Winter 2016 -2017 Issue: 31

(Formerly the Stroud Autistic Support Group) Reg. Charity No. 269425

Dear Members
This year saw the return of the summer activity break, and Gloucestershire Branch
interesting and unusual talks from professionals. On that note, c/o. Alderman Knight School,
it is increasingly recognised that the sensory problems for Ashchurch Road,
autistic people lie at the heart of many of their difficulties with Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.
others. Not only do they struggle, but this creates problems for GL20 8JJ
those around them too. We dont know how each other Tel. 0777 073 1012
Email: gloucestershire@nas.org.uk
experiences light, sound, smell and taste and describing it is
Website: www.nas-gloucestershire.com
difficult for anyone. The speaker in March, Prof. Liz Pellicano
will discuss this and what we can do. Branch Committee:
There is the February break activity, tubing at Gloucester Ski Branch Officer: Janet Davies
Centre, and as always, the Christmas panto. An affordable Dep. Branch Officer Rachel Brown
and funny afternoon treat.
Treasurer Ian Bennett
We will take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and Branch Secretary Amanda Jenkins
peaceful Christmas and thank you, our wonderful committee
Com. Member Melissa Oakley
and branch volunteers who give up their valuable time to help
Volunteers:
and support the Branch.
Membership Secretary Gill Nunn
Best wishes and good luck.
Email: gillnunn@googlemail.com
Brenda Wickham Website Editor Ray Woods
Newsletter Brenda Wickham
The National Autistic Society: Email: nasg@btopenworld.com
NAS Website: www.autism.org.uk
Activity Bookings Tina Creed
NAS Autism Helpline: 0808 800 4104
Parent to Parent Support: 0808 800 4106 Email: tinacreed@btinternet.com
Education Rights: 0808 800 4102
 Any reference to external websites are provided for your help and information only. They are sites maintained by
other groups, organisations and individuals and these links are provided in good faith. The presence of a link does
not necessarily imply that the NAS Branch endorses or supports the originator(s), nor does the absence of a group
imply that the NAS does not support it and cannot be held responsible for the quality of the information provided.

Forthcoming Meetings/Activities
December
Informal Parent Support Meetings:
Time out for you with coffee and biscuits. Chat and support with other parents/carers.
Thursday, 8th December Christmas Lunch (venue and time TBC);
Hosted by Amanda Jenkins

No meeting in December Vocational Room, Alderman Knight School, Tewkesbury 1.30-2.30pm

Hosted by Janet Davies

Jack and the Beanstalk at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

Saturday, 17th December (2pm) Pantomime
Tweedy The Clown and William Elliott as Dame Trott return for the Everymans most
gigantic pantomime yet. Dont miss Jacks adventures in Cloud Cuckoo Land, packed
with slapstick, laughs, a giant and even a comedy cow. It is loud and it is very, very
funny. Tweedy the clown is a talented stage performer and is very popular. The
slapstick of this show is something that appeals to everyone, not just children or
adults on the autistic spectrum. The two main performers have worked together
before, so it is a very smooth and polished show. A bit of fun for the dark winter
days.

The Everyman have produced an educational pack for this pantomime. It has information and pictures to
help with any planning and avoid unwanted surprises. Please note that the competitions inside their pack
are only for school groups.

https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/files/everyman/Jack%20Ed%20Pack.pdf

We have purchased 40 tickets for the 2pm matinee performance. Tickets are heavily subsidised and
offered on a first come, first served basis, so if you wish to come along to this afternoon, please complete
and return booking form (at the back of this newsletter) and payment asap and avoid disappointment!

In order to allow as many families as possible the opportunity to attend, this year, we need to limit
bookings to a maximum of two adults per family.

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January
Informal Parent Support Meetings:
Time out for you with coffee and biscuits. Chat and support with other parents/carers.

