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Information about the National Autistic Society leadership team, trustees, patron, president and vice presidents.

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Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)

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Enabling positive lives for autistic adults

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Autism  (including Asperger syndrome) is a lifelong disability and the concept of a cure is controversial for many autistic people and their families. However, there are a range of approaches that can support autistic people to reach their full potential.
Many different approaches exist, making it difficult to decide which is best to use. There is a lot we don't know about their effectiveness, as few have been independently or scientifically evaluated.

Bold claims are often made about interventions and therapies for autistic people without any evidence to back them up. This is irresponsible and inappropriate, and we try to keep people aware of current concerns in our news section.  It is therefore vital that autistic people and parents/carers can access reliable information and advice both after diagnosis and on an ongoing basis.

Autism is complex and what helps one person may not help others, so it is vital that each person is supported as an individual and that any interventions are adapted to their specific needs.

A range of communication-based, behavioural and educational approaches exist such as:

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

SPELL (Structure, Positive, Empathy, Low arousal, Links)

TEACCH (Treatment of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children)

Social Stories

speech and language therapy.

The National Autistic Society believes that interventions need to be adapted to the needs of the person and monitored for impact.

Biomedical interventions include restrictive diets, supplements, hormone interventions and drugs. Some people advocate the use of biomedical interventions to 'treat autism', whilst others believe they are useful in treating co-existing conditions. The National Autistic Society believes there is little scientific evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of biomedical interventions in supporting people to 'manage their autism', rather than to treat other conditions. As with many drug treatments, some biomedical interventions have associated side-effects and risks. Autistic people may be more susceptible to those side-effects. We believe that biomedical interventions should only be used under medical supervision by someone who understands autism and that the positive and negative impacts should be regularly and carefully reviewed.

The most comprehensive analysis of therapies and interventions has been conducted by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management looks directly at therapies and interventions and was published in June 2012. In 2013, NICE published guidance for children and young people, Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management.

Both guidelines were developed by a team of health and social care professionals, autistic people and their families/carers, and technical experts. The guidelines specify a number of psychosocial interventions that should be considered for use with autistic children, young people and adults. For children and young people, these include play-based strategies with parents, carers and teachers. For adults, these include employment support programmes, structured leisure activities and social skills training.

They also rule out a number of biomedical interventions for 'management of the core symptoms of autism', including:

chelation

exclusive or restrictive diets including gluten-free, casein-free or ketogenic diets

hormone therapies or testosterone regulation

hyperbaric oxygen

vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements

drugs which are usually given for problems with memory and thinking

anticonvulsants, antidepressants or antipsychotics (unless other conditions are present, eg epilepsy and depression)

secretin.

Some of these interventions are used by autistic people to manage co-existing conditions. However, the NICE child guideline is clear that secretin, hyperbaric oxygen and chelation should never be used in any context. The National Autistic Society position is that these interventions should never be used by autistic people, no matter what age they are.

NICE guidelines are reviewed every three years taking into account any new evidence.

We firmly believe that rigorous scientific evaluation is necessary to estimate the likely benefits of any approach and its application. Knowledge about autism is increasing all the time and therapy and interventions is a constantly evolving area.

Useful links

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Autism  (including Asperger syndrome) is a lifelong disability and the concept of a cure is controversial for many autistic people and their families. However, there are a range of approaches that can support autistic people to reach their full potential.   Many different approaches exist, making it difficult to decide which is best to use.

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The Autism Science Foundation recognizes the following scientific journals as reputable, reliable sources for outstanding autism research.
http://aut.sagepub.com/site/podcast/podcast_dir.xhtml Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice Pediatrics http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/
The Autism podcast series (hosted by Dr Laura Crane) aims to showcase the latest research published in Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice in a way that is accessible, easy to understand and has real world relevance. The podcasts are aimed at a broad audience, including academics, researchers, students, clinicians, journalists, policy makers, individuals with autism and their families, and anyone interested in autism spectrum disorders.
http://www.nature.com/ Nature http://www.cell.com/ Cell www.springer.com/psychology The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders http://www.molecularautism.com/ Molecular Autism http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal Autism Research
Excellent resource for locating information on early diagnosis and intervention. A comprehensive medical journal on pediatric medicine.

Reputable scientific journal that publishes on a wide range of scientific fields. With articles often written in vocabulary that is easy to understand, this journal is a good resource for those not intimately familiar with the more esoteric aspects of autism science.

Cell is a major scientific journal that primarily covers cellular and genetic biology. This journal is an excellent resource for learning about how autism functions on a cellular and genetic level.

JADD is the leading peer-reviewed, scholarly periodical focusing on all aspects of autism spectrum disorders and related developmental disabilities. Jadd features research and case studies involving the entire spectrum of interventions, including behavioral, biological, educational, and community aspects of ASD.

Molecular Autism is a peer-reviewed, online open access journal that publishes high-quality basic, translational and clinical research that has relevance to the etiology, pathobiology, or treatment of autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Research that includes integration across levels is encouraged. Molecular Autism publishes empirical studies, reviews, and brief communications.

Autism Research covers
the developmental disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (or autism spectrum disorders - ASDs). The Journal focuses on basic genetic, neurobiological and psychological mechanisms and how these influence developmental processes in ASDs.

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Science Journals - Autism Science Foundation

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The Autism Science Foundation recognizes the following scientific journals as reputable, reliable sources for outstanding autism research. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice http://aut.sagepub.com/site/podcast/podcast_dir.xhtml The Autism podcast series (hosted by Dr Laura Crane) aims to showcase the latest research published in Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice in a way ...

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Contact The Careers and Connections Service at WSC

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Contact The Careers and Connections Service at WSC

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email_ careersadvice@wsc.ac.uk

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Visit wsc.ac.uk

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Use our course explorer to find your perfect course

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With effect from Monday 23rd March 2020, all College sites will be closed with the exception of the Humanities, Arts and Health campus located in Out Risbygate Street Bury St Edmunds (IP33 3RL) which will be open from 09:00 until 17:00 hours Monday- Friday.

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In the event that government measures are extended to a complete lockdown, the College may then have to close its premises completely and deliveries will not be possible.

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Dear students,

As you continue with your second week of virtual learning, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you all for the phenomenal way in which you have responded to this transition. I do not underestimate just how big of a change this has been for you all and I wanted to say well done on the progress made so far; and for continuing to put an impressive amount of effort into your work.

When it comes to the grading of exams and assessments, we are working with our awarding bodies as normal and it is therefore essential for you to continue with and to submit coursework because this will be used when determining your final grades. As soon as we have the final confirmation of how grades are going to be awarded for your course, your Course Director will be in touch.

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The Eastern Colleges Group, comprising of Abbeygate Sixth Form College specialising in A Levels, One Sixth Form College specialising in A Level and Vocational qualifications and West Suffolk College Sixth Form specialising in vocational qualifications alongside the West Suffolk College Apprenticeship service; are committed to guaranteeing every Year 11 student a place for your Post 16 education from September 2020.

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