Annual Report 2008

- In November 2007 two meetings were held in Chelmsley Wood and Shirley, organised by staff from SISS’s ASD team, Educational Psychology Service and Meadow Centre. Those who attended wanted monthly meetings in the evenings with the opportunity to hear topics on ASD and meet other parents.

- At the first meeting in January a committee was set up. This meets every month in Wilsons Arms, Knowle and minutes are kept.

- Subsequent meetings heard speakers on Social Stories (Jane Glassey), Behaviour (Judy Eaton), NAS Befriending Scheme (Sylvia Owens), Transition (Jan Bradshaw), Living with ASD (Parents & Siblings), Family Equip (David Wort).

- Fund Raising – Patrick Lambert and a group of friends raised £1500, Ladies Night raised £50.

- A copy of SASSI’s constitution can be obtained from Secretary Sharon Peach at martinpeach@sky.com. Thanks to Jonathan Harris for all his work in drawing this up.

- SASSI’s website gives details of future events.

- Future Groups for young people and siblings planned for new year. Thanks to Jonathon and Julie Harris of autism west midlands.

Thanks to:

- Liz Marston for being the driving force for setting up a group for parents.

- Patrick Lambert for organising 3 Peaks Challenge and raising so much money.

- Schools who allow us free use of the hall and facilities for making refreshments. Caretakers for looking after us.

- Tom Bradshaw for setting up the website.

- Ciaran McCloskey for designing the logo.

- Committee for all their hard work and being at all the meetings.

- Members for all their support and attending our meetings.