You are currently in the following section: Charities & not for profit organisations > The National Autistic Society

The National Autistic Society

www.nas.org.uk

History

Formed in 1962, The National Society for Autistic Children was established on the initiative of a group of parents who were later joined by professionally interested people. The Society changed its name in 1982.

Aims

Increasing Awareness and Communication:

• Promote awareness and understanding of autism, and the work of the National Autistic Society. Establish the NAS as a primary source of information. Spearhead national and international initiatives. Lobby Central and Local Government on the needs of people with autism and their families/carers. Provide a comprehensive range of publications.

• Expand opportunities to use the expertise of members and staff of the Society, and other professionals for training purposes. Provide a training and consultancy programme. Promote accreditation for autism specific services. Establish international initiatives to promote and develop the work of the Society. Encourage research into interventions by dedicating resources to support the aims of our associated charity, Research Autism.

• Raise funds to support the Society's activities. Increase voluntary income; establish innovative fundraising opportunities; establish a fundraising structure at national, regional and local levels; develop a strategy for collaborative fundraising; develop income-generating activities.

Services and Support:

• Provide support, advice and information. Be the first point of contact. Assist those affected by autism and their families/carers to access appropriate local services and support, and ensure they are aware of their rights and responsibilities under current legislation. Develop outreach initiatives.

• Be a focus for diagnostic and assessment processes. Establish a network of accredited diagnostic and assessment facilities. Raise awareness of diagnostic and assessment techniques and train professionals. Develop quality standards for diagnosis and assessment and undertake research and evaluation initiatives.

• Research and evaluate various forms of therapeutic treatment and other forms of intervention. Provide information on therapeutic interventions. Provide access to effective therapeutic interventions. Promote and provide training in effective therapeutic interventions.

• Maintain the viability of existing NAS education, vocational and care services. Expand on the range of services. Establish models of good practice. Continue to develop a quality audit and accreditation programme for all autism-specific services.

The NAS Mission Statement

The National Autistic Society exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs.

Activities

Runs an autism helpline for people with autism, Asperger syndrome and related disorders and parents and carers, professionals and students.

Runs an Information Centre and library with a large collection of information on the nature of autism and the type of services available to people with autistic spectrum disorders.

Produces a range of literature on autism and a magazine for members, 'Communication'.

Offers a national diagnostic and assessment service.

Organises a wide range of courses and conferences for parents, carers and practitioners.

Runs a Supported Employment Scheme, ‘Prospects’, for people with autism and Asperger syndrome.
- Runs a Volunteering Network of Befrienders working with people with autism and their families.
- Owns and manages schools offering day, weekly, termly and fifty-two week placements.
- Runs residential and day services for adults.
- Offers an accreditation scheme for autism specific education and care programmes.
- Runs EarlyBird and EarlyBird Plus training programmes, and help! support programmes for parents.
- Organises social programmes for adolescents and adults with high-functioning autistic spectrum disorders, such as Asperger syndrome. Social Programmes consist of Social Groups, Social Skills modules and User Representation Groups.
- Offers licensed training programmes for professionals in diagnostic methods, (DISCO), and for the delivery of the EarlyBird and EarlyBird Plus programmes.
NAS Contact Offices

Autism Helpline: 0845 070 4004
From overseas: +44 (0)20 7903 3555
Email: autismhelpline@nas.org.uk

Information Centre: 0845 070 4004
From overseas: +44 (0)20 7903 3599
             Email: info@nas.org.uk

Publications Department: +44 (0)20 7903 3595
             Email: publications@nas.org.uk

Press & PR: +44 (0)20 7903 3593
             Email: press@nas.org.uk

(All based at 393 City Road, London, EC1V 1NG, UK)

return to top