Thursday, 12th January Springbank Centre, Cheltenham 10am-12 noon

Hosted by Amanda Jenkins

Friday, 27th January Vocational Room, Alderman Knight School, Tewkesbury 1.30-2.30pm
Hosted by Janet Davies

February
Informal Parent Support Meetings:

Thursday, 9th February Springbank Centre, Cheltenham 10am-12 noon

Hosted by Amanda Jenkins

Friday, 24th February Vocational Room, Alderman Knight School, Tewkesbury 1.30-2.30pm
Hosted by Janet Davies

Activity Day: Tubing at Gloucester Ski Slope

Tuesday, 14th February 10.00am-3.00pm
Drop off at 10.00am, pick up at 3.00pm

From: Alderman Knight School, Ashchurch Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 8JJ

For 8-18 years: Contribution: 15 per person

We have booked twelve places at the Gloucester Ski Centre (Matson) in the morning, for thirty minutes
for young people with an autism spectrum, plus their siblings (aged 8-18 years). Those taking part in the
tubing session will need to wear long sleeves, trousers and gloves. Games and other activities are
provided in the afternoon at Alderman Knight School.

To reserve a place, please complete the booking form at the back of this newsletter

For more information about tubing, please refer to Centres website. When you open this it starts a clip
which also plays music. http://www.gloucesterski.com/

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March
Informal Parent Support Meetings:
Thursday, 9th March Springbank Centre, Cheltenham 10am-12 noon
Hosted by Amanda Jenkins

Friday, 31st March Vocational Room, Alderman Knight School, Tewkesbury 1.30-2.30pm
Hosted by Janet Davies

Evening Autism Talk Monday, 6th March 2017

Subject: Making Sense of Sensory Differences in Autistic People
Venue and Time: Alderman Knight School, Tewkesbury (7.00-9.00pm)
Contribution: Free - Parents/Family Members/Individuals with ASC
5 Professionals

Liz Pellicano is Professor of Autism Education and Director the Centre for
Research in Autism and Education (CRAE) at the UCL Institute of Education,
University College London. She is committed to understanding the distinctive
opportunities and challenges faced by autistic children, young people and
adults and tracing their impact on everyday life at home, at school, at work
and out-and-about in the community.
She is also dedicated both to ensuring that the outcomes of her research are as influential as possible in
education policy-making and to enhancing public understanding and acceptance of autism. Liz trained
as an educational psychologist in Perth, Australia, where she also completed her PhD on the cognitive
profile of children with autism, before becoming a Junior Research Fellow in Psychiatry at the University of
Oxford and Lecturer in Experimental Psychology at the University of Bristol. She became Director of CRAE
in January 2013.

Title: Making sense of sensory differences in autistic people

Autistic children, young people and adults often show unusual reactions to everyday sensations (sights,
sounds, touch, taste and smells). These so-called sensory differences vary enormously from strong
reactions to sudden or loud sounds (like dogs barking, school bells) to a fascination with spinning things
(like fans, washing machines). Some of these differences can be seriously affect peoples everyday lives,
interfering with family life and impacting upon classroom behaviour and learning. Liz will provide an
overview of what we know about sensory differences in autistic people, including why they might occur
and what we might do about them.
To book a place: Please complete and return the booking form at the back of this newsletter, together
with payment (if applicable). Parents/family members and individuals with ASC may request a place by
email: tinacreed@btinternet.com specifying number of places you would like, names of those wishing to
attend, whether you are a parent/family member/person with ASC.
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Other Branch Information

Resource Library:
We have a large collection of books available to loan from our resource library which is now
situated at Alderman Knight School, Tewkesbury. A library listing is on our branch website:
http://www.nas-gloucestershire.com/ library.html. You may loan or view books during
our Tewkesbury Parent Support Meetings or by appointment. If you wish to borrow any of
our books or peruse our library, then please contact Amanda Jenkins on 0777 073 1012.

General Information:

Christmas
This can be a difficult time of year with family members visiting who may not
fully understand autism. The change in the work/school routine. Different
food in shops now full of people. Even the home changes, with decorations and
the television schedules. The NAS have tips to help reduce stress and plan things
so they work more smoothly. http://www.autism.org.uk/christmas

Card and Gifts in their online shop

There are a few items on sale in their online shop, including some items designed by
autistic people. There are t-shirts and books, as well as Christmas cards. It might be a
place to inspire your autistic family member to create a design, or the gift of a book to
those who dont quite understand how difficult autism can be.
http://www.autism.org.uk/shop.aspx

Yoga and Meditation for People with Autism

Course Tutor: Lucy Arnsby-Wilson
Course dates: Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th of March
Time: 9:00-17:00 each day
Location: Stroud studio location TBC
Investment: 300 for the 2 days or 250 early bird before 9th December
For more information, please contact Beth or visit our website www.specialyogaworks.org.

