A2ndvoice - Autism Spectrum Disorder Special Edition January 2014 | Page 2

A2ndvoice - Our Aims
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To inspire, to empower, to share information and build a
network in providing ongoing support pertaining to the
wellbeing and lifestyle for parents & carers with children or
adults on the Autistic Spectrum.

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To provide information and support for siblings and peers.

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Supporting girls/young women on the Spectrum who are
under-represented and disadvantaged.

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To provide support for fathers only to share similar experiences.

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Raising awareness within the BME communities to break down
cultural barriers and prejudices.

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To provide a support service within the school setting, which
outreach the hard to reach parents/carers who maybe in
denial and/or lacking understanding of the condition.

•

To increase awareness by all means that our local community
and businesses will lead to more personal involvement,
understanding and more cultural, educational and social
activities, which will create a better community and a better
place for those living with Autism and other, related hidden
conditions.

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“Every Autistic child is different
and parents/carers or
professionals need to find out
what works best for the
individual and not what seems
to work for another autistic
child. “
The question we need to ask.
Does the person or
organisation have specialist
training in Autism or other
related conditions to helping
your Autistic child?

To provide information, resources and tailor made packages
for Faith Groups and Establishments.

Autism in the BME Community
In August 2013, Nia Imara founder of National Association of Black
Supplementary Schools invited A2ndvoice to hold a seminar at
Birbeck University of London to raise awareness amongst the BME
Communities.
The seminar was well attended the topic was based around
communication and day-to-day living.
Speakers included a
mother’s experience with her son and the criminal justice system,
Patricia from ECS Ltd spoke about importance of communication
and outreaching the Nigerian Community, Venessa Bobb shared
her journey to why A2ndvoice was formed and Katherine Bancroft –
National Autistic Society talked about the NAS – BME project that
was launched in February 2013. Mark Brown from Special Help for
Special Needs held an Autism 5 Top Tips Workshop at the end.
Birbeck University (from l to r)

Nia Imara, Juliet Gittens, Katherine Bancroft,
Venessa Bobb, Mark Brown, Patricia Okechukwu

Next BME Workshop – Day to Day Living
Saturday 29th March 2014 from 3.00pm – 6.00pm
University Square, 1 Salway Place, Stratford, London, E15 1NN

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