callum has a lot of challenges, he is constantly having to deal with sensory issues and sounds and he needs someone supporting him most of the time.

“It’s difficult for people to understand what he is saying and so we need to be with him when he is out to help as well as explain his compulsion to touch people.   

“When Covid hit a lot of the services withdrew leaving us to deal with health education and social work issues. Over time that has got better but we’re still not receiving the level of support we had before the pandemic.  

Suzanne (with Callum, above) added: “I think there needs to be a lot more joined up thinking, sometimes we end up going from service to service – there needs to be someone holding the system together, someone at a national level I can go to if there is an issue.   

“My hope is that when Callum leaves school he doesn’t end up sitting in a day centre all the time and that there are opportunities for him. He loves buses and would love to be a bus driver. That may not be possible but working or volunteering in and around buses would be amazing for him.”  

Evaluation-report-EMBARGOED-UNTIL-10AM-FRIDAY-24-SEPTEMBER-2021Download

‘Our Voice Our Rights’: Charities call for Autism Commissioner

ENABLE Scotland, National Autistic Society Scotland and Scottish Autism have today launched the ‘Our Voice Our Rights’ Campaign calling on the major political parties to commit to a Commissioner for autistic people and people with a learning disability at the forthcoming Holyrood election. 

The ‘Our Voice Our Rights’ campaign aims to make Scotland the best country in the world for the 56,000 autistic people, the 120,000 people with a learning disability and their families in Scotland. A country where human rights are respected and upheld; everyone has equal access to the services and support they need throughout their lives; and where autistic people and people with a learning disability are active citizens and fully supported to fulfil their potential.  

While there have been many ambitious and well-intentioned strategies over the years from Government and partners, and an extensive regulatory framework, the charities hear day in day out how too many people are struggling to access their human rights to education, work, a family life, healthcare, to high quality social care services, and to be free from discrimination in their communities. 

Many individuals and their families are exhausted from fighting tooth and nail to get the much-needed support and status as equal citizens. A fight that sadly, they often lose, leaving many in crisis, something brought into sharp focus by the pandemic and the pressures on the system. 

In the lead up to the Scottish Parliamentary Elections in May 2021 the three charities are standing together with autistic people and people who have a learning disability to say ‘enough is enough’ and calling on all the major political parties in Scotland to commit to a Commissioner to ensure real change. 

The Commissioner would be the first of its kind in the world, established in law to champion the human rights of autistic people and people with a learning disability.  

They would be a powerful voice, improving access to services and advocating on people’s behalf when they cannot and importantly helping people have the choice and control to live a good life, free from discrimination.   

They would close the current gap – between what the law says and what actually happens in reality. They would lead improvements and importantly people would also have recourse when the system falls short and fails to deliver for them.  

The charities have launched the campaign alongside autistic people, people with a learning disability and families including the broadcaster Stuart Cosgrove.   

A website is now live with a series of videos featuring people from across Scotland making the case for change. People are also being encouraged to get involved and to contact the party leaders to call for a Commissioner for autistic people and people with a learning disability to be included in their election manifestos.  

Peter McMahon who has a learning disability and is a member of ENABLE Scotland said: “We need a Commissioner for Learning Disability and Autism so that people who have a learning disability like me aren’t put on the back burner or forgotten about.

“With a Commissioner working with us we can improve access to services and speak up for people when they cannot. Most importantly we can help people live good lives with choice and control and free from discrimination. People with learning disabilities feel invisible, we don’t want to be the invisible people any more and feel a Commissioner would help us.”

Broadcaster Stuart Cosgrove who has an autistic son said: “This campaign has the capacity for real positive change – As a family we’ve been lucky in that Jack got his autism diagnosis early on as a child but like all parents I worry about what happens when he grows up and leaves school.  

“We of course want him to be independent, have his own place, a relationship, a job, all the usual things that parents hope for, but we also know those are likely to be challenging for him – he’s going to need that bit extra help and support.     

“I believe by and large Scotland has a caring culture but establishing a Commissioner at a national level with a legal obligation to look into the different aspects of public life would make a huge difference. It would help Scotland lead the way to creating a society that fully includes and values autistic people.” 

 

National Autistic Society Scotland calls for transition plans to help autistic children return to school

The National Autistic Society Scotland is calling on schools to provide all autistic children with a personalised transition plan to help with their return to school in August.

The lock down has been extremely challenging for many families with autistic children. The huge change to routine and daily life together with strict restrictions resulting from the lockdown has led to distress for many autistic children putting families under huge pressure, often with very limited support.

According to the Scottish Government there are 6500 autistic children across Scotland. A third of autistic children also have a learning disability and, in many cases, also mental health difficulties.