Homoeopathy
Five Valleys Homeopathy runs a donations-based homeopathic clinic in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Its purpose is to make homeopathy more accessible to those who might not think to try this form of
treatment. Details of the service are as follows:
It is open to anyone who wishes to try homeopathy for specific chronic health difficulties, although the
following provisos will apply:
The person seeking treatment is not being treated homeopathically elsewhere;
The person has regular contact with his or her GP; and
The person agrees to attend a minimum of five sessions.
For more information, please visit the website: http://www.fivevalleyshomeopathy.co.uk

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Adult Education Courses- adults aged 19+
Art Shape are running a series of courses for adults and young people throughout the county. The list
below shows some of these. For a better description and information, please see contact details below.

Ring Art Shape on: 01452 863855 or email bookings@artshape.co.uk

Activity Brochure: http://www.artshape.co.uk/Lib/Docs/201617_small.pdf
Website: http://www.artshape.co.uk/Default.aspx?page=243

Art @ the Gallery The Wilson, Cheltenham, GL50 3JT 20 per person
th th st th st th th th
Tuesdays 10.15 12.30 January 17 , 24 , 31 , February 7 , 21 , 28 , March 7 , 14
Develop your drawing and painting skills and be inspired by the wonderful art at the Wilson Gallery.
Our tutor Jane will cover a variety of approaches and traditions using the exhibits at the gallery as a focus for
exploring your creativity.

Get Crafty The Wheatpieces, Tewkesbury, GL20 7SP 20 per person

th th st th nd th th
Wednesdays 10.30 12.45 January 18 , 25 , February 1 , 8 , 22 , March 1st, 8 , 15
Explore a range of art and craft techniques as you delve into the world of Medieval Tewkesbury with our tutor
Amanda, Have fun drawing, painting, printing, sewing and much more!

Creative Independence Dursley Tyndale Centre, Dursley, GL11 4JX 12 per person
th th nd th rd nd th th
Thursdays 10.15 12.30 January 19 , 26 , February 2 , 9 , 23 , March 2 , 9 , 16
On this course you will explore a range of printing techniques as you design and create individual works of art with
our tutor Dan. Art Shape are working in partnership with the Independence Trust for this course.

Creative Independence Stroud Centre for Science and Art, Stroud, GL5 1BB 12 per person
th th rd th th rd th th
Fridays 10.15 12.30 January 20 , 27 , February 3 , 10 , 24 , March 3 , 10 , 17
On this course you will explore a range of printing techniques as you design and create individual works of art with
our tutor Dan. Art Shape are working in partnership with the Independence Trust for this course.

Scrap Art Gloucester Resource Centre, Gloucester, GL1 4DF 20 per person
th th rd th th rd th th
Fridays 10.15 -12.30 January 20 , 27 , February 3 , 10 , 24 , March 3 , 10 , 17
Come and join us to create some wild and wonderful works of art using the incredible range of recycled materials
from the Scrap Store at the Resource Centre.

Melody Makers The Playhouse, Cheltenham, GL53 7HG 20 per person

th th st nd st th th
Wednesdays 10.15 12.30 January 18 , 25 , February 1 , 8th, 22 , March 1 , 8 , 15
Make music on this exciting course with our tutor Lee, experiment with new styles of music, be inspired and sing your
heart out.

Movers and Shakers The Old Quarries, Tetbury, GL8 8NJ 20 per person
th th st nd st th th
Wednesdays 10.15 12.30 January 18 , 25 , February 1 , 8th, 22 , March 1 , 8 , 15
Join this lively and long established music group; play a variety of instruments, sing, dance, tell stories and create
your own songs with our tutor Steve.

