Any questions?

If anyone would like to ask a question about anything on this blog then please do; I will try my utmost to answer the question to the best of my ability. As always, any constructive comments are most welcome.

Are Welsh councils doing enough for children with an ASD?

The simple answer is we, the concerned public, don’t know. If people are not kept informed about vitally important issues, which affect our children, how can we make informed decisions?

I’m talking about the Welsh Assembly Government Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan for Wales and the obligations it places on Welsh councils. Rather than repeat myself here, if you go to my other blog, which concerns adults and ASDs, you can read the correspondence with RCT council. (This issue, of course, applies to all Welsh councils.) Please read: "Why are the councils' ASD action plans not available to the public?"

I’m not going to let this question go unanswered! Consequently, if no reply is received within the very near future, I’ll be contacting the council again!

Important facts about autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

Here's a short article for people whom are unclear on what autism and Asperger's Syndrome actually are, in a nutshell: "The facts about autism." Please feel free to leave any comments.

Most Welsh schools are failing to support children with autism & Asperger's Syndrome.

Education in Wales is not meeting the needs of young people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome, according to a Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) report. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate this report on their website, which I find totally ridiculous! However, if you read this excellent article by the Western Mail the main points of the report will be revealed; very well worth an investment of your time. Please click here for the news article.

Asperger's Syndrome is still being overlooked in girls.

Asperger's Syndrome is not being effectively diagnosed in girls, which is causing them serious difficulties. Actually, I first reported on this issue on 9th November 2008, “Autism 'may be missed in girls.'” If you would like to read the most recent article concerning this problem, please click here: "Doctors are 'failing to spot Asperger's in girls.'"

More evidence to link genes with autism & Asperger's Syndrome.

Scientists have discovered further strong evidence that small genetic changes are responsible for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).

Please click here for the full story.

"One child in 60 'suffers from a form of autism.'"

Here's some depressing news. Sorry! (I really do try my best to find optimistic stories.) To be honest, people certainly do need to be aware of this latest research, especially people who have the power to do something positive about this terrible state of affairs i.e. politicians.

I implore you to read this article, "One child in 60 'suffers from a form of autism'" to find out more.

Until next time.

How do doctors diagnose autism & Asperger's syndrome?

"It may be hard to work out the diagnosis of autism. Your doctor will look for signs of autism in the way your child behaves and how they have developed."

Although this Guardian article only discusses autism, I presume it applies to Asperger's Syndrome too; I just find it somewhat odd that AS isn't specifically mentioned. Anyway, if you click on the following link you will be instantly transported to the relevant webpage. (Isn't the Internet a wonderful invention? I just love it!)

Click me and I shall appear!

Autism Sunday - sufferers remembered globally.

"Key Leaders Back Autism Sunday 2009."

"Autism Sunday, the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome falls on Sunday 8th February 2009. Cathedrals, churches and religious organisations around the world are to mark the international day and pray for over 60 million people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome across many nations."

Please click here for the full story.

Children with mild autistic traits also need help.

"Many children have mild autistic "symptoms" without ever having enough problems to attract specialist attention, say UK researchers."

For the full story, please click here.