Female Pioneer To Open Sussex Centre

Nov. 30, 2010 - PRLog -- The woman who introduced the UK to autism and Asperger syndrome, Dr. Lorna Wing, will be in Felpham on Friday, 10th December to open the new Autism Sussex Resource Centre, which will provide much-needed support to children, adults and families living with autism spectrum conditions.

Groundbreaking and influential, Wing is a founder member of the National Autistic Society and author of many books and academic papers, including ‘Asperger's Syndrome: a Clinical Account’ a 1981 academic paper that popularised the research of Hans Asperger and introduced the term ‘Asperger syndrome’.

Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition but many people know little about the condition which was popularised by Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise in the Hollywood blockbuster Rain Man. Over half a million people in the UK have autism - that's around 1 in 100. If you include their families, autism touches the lives of over two million people every day and is incurable. However, the right support at the right time can make an enormous difference. Despite this, nearly two thirds of adults with autism in England do not have enough support to meet their needs and the effects are being felt in Sussex.

“Our long-term aim is to reach as many communities as possible across Sussex. We face many challenges at the moment given the current economic climate and survival of these services is now reliant on personal budgets and local authority referrals and fundraising,” said Jean Rose, CEO Autism Sussex. “We are delighted and proud that Dr. Wing will open this landmark resource centre. She is a true pioneer and her continued support has been vital in raising the awareness and interest of autistic conditions. Now we’re calling on businesses to lend their support to the local community. 79% of those on incapacity benefit with autism want to work. With local support, we can help them realise their full potential.”

Summerley Corner Resource Centre will provide much-needed group and one-to-one support to meet the needs of people with autism spectrum conditions. It will provide a safe base for people to access and participate in the local community. The Centre will also provide:
•   employment and skills training
•   social skills training
•   educational opportunities
•   Asperger Support Groups
•   leisure and social activities

Autism awareness is gathering momentum. In September 2010 Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet founded a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers for people with autism around the world. The Golden Hat Foundation is the establishment of innovative living communities that offer people with autism the opportunity to learn to communicate effectively, receive an education, job training and enjoy recreational activities, all within a supportive social network.

Now the CEO of Autism Sussex is calling on local businesses to start asking how they can get involved and to gear-up for World Autism Awareness Day on Saturday, 2 April 2011. “People don’t realise just how hard we can make their donations work. Every penny really does make a difference. However you choose to get involved, be sure to get involved.”

The official opening takes place on Friday, 10th December 2010 between 1pm and 4pm at 1 Summerley Lane, Felpham PO22 7HN. The first 50 people to register will be guaranteed a place in the event. Register here: http://www.autismsussex.org.uk/GetInTouch/contact

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Autism Sussex is an independent, not for profit organisation and registered charity, whose aim is to provide a range of opportunities for children, young people and adults with autistic spectrum conditions and/or Asperger syndrome.