By Charlotte, Camrose Support Worker
The National Autistic Society (NAS) describes autism as “a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world.” Currently there are around 700,000 autistic adults & children in the UK*.
The Autism Ambassador scheme was launched in 2015 in line with the Department of Health recommendation in the Think Autism strategy. I have been an Autism Ambassador for the past few years.
The aims of being an Autism Ambassador are to be a voice for autistic people, affect change where possible and raise awareness. Ambassadors commit themselves to a new goal each year to help achieve these aims. Last year I gave a presentation on autism to Camrose staff and volunteers in our training day. This year I have decided to research autism and homelessness. I will write a short piece and submit next year to Autism Hampshire for my yearly review.
I consider The Camrose Centre to be a safe space for anyone with autism who comes into our service. We try very hard to make our clients with autism feel as comfortable as possible. We make any steps necessary to help autistic clients regarding our service delivery. So far, we have helped three clients who on are the autistic spectrum.
Autism is something that came into my life through my eldest son who was given the diagnosis aged 5. Anyone can be an Autism Ambassador if they complete the training & yearly review. For more information about the scheme visit: https://www.ascambassador.org.uk/Aboutthescheme