Families have been under huge pressure juggling home schooling and working from home as well as supporting their autistic children. Some schools have provided specialist educational support throughout the lockdown while many others have not.

Families have reported that some home education packages received from schools have been either poor quality or generic and not differentiated for their child’s needs, so they have struggled to home school effectively and are worried that their children have fallen behind.

Similarly, many autistic children have now settled into a different routine, with limited social interaction outside of the family. They may well have been affected by the virus itself whether through illness of a parent or relative or even bereavement which can be all the more traumatic if that person also had a role in providing care and support.

All of these things combined mean that many autistic children will find returning to school in August difficult and in some cases even distressing, particularly as there are likely to be fundamental changes to daily school life.

NAS Scotland are therefore calling on schools to make sure that every autistic child has a personalised transition plan to aid their return to school in August.

This might include visits prior to school starting, more autism awareness among staff, safe spaces, accessible information and videos showing any changes to layouts or school rules as well as a principle contact for parents.

Nick Ward, Director of National Autistic Society Scotland said: “Many autistic children will have been out of school for over 4 months by the time the new term begins. Some have coped very well. Others however, have struggled under the strict restrictions and huge change to routine and we’ve heard from families under severe pressure with profound impacts on mental health and wellbeing.

“We know that change can be incredibly challenging for autistic people. It is important that transition back into school is handled sensitively and in a personalised way.

“Transitions are already hard for autistic children, often because of a lack of support or understanding about autism, and that’s why we’re calling on schools to make sure that each and every autistic child has a personalised plan with input from parents to make the transition as smooth as possible. We don’t feel that this is too much to ask in a system which should be focused on getting it right for every child.”

Suzanne who lives in Dunfermline said: “The lock down has been hugely challenging for us as a family. I’ve had to stop my Open University course together with my volunteering in order to care for and educate by two autistic children.

“Callum has quite significant needs and doesn’t understand the restrictions so it has been difficult to follow social distancing and I’m worried it will be very hard when he goes back to school as he has a compulsion to run up and touch or hug people.

“Emma is very different and is quite quiet. She has enjoyed lockdown to some extent, particularly with us being together as a family. She is however, very anxious about returning to school and has really struggled with sleep because she is so worried.

“Both my children have very different needs and so their transition back into school will need to be done with lots of understanding and support. The school have been quite helpful in my case and have offered to talk things through but I worry not everyone out there will get the same level of help.”

Minister hears from autistic people on their experiences of lock down

Minister for Mental Health, Clare Haughey MSP (who in addition has responsibility for autism and learning disability) joined an online group of autistic adults and carers yesterday to hear about their experiences of lock down.

The disruption of daily life and routine resulting from the pandemic and the lockdown has been very challenging for autistic people, 70% of whom are struggling with mental health difficulties and often intense anxiety.

Research from National Autistic Society Scotland has also shown that two thirds of autistic people in Scotland feel socially isolated and this was before social distancing was introduced in light of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Scottish Government has recognised the fact that many autistic adults and families with autistic children are extremely vulnerable at this time and awarded the charity funds to provide specialist and moderated online social groups to reach as many autistic people carers and families as possible.

The online social groups allow staff to share information on staying safe and healthy as well as helping those with mental health needs and anxieties.

In addition, they also offer a safe and secure place where autistic people can connect and talk about whatever is important to them. There are specific groups focused on film & TV, gaming, craft, LEGO, politics, quizzes as well as for groups for young people, older people, carers, women as well as people from the LGBT+ community.

They’re a great way for people to build confidence, make friends and help with communication skills.

The Minister for Mental Health, Clare Haughey said: “We know that autistic people find the huge changes in their daily lives more difficult to deal with than many other people. That’s why we provided funding to the National Autistic Society Scotland to provide these vital online services for as many people as possible. 

“Taking part in one of the Society’s online social groups today was a great opportunity to hear directly from autistic people and their families on how the lockdown restrictions have affected them. Through our national strategy, we will continue our work to improve the lives of people with autism and ensure everyone gets the care and support they need.

Nick Ward, Director, National Autistic Society Scotland said: “We were delighted that the Minister could join one of our online groups to hear directly from autistic people and as to the challenges they face at this difficult time.

“Many autistic people are feeling the effects of the dramatic changes in their lives from pandemic and in many cases struggle with mental health difficulties or are very isolated within their communities.

“Our online Social Groups, offer a safe a secure space where people can meet and talk about the things that are important to them, form meaningful relationships and feel more connected. Our staff will also be on hand to offer support and tips around managing mental health and well-being and importantly staying safe.”  

Blair Spence who is autistic and from Glasgow said: “I’ve been going to the Social Groups for about 9 months, they’ve really helped my confidence and conversation skills as well as make new friends.

