AUTISM AWARENESS SEMINAR HELD IN RUGBY

The leading support provider for people with autism in Warwickshire is holding a seminar to help increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) among employees of the criminal justice system (CJS).

Held at The Rugby Lions Club, Rugby , on March 10, the seminar has been designed by autism.west midlands to bring together professionals involved in law enforcement and those affected by ASD.

People with ASD often face difficulties when they come into contact with the law. This is because many people are not aware of the characteristics associated with ASD and, instead, perceive the person’s behaviour to be threatening or suspicious.

The aims of the day-long seminar are two-fold: to prevent misunderstanding of ASD among law enforcement professionals and, additionally, to increase awareness of CJS issues amongst those who have ASD.

Carolyn Bailey, chief executive of autism.west midlands, said: “As many as one in 100 people are believed to be affected by ASD. However, it often remains a “hidden disability.” We hope that the seminar in Rugby will increase awareness of ASD so that those affected are less vulnerable to being wrongly involved with CJS issues.”

autism.west midlands is the region’s leading provider of residential and community services for children, families and adults affected by autism, and has been operating since 1 965.

The ‘Developing understanding of ASD within the Criminal Justice System’ seminar will be held at The Rugby Lions Clubhouse, Webb Ellis Road , on March 10 2008 .

Tickets cost £25 for parent and people with ASD, £55 for professionals, and £49.50 for professionals who have a membership discount.

For further information about autism.west midlands contact:

Carolyn Bailey, autism.west midlands – Telephone: 0121 450 7575.

Press contact : Laura Maddrell, Clarke Associates – Telephone: 0121 702 2525.