Welsh Specialist Residential Service Offers Workshops On World Autism Day

Main Category: Autism
Also Included In: Conferences
Article Date: 01 Apr 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Martello House, a new eight-bedded Unit at Pembroke Dock, in West Wales, that treats people with Learning Disabilities, is planning a series of free workshops to celebrate the United Nations' World Autism Awareness Day this Thursday, 2 April.

The staff at the independently run Martello House decided to launch this new initiative to raise an understanding of autism and provide information by putting on free Autism Awareness workshops tomorrow and Wednesday and a full Information day on the 2nd. Martello House was opened just three weeks ago

Angela Phillips, Director of Operations, for Surehaven who run Martello House together with the neighbouring Surehaven Pembroke Mental Health Hospital, said: "The aim of the World Autism Awareness Day is to give a clear message throughout the world that autism must be recognised and understood as a condition distinct from learning disability and mental illness and to request that appropriate policies, services and rights are put in place.

"One in a hundred people has autism yet the services and support available to them and their carers, are far too often woefully inadequate. The impact on individuals and families can be devastating. Research suggests that the cost in the UK is £27.5 billion a year - this cost could be vastly reduced, if the right support is in place."

Did you know…

- There are over 20,000 children and adults with autism living in Wales, and therefore a further 20,000 families experience autism as part of their daily lives

- Over 1% of the gross population of Wales have contact with autism either as carers, individuals with autism or those who work with them as teachers, classroom assistants, etc

- More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer & AIDS combined

- Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism

- There is no medical detection or cure for autism, but early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes

- Autism does not discriminate by geography, class, or ethnicity

The first autism awareness workshop will be held at Martello House tomorrow between 10.00 a.m. and 1 p.m. The following day, Wednesday, it will run from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

On Thursday, World Autism Awareness Day, there will be a day of information, videos, leaflets and refreshments for anyone who wishes to attend from 10.00 a.m. until 4 p.m. Later there will be another free workshop from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

To book a place or for further information please call the Manager, Robert Thomas on 01646 621105 or email Martellohouse.Manager@shaw.co.uk

Further details about Surehaven can be found at http://www.surehaven.co.uk

Source
Surehaven

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