In June 2005, SLNAS provided over 300 information packs on autism and Asperger syndrome to nurseries and schools in the South Lanarkshire area. The packs have been especially tailored for nurseries, primary and secondary schools.

Each pack provides general information on autism and Asperger syndrome, which may affect 600 children and 2,100 adults in South Lanarkshire. The nursery pack focuses on early years support, with information on play, toileting, communication and tantrums. The pack for primaries provides a booklet covering the transition from primary school to secondary school, while the secondary pack deals with exam time and the difficulties experienced by young adults with Asperger syndrome.

SLNAS Branch Officer, Ross Macfadyen, said "The information packs also give strategies for break times and lunch times. These parts of the school day are particularly stressful for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Generally these times are unstructured and very social. Both are issues that our children have great difficulties dealing with. We'd like to thank Julie Bruce for supporting this project and ASD in general."

Carol Ainslie, NAS National Director, Scotland and Northern Ireland said: "This pack is an excellent resource both as a way of raising awareness of the needs of people with autism and as a very practical guide for educational professionals. NAS Scotland fully supports the work of the South Lanarkshire branch and South Lanarkshire council in helping with this project."

The NAS is the UK's leading charity for people with autism. It exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs.

The South Lanarkshire pack will help raise awareness of some of the many issues that face the estimated 50,000 people with autism in Scotland.

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The information packs are still available to purchase. Click for contact details.