If one member of the family has Asperger syndrome every member of the family is affected. Unfortunately living with Asperger syndrome or living with a member of the family who has Asperger syndrome can mean that you all feel isolated, misunderstood and alone.

Things are changing slowly for the better. We are making progress and more people are beginning to hear the message. Campaigning by the National Autistic Society has resulted in the beginnings of change at government level. The Autism Act and the Adult Autism Strategy (“Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives”) requires statutory agencies and others to provide services which were not available in the past. The National Autistic Society’s ‘Make School Make Sense’ and ‘I Exist’ Campaigns have resulted in the beginnings of change at governmental level.

However there are things you can do to improve your situation and help improve other people’s understanding. Below is a list of people and organisations which may be able to offer you help and advice:

Organisations and Advice lines
  • National Autistic Society Helpline: 0808 800 4104
  • Office for Advice, Assistance, Support and Information on Special Needs (OAASIS) Helpline 0800 197 3907
  • Families in Focus (Essex): 01245 353575
  • Special Needs and Parents (SNAP): 01277 211300
  • Autism Anglia: 01206 577678
  • National Careers Service Helpline: 0800 100 900
  • Children with Disabilities teams in Essex: 0845 603 7627 Emergencies: 0845 606 1212
Websites
  • Tony Attwood – A well respected authority on Asperger Syndrome
  • Aspergernauts – an informative and useful website about Asperger syndrome
  • Transporters– a website designed to help young children develop an understanding of facial expressions and emotions. Great for Thomas the tank engine fans
  • Autism Research Centre– The Cambridge based Autism Research Centre needs your help, you can join up and help with their research into Autism and Asperger syndrome online.

For lots more information, social skills training, social events and access to our monthly parent support groups: Join SAFE.