Achievements

Since its formation in May 2001, the Autism & Asperger Action group has made significant advances, including:

• Raising awareness among service providers about ASD issues.
• Gaining recognition as an influential group, influencing future policies and plans and being represented on the West Sussex Learning Disability Partnership Board.
• Supporting and influencing the opening of a residential facility in Ellesdale Road, Bognor Regis.
• Pressing for and influencing the appointment of an Asperger support worker in West Sussex.
• Working with professionals, MPs, councillors and others at local, county and national levels to identify service requirements.
• Launching and maintaining the website and producing various literature.
• Informing and influencing the county's first comprehensive study into autism services in West Sussex.
• Providing information and organising meetings and open information days.
• Attending and giving presentations to inter-agency conferences.
• Contributing to the specialist training of social work students and carers.
• Meeting at least every two months to maintain contact with partner organisations and interested professionals and to review progress and plan activities.
• Generating media publicity to build awareness of the issues surrounding autism and related service provision.