The Department of Education and Children (DEC) and a charity Autism in Mann (AiM)* have come together to start a project to help improve the outcomes for children affected by autistic spectrum conditions (ASC), their schools and their families.
AiM, which was established in 1991 by two parents and supports families affected by autistic spectrum conditions. Figures from the National Autistic Society show around 1.1 per cent of the school population have ASC.
Carole Williams recently retired as a primary school special needs unit manager and has many years’ experience working with children with autism and is leading the project.
Carole’s initial focus is supporting children of secondary school age.
Sue Marriott, Special Educational Needs Adviser with the DEC, said:
‘The Department is pleased to be working jointly with one of our parent groups and feedback on the project so far is encouraging, indicating that it is already having a significant impact on schools, families and, most importantly, young people themselves.’
Referrals to Carole can be made through AiM and the DEC’s Services for Children Division via 01624 686059.
The drop-in workshops take place at the Annie Gill Building at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education. The next ones are being held this Thursday (1st May) and on July 3rd, both from 1pm to 3pm.
Further information about the project can be found by contacting AiM on 480167 or email autisminmann@manx.net.
The original article on the isleofman.com website can be found here
*The Isle of Man, otherwise known simply as Mann, is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland.