Autism diagnosis welcomed

With approximately 7,000 people in Dorset living with autism, The Wessex Autistic Society welcomes the news that Scientists at the Institute of Psychiatry in London, funded by the Medical Research Council, have found a way to enable early diagnosis for people with autism.

By programming computers to "learn" the pattern of the brains of individuals with autism, using the same techniques as in facial recognition and handwriting recognition, the scientists were able to distinguish the brains showing autism from the neuro-typical brains. In addition, they were able to tell how severely the individuals were affected.

Bob Lowndes, Chief Executive of The Wessex Autistic Society comments, “I understand that further research still needs to be carried out into this complex subject, however, anything that enables an early diagnosis for autism is welcome news. Early intervention has been demonstrated to have a very positive impact on children with autism, providing a platform on which future education and therapeutic services may best prepare them to enter adulthood ready to lead independent and fulfilling lives.”

The Wessex Autistic Society is committed to ensuring that people with autism should enjoy the same rights and privileges as the rest of the population, including the right to accessible employment, leisure activities and relevant support services. The Society was formed in 1968 and is a leading voluntary organisation delivering education, support and care services for people on the autistic spectrum. Funded by grants and donations the charity operates services in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Somerset.

The Wessex Autistic Society’s Information and Advice service, formerly provided through partner charity - Disability Wessex, will be brought in-house under The Wessex Autistic Society and provided in partnership with The National Autistic Society from 16th August 2010.

This service will remain FREE at the point of delivery funded by grants and donations and the charity hopes to be able to assist hundreds of families and professionals each year. The charity’s partnership with The National Autistic Society allows them to provide the very best information and advice on all matters relating to autism.

Two new members of staff have been appointed by the Society to help deliver the service. Karen Wilmshurst joins as Advocacy Services Manager and Lizzie Johnson as Information and Advice Officer. Both are based at The Wessex Autistic Society’s Dorchester office, where appointments can be made on request.

Advice on any autism related issue, as well as information on the benefits available to those with autism and related learning difficulties is available from 16th August, Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm on 01305 213135. The Society’s Information and Advocacy team can also be reached via email on advice@twas.org.uk. Information sheets are also available to download from the charity’s website at www.twas.org.uk/advice

For further information about any of the Society’s services or fundraising activities please visit www.twas.org.uk