Autism Awareness Association We are a voluntary organisation set up and run by young people with Autism to provide a safe place for making friends and trying new activities, like film-making which helps us spread awareness of Autism.

Autism Quiz With your host… Triple A Presenter: Michel Watt

1, Is Asperger’s Syndrome and high functioning Autism considered to be a learning disability? Yes or No?

No Many people with Autism learn new skills and complex information well, but may need help understanding social interactions. This can be almost like having a learning disability in some cases.

2, Is Asperger’s Syndrome or high functioning Autism a mental health problem? Yes or No?

No It is a lifelong developmental condition but if young people are not given support to find friends and fulfilling employment then they can develop depression and anxiety problems.

3, Are people with Autism creative? Yes or No?

Yes Our group is arts based and has musicians, artists and film- makers. Lots of young people with Autism are creative and have real talents.

4, Are people with Autism anti- social? Yes or No?

No People with Autism are like everyone else, they sometimes enjoy spending time with others and sometimes like spending time alone. They need extra help to learn the social rules. It can be quite refreshing to spend time with people with autism as they are honest and see things from a slightly different perspective.

5, Can people with Autism contribute to their community? Yes or No?

YES!!

We built our own website to help others learn more about Autism: Check out some of our films We contribute to our community by providing autism awareness to families, professionals and other organisations and also social groups for young people with Autism. Some of the organisations we work with

Where would society be without these people? Einstein couldn’t look after himself and often forgot to get dressed or eat. Newton would give lectures to an empty room if it was on his schedule. A lot of the Great Thinkers of our time displayed autistic traits… But both were focused and creative in their thinking Who is in our communities now and how can we help them?

Kyle Paterson: Chairperson What are the positive aspects of Autism? Kyle is a natural leader and good front man Honest, reliable… A good friend Creative and focused thinker

Michelle Forbes: Vice Chairperson Question and Answer Session. Please don’t be shy! Hard at work chairing the weekly meeting What motivates us? … our Values Female Autism… Why less girls?

And now we have a question for you… How can you help us, help other people with Autism?

What we need? a place where we can go to make friends and access activities in a safe and supportive natural environment. A central location – as some of us have trouble with independent travel and find it difficult to remember which bus stop to get off at. A place with a big meeting room for social groups and a smaller quiet room. A place with a kitchen, so we can learn practical skills – some of us can program a computer but cant make a cup of tea!