Latest News from Berkshire Autistic Society

West Berkshire SEND consultation

West Berkshire Council is about to launch a consultation which will inform its new SEN & Disability Strategy for 2013 – 16. They are asking parents of children with SEN to complete the online questionnaire and return it to them by the deadline of 10th June. They will also be holding a series of focus group meetings for parents during the week commencing Monday 20th May, which will be led by Jane Callaghan of the P2P Service.

New Post Diagnosis Support Service for Bracknell Parents

A new service is being provided by BAS in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council, offering a home visit to provide support and information to parents of children aged 9 - 18 years with a recent diagnosis of autistic spectrum condition (ASC). In addition, training programmes are available to parents and children to help them understand their new diagnosis.

Parent Consultation meeting for Reading College ASC Provision

The new ASC Centre at Reading College is due to open its doors in September 2013. You are invited to a consultation event that will inform the development of this new service. It will be held in the Kennet Room at Reading Borough Council Civic Centre on Tuesday 11 June from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. The event is aimed mainly at ASC learners, their parents/carers, and those who might be recommending the new Centre to future ASC learners.

John Lewis nominates BAS for Community Matters scheme

We am delighted to announce that John Lewis Reading has nominated the Berkshire Autistic Society as one of 3 chosen community groups for their Community Matters scheme from the 1st May to July 31st 2013. Please support us with your green tokens while having something yummy to eat!

Slough Autism Strategy

Slough Borough Council is in the process of developing an Autism Strategy. As part of the consultation they are keen to get as much feedback from people with autism and their carers about what they think should be included in a strategy. To help with this, a questionnaire has been developed and approved by the Autism Partnership Board - more information below.

Corn Exchange aglow for Autism Awareness

THIS was the moment when the Corn Exchange in Newbury joined the Sydney Opera House in Australia and America’s Empire State Building in lighting up for autism. The spectacular display, arranged by the West Berkshire branch of the National Autistic Society, was mirrored by landmarks worldwide to highlight World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday.

Reading Half Marathon 2013 Fundraising Heroes

Thank you to all our BAS Reading Half Marathon 2013 who braved the wettest and coldest day the marathon has seen to raise funds on behalf of BAS.

First Bracknell Speaker Event in April

We are pleased to announce our first speaker event in Bracknell on 30th April 2013. Fiona Veitch will be covering problems in education and strategies that may help to overcome these, and will also be giving information about the NAS Thames Valley Free School that opens in September 2013.

NAS Thames Valley Free School Update

The planning application to demolish the derelict Meadway School buildings and to replace them with our smart new school is now with Reading Planning Department. Members of the public are invited to comment on the application - the more support the better!

Mask and Marshalnd Square Short Break

Great News!! With thanks to funding provided by the Partnership Development Fund 2013 the Berkshire Autistic Society have seven FREE short break places at the Easter Club at Mask and Marshlands Square.