“The new online groups have been really fun. There are about 10 of us in the group and it works really well. It’s good to stay in touch with other people and we’ve done some exciting things with the group leaders like a virtual tour of an Aquarium and around San Francisco including going across the Golden Gate Bridge!

“I really look forward to the weekly online groups and I would recommend to other autistic people to give them a go.”

Charity tackles ‘lockdown’ isolation facing autistic people

National Autistic Society Scotland is working to tackle the social isolation faced by autistic people across the country by launching a programme of online Social Groups. 

The disruption of daily life and routine resulting from the pandemic and the ‘lock down’ has been very challenging for autistic people and their families many of whom are struggling with mental health and intense anxiety. 

Research from the charity has also shown that two thirds of autistic people in Scotland feel socially isolated and this was before social distancing was introduced in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Social distancing has meant the charity has had to cease face-to-face Social Groups and ‘coffee clubs’ for 200 autistic people, a lifeline for many which allow for people to meet up, develop communication skills and confidence, make friends and live more independently. 

The charity is now launching its Social Groups programme online providing opportunities for autistic people to connect and chat about whatever they wish to – from film & TV, to cooking and other hobbies.

They also provide a safe and supported space where people can share their thoughts and gain confidence from each other as well as hearing from staff who can share information on staying safe and healthy. 

Nick Ward, Director of the National Autistic Society Scotland said: “Our Social Groups are a lifeline for autistic people across Scotland and we’ve worked hard to get these up and running online so we can play a role supporting people through this difficult time by giving them an online space to come together and socialise. 

“This is an extremely challenging time for the charity but we want to expand the reach of our social groups programme to as many autistic people across Scotland so no one has to feel alone. We are busy applying for emergency funding to do this.”

 Rory McGill is 25, from Cumbernauld and has been attending one of National Autistic Society’s Social Groups for 2 years. Rory says: “In the past I’ve struggled to talk to people and found it difficult to make friends.

“Going to the NAS social group has really helped build my confidence and has meant I’ve made some good friends. We do interesting stuff like go-karting and laser quest which we obviously can’t do right now which is frustrating. 

“The pandemic has been quite emotional for me and it can make me quite anxious so I’m really looking forward to social groups starting up online so I can chat to others, I think it will really help.”

Charity urges Police Scotland to be sensitive to new guidance for autistic people

National Autistic Society Scotland has welcomed changes to the ‘Stay at Home’ rules from Scottish Government which allow for autistic people who need to leave home more than once a day to exercise or travel beyond their local area should they need to for health reasons.

However, a number of autistic people and families with autistic children have contacted the charity reporting that they have been told to go home by Police, or threatened with fines.

While we have heard some positive stories of the police responding appropriately, we have also heard from families reporting that Police seem either unaware of the change in guidance or are insensitive to it. 

National Autistic Society Scotland has written to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Iain Livingstone, asking that police officers across Scotland are made aware of the changes to the ‘Stay at home’ guidance. 

Amended Guidance issued from the Scottish Government makes it clear that, if you’re autistic or have a learning disability, you can leave your home more than once a day and travel beyond your local area if this is important to your health.

If you need carers with you, they don’t have to stay the two metres apart from you that is usually required by social distancing. However, it is still important to be careful and only go out when you really need to, to reduce the chance of getting ill or infecting other people. 

Nick Ward, Director of the National Autistic Society Scotland said: “The lock down has fundamentally changed life and this can be very challenging for Scotland’s 58,000 autistic people, where for many, exercising in a safe way is very important to their physical and mental health and wellbeing. 

“We welcome the amended rules from the Scottish Government but are extremely concerned not all police officers are aware of the changes or are interpreting them correctly. We have today written to Police Scotland and have urged Government to promote the new guidance appropriately so all are aware.”   

Caroline, a mother with an autistic child, said: “The lock down has been really difficult for my son and the stress can lead to some very challenging behaviour when he gets frustrated and upset.

“It’s great the rules and changed for autistic people and driving to the nearby park – it’s unsafe for him to walk along the road – where he can feed the ducks and play safely is an absolute life line for us and I can see the difference it makes to his mental health – it calms him.

“I was really upset when recently the Police told us to turn around otherwise they would fine me. They said they needed to see a GP letter. I offered our social worker’s phone number but they refused.

“Our GP can’t provide a letter as understandably they are busy and to be honest it seems like a waste of medical professionals’ time during this pandemic.

“I know other parents who were planning on finally getting out as the rules had been changed but are now too scared so are still stuck at home, often with very distressed children. Even just the possibility of being stopped by Police and not managing to follow through with a plan will put off many families with autistic members.”