Showtime Gloucester Guildhall, Gloucester, GL1 1NS 20 per person

st th nd st th th nd th
Wednesdays 100.00 12.15 February 1 , 8 , 22 , March 1 , 8 , 15 , 22 , 29
Sing, dance and act your heart out on this exciting new performing arts course. Work with our tutor Karen to create
your very own show to perform at the end of term.

Robot Rampage
Coney Hill Youth Centre, Gloucester 50 for 4 days
th th
Monday 10 April Thursday 13 April 10.30am 3pm
The world is being taken over by robots so if you cant beat them, join us to make, animate, film and battle! Work
alongside professional makers, electronic musicians and performance artists to create a robot world where the
machines come alive! This activity is open to disabled and non-disabled young people.

This last is also listed in the Active Impact brochure, and is popular with autistic young people.

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 Booking Request Forms

Jack and the Beanstalk at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

Saturday, 17th December (2pm) Pantomime

Contribution: 5 per person*

Name: ............... Tel. No: ............

Address: ...................

........................................................................................................................................................................

Email: ..........................................................................................................................................

Total no. of tickets requested ....................... (*max no. of adults per family is two)

No. of Children/Young People: .. No. of Adults/Carers/Adult with AS*:...

Names: (1) ........ (2) ...........

(3) ........... (4) .............

I enclose a cheque for : ... (Made payable to NAS Gloucestershire Branch)

I understand that an adult must stay and is responsible for all accompanied children/young people during
this afternoon:

Signature..

Please return this booking form, together with payment, to:-

NAS Gloucestershire Branch, c/o. Alderman Knight School, Ashchurch Road, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 8JJ

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Activity Day: Tubing at Gloucester Ski Centre Tuesday, 14th February
For Young People and their Siblings (8-18 years)
Venue and Time: Alderman Knight School, Tewkesbury (10am-3pm)

Contribution: 15 per person / Group size: 12

Name: ............. Tel. No: ...............

Address: .................

...........................................................................................................................................................................

Email: ...........................................................................................................................................

Personal Information:-

Name (of your son/daughter): ....................................................................................................................

Date of birth: ................................. Diagnosis (if known): ............................................................

Allergies: ....................................................................................

Medical Issues: ......................................................................................................................................

Current Medication: .............

Current Educational Setting:- (please tick applicable box)

Specialist School/College Name: .......
Mainstream School/College - Name: .........
Statement/EHCP School Action Plus School Action No SENs provision
Home-Educated
Other (please provide additional information) ...................................................................................
Looked After (Social Service Care)

Will medication need to be administered during this day? *Yes / No (*delete as appropriate)
Does your son/daughter use total communication/signing *Yes No (*delete as appropriate)

Would your son/daughter find a visual timetable of the day (picture symbols) helpful? Yes No
I enclose a cheque for .. made payable to NAS Gloucestershire.

There is a voluntary contribution of 15 per person. Please return this booking form, together with
payment, to: NAS Gloucestershire Branch, c/o. Alderman Knight School, Ashchurch Road, Tewkesbury,
Glos. GL20 8JJ

Once you have received confirmation of a place, we will send you a more detailed questionnaire and
parental consent form to complete - thank you!

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Evening Talk by Prof. Liz Pellicano Monday, 6th March 2017
Subject: Making Sense of Sensory Differences in Autistic People
Venue: Alderman Knight School, Tewkesbury (7pm-9pm)

Ticket Contribution: Free Parent/Family Member/Individual with ASC

5 - Professional

Name: ....................................................................................... Tel. No: .........................................................

Address: ...........................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................Email: ............................................................................................

I am a Parent/Family Member/Person with ASC and would like to book: .............. (no. of places)

I am a professional and would like to book (no. of places) and enclose a cheque for
(please make cheque payable to NAS Gloucestershire).

Name of Organisation....

Note: If booking a place for more than one person, please include additional name(s) on the reverse
of this form

Please return this booking form to:- NAS Gloucestershire Branch, c/o. Alderman Knight School,
Ashchurch Road, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 8JJ

Alternatively, parents/family members/individuals with ASC may book a place by emailing your request
(to include information requested on the booking form) to: tinacreed@btinternet.com.

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Horseriding at Tumpy Green 25th October

AGM/Wenn Lawson Autism

Talk 24th October

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