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Highlands and Islands AUTISM Society
Caithness Branch

Health & Welfare

The Highlands and Islands Autism Society was formed in August 1993 by parents, teachers and friends of autistic children who shared a concern for their future, particularly the provision of suitable education and the lack of adult facilities. It quickly became apparent that there was a local need for an organisation such as ours.   At least 40/10,000 people have Autistic spectrum Disorder.  In the past there was widespread ignorance of autism but there is now a growing awareness of the particular needs and difficulties faced by people with autism and their families. We offer support, information and advice to all those people and members are available on the phone for anyone with a need to talk to someone who may understand their problems. The local branch of HIAS meets on the last Tuesday of the month, alternating between Wick and Thurso.  Anyone with an interest in autism is welcome to join us. Autism is a disorder of development affecting social and communication skills.   children with autism often have accompanying learning disabilities but, whatever the general level of intelligence, they share a common difficulty in making sense of the world in the way others do.  In addition, there is a form of autism known as Asperger Syndrome.  this occurs at the more intellectually able end of the range of autistic conditions.  The phrase "Autistic Spectrum Disorder" is now used to cover the whole range. What causes autism? This is the question that everyone asks.  Unfortunately, it is also one of the most difficult to answer.  There is strong evidence that autism can be caused by a variety of physical reasons, all of which affect brain development - it is not due to emotional deprivation or the way you have been bringing up your child. The degree to which people with autism are affected varies enormously. Some signs of Autism  are - Difficulty with social relationships. Difficulty with verbal communitcation. Difficulty with non-verbal communication. Difficulty in development of play and imagination. Resistance to change in routine. Displays Indifference. Indicates needs by using and adult's hand. Echolalic -copies words like a parrot. Inappropriate laughing or giggling. No eye contact. Joins in only if adult insists and assists Does not play with other children One-sided interaction. Talks incessantly about one topic. Bizarre behaviour. Handles or spins objects. Lack of creative pretend play. But can do some tasks very well, very quickly but not tasks involving social understanding. These and other signs may be indicative of autism but only referral to experts can give a sure diagnosis. To join  contact or speak to someone Sandra Jones  Tel 01955 602852 Jim & Jane Coll Tel 01847 851701 Professionals Educ. Psychologists Rhind House, Wick 01955 602362 Social Work Thurso 01847 893835 Wick 01955 605040 Community Prediatric Service Caithness General 01955 605050 Community Learning Disabilities Nurse 01955 603486 Community Pediatric Occupational Therapist Caithness General 01955 605050 HIAS (Caithness) has links with the Scottish Society for Autistic Children and National Autistic Society and Autism Scotland

Links www.autism99.org  Autism Frequently asked Questions Memo Autism Web Ring Teaching Students With Autism Links 2 Go Autism Links to Site Pertaining to Autism Autistic Net The Scottish Society for Autistic Children Hilton House Alloa Business Park Whins Road Alloa FK10 3SA Tel  01259 720044 Fax 01259 720051 The National Autistic Society 393 City Road London EC1V 1NE Tel  0171 833 2299 Fax 0171 833 9666 www.oneworld.org/autism_uk/ Email [email protected] The International Autistic Research Organisation 49 Orchard Avenue Croyden CRO 7NE Tel 0181 777 0095 24 Hours Fax 0181 776 2362 Email [email protected] Caithness Community Care Forum c/o Stevens Harbour Quay Wick Caithness KW1 5EP Tel   01955 603453 Fax  01955 606682 Holds a  copy of the Contact a Family Directory for more details of rare conditions and support groups in the UK. The directory holds more information about the above groups and can also be accessed online at http://www.cafamily.org.uk/   Contact/helpline 0171 383 3555 See also - Community Care Links on this site for Carer Contacts etc.