We are delighted to announce that we will shortly be embarking on our Befriending Project. Its aim is to provide occasional social support, to people affected by an autistic spectrum condition, in accessing community facilities. We are also looking for volunteers to assist in this project. If you think a Befriending service would benefit you, or if you'd like to find out more about becoming a befriender, then please give Mark Hilley a call on 01872 278378 or email markhilley@dcas.eu

To celebrate its 30th anniversary Spectrum is holding a one-day conference at the Combined Universities of Cornwall's Tremough Campus in Penryn. The event has attracted a fascinating group of speakers on a range of interesting topics http://www.spectrumasd.org/#/conference.php

The cost to attend the Conference is £75.00. However, the DCAS has a limited number of places reserved at significantly reduced rates for existing members (who should be parents, familial relatives of, or someone on the autistic spectrum). To become a member please complete and return this form http://www.dcas.eu/wp-content/uploads/file/Membership%20Form.doc

For more information contact Danielle Overend on 01872 278378 or email her at danielle.overend@spectrumasd.org

Great news! Our sister Charity Spectrum has just opened a new drop-in facility in the heart of Truro, and the DCAS has been given access to use the premises for our activities and the benefit of our members. Please see http://www.spectrumasd.org/#/resource.php for more information. Future initiatives such as Parent Support Meetings will be arranged at the facility. More news soon.

The case of the young boy with autism, recently deemed to have been unlawfully restrained by the Metropolitan police at a swimming pool in London, raises many relevant questions on how the police need to improve their understanding and management of individuals with ASDs. You can read the full judgement (below). 

The dangers of misreporting behaviour (by the swimming pool supervisor) and the heavy-handed/over-the-top approach of the police appear to have come together to result in this lamentable incident.

http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/Resources/JCO/Documents/Judgments/zh-v-commissioner-of-police.pdf

The DCAS is delighted to report the start of a project of collaboration with DISC Camborne. DISC provide a much needed service for vulnerable adults (18yrs +) who are either homeless, have addiction(s), on probation, have physical/mental health issues, people with learning disabilities, migrant workers, and older people. It also provides mentoring to ex offenders and support for families of those in prison. The DCAS will seek to provide support for those in the community (who use DISC) who may have undiagnosed ASD. Next visit will be on April 5th 11.00 – 12.00. Thanks to Lorna, Penny and everyone for their welcome and hospitality. http://www.disc-camborne.co.uk

Spectrum is the biggest and longest established provider of services for people with ASDs in Cornwall. However its history and evolution have been shaped in many ways by the DCAS. The founding fathers of the DCAS were the very people who gave birth to Spectrum. Check out this beautiful animation illustrating the growth and sterling work carried out by Spectrum, and remember the dedication of those committed parents of the DCAS who provided the platform for these great achievements.  Enjoy!   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjzzB1q1ibs

The next meeting of the Family Support Group will be held on Wednesday 30th November at the Three Bridges School in Blackwater between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

The evidence of past meetings has revealed that many parents (who attend) might benefit from a basic introduction to the autistic spectrum. We will therefore aim to use the first hour of the session to faciliate this, and hopefully continue this format for the next few meetings.  

Many parents have undoubtedly read everything that there is to read on the subject, and of course it would be great for those members to attend as well – in order that everyone might benefit from their knowledge (both theoretical and practical).  

Please continue to spread the word to anyone who might benefit from coming along. Look forward to seeing you! 090618_Directions_Three_Bridges