NAS And Axcis Team Up To Develop Autism Education Roadshow

Education is a fundamental part of every child’s life, but far too many children with autism are not getting the education they need and deserve. A recent survey from the National Autistic Society (NAS) which launched the charity’s Great Expectations campaign on Special Education Needs, found that just half of parents (52%) who have a child with autism feel they are making good educational progress. The research also revealed that 7 out of 10 parents found it difficult to get the educational support their child needs, and while they waited and fought for the right support, their child’s educational progress (70%), mental health (60%), behaviour (68%) and self esteem (68%) all suffered enormously.

But with the right support, every child has the opportunity to succeed. Parents and young people both agree that a good knowledge of autism helps meet children’s needs. However, 43% of young people with autism felt their teachers don’t know enough about the condition.

In response, The National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism, has joined together with SEN teaching and support recruitment specialist, Axcis Education Recruitment, to develop a series of roadshows designed to help teachers and other professionals learn the tools and strategies they need to support children with autism effectively.

Throughout 2011 and 2012, the roadshow programme will see a series of five conferences taking place across the country providing education, health and social care professionals, as well as parents of pupils with autism, with an opportunity to learn new strategies, share good practice and network.

Featuring a range of expert speakers, workshops, a panel debate and plenty of networking opportunities, the events will provide a unique opportunity for professionals to gain crucial knowledge about how to best support children with autism.

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the National Autistic Society said: “Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition and is a lot more common that most people think. Parents and young people agree that knowledge of autism, more than anything, helps children's needs to be met in school and many teachers also tell us that they would like more training in autism. We hope that this series of conferences developed in association with Axcis will empower teachers and professionals to ensure that children with autism in the education system are supported in the best way possible, to help them to go on to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.”

Jean Wilson, Managing Director of Axcis Education Recruitment said: “We are delighted to support the National Autistic Society in delivering training which is set to benefit teachers, support staff and, most importantly, individuals with autism. This partnership is indicative of our ongoing commitment to putting something back into education. I am looking forward to co-chairing these events.”

The series of conferences will begin on 11^th October, with the first event taking place in Liverpool. The roadshow will then continue to Newcastle, Birmingham, Exeter and will end with the final conference in London in March 2012. For a full list of events, details and key topics please visit: www.autism.org.uk/conferences/roadshow2011