23 Oct 2008 - We are now the South Hampshire Branch
Our membership has increased considerably to well over 100 families and, as it now covers a much wider area than just Eastleigh and Winchester, we have decided to change our name to reflect this.
At a special re-launch event on Thursday 23 October 2008, over 100 parents/carers, individuals with autism, councillors, health and social care professionals met to help raise the profile of the needs of people with autism. Speakers at the event were:
- Dr Sarah Nicholson, Child Psychiatrist, Southampton Autism Assessment Service
- Dr Tony Brown, Autism Diagnostic Research Centre, Southampton
- Robert Pritchett, The National Autistic Society's Regional Director, London & South East Region
- Councillor Roy Perry, Deputy Leader, Hampshire County Council
- Mark Houston, an adult with Asperger syndrome who gave a particularly inspiring talk.
We were also delighted to be able to announce that the Asperger Support & Social Group based in Sholing, Southampton, are joining forces with us to become part of the South Hampshire Branch. This now gives us the opportunity to extend our support to children, young people and adults with autism.