ACE was created by the charity the Autism Research Trust, and is home to Cambridge University’s Autism Research Centre (ARC) and will also provide clinical, educational and life skills services across the lifespan, for autistic people and their families. The mission of ACE is to promote wellbeing for autistic people, and to promote autism research.

You can read more about ACE here.

They are now looking for members of the autism community to be involved in the shaping and direction of ACE. ACE is looking for people to join their Steering Group or to be a panel member.  

Who can be involved?           

• autistic adults
• parents and/or carers of autistic people
• people with an autistic family member
• clinicians, educators, social care workers, and other relevant professionals
• employers
• researchers

For more information and how to apply see the online form

The National Autistic Society are updating their national website at www.autism.org.uk

It will be launched by the end of August and you can see a preview here. The website is a great resource with lots of information and a searchable directory of service providers.

Our website here at the Cambridge Branch will still be the same!

Is lockdown having a negative effect on your child? Or are you a young person struggling with high levels of anxiety and mental distress during lockdown?

Not sure how to access help? Two local sources of support are:

CHUMS Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing Service is for children & young people experiencing poor mental health. They are currently offering a phoneline service to replace their drop-ins.

KeepYourHead is Cambridgeshire & Peterborough’s Children & Young People’s mental health services site. It includes lots of information about mental health, things you can do to help yourself, and where to go to for more support.

Everything you need to know during the coronavirus outbreak including resources & tips for families, benefits and employment, going out, health & wellbeing, social care, education, shopping and working from home:

Latest NAS guidance on coronavirus and useful information

After questions were raised about the effect of the Coronavirus lockdown on people with autism the Government has issued some new guidance which will hopefully bring some reassurance to our members. For more details see the post on the National Autistic Society website:

Coronavirus: Government clarifies guidance on exercise

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough are holding a consultation on their draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2020-2024, which outlines the priority areas and how local councils, the NHS and community organisations would like to work together to improve people’s health and reduce health inequalities that exist across the area.

If you would like to give your views on the strategy, use the link below to the online survey. There is an easy-read version of the survey available as well.

https://consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/health-and-wellbeing-strategy-consultation

Are you or your child feeling anxious about Covid-19 or struggling with all the changes to your usual routine?

We’ve found a few helpful websites with suggestions to reduce anxiety and support your mental health through the next few months:

Coronavirus and your wellbeing – advice from MIND the mental health charity

Managing your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak – from Rethink Mental Illness

How to help an autistic child during the coronavirus outbreak – advice from the Priory

Uncertainty, anxiety and the Coronavirus pandemic – Ambitious about Autism

The Cambridge Science Festival runs from 09-22 March 2020.

Bookings for all pre-book events open on Monday 10 February.  When booking for events, you can state if you would like, for example, early entry for a public lecture, seating near the exit etc.

The Festival web address is: www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/

With hundreds of free events over two weeks on everything from Astronomy to Zoology, the 2020 Cambridge Science Festival welcomes adults, teenagers and families to explore science with researchers from across Cambridge. Join us for talks, hands-on activities, performances, exhibitions and films exploring the theme of ‘vision’; the Festival has something for everyone!

The festival has some events on the latest research into the autism spectrum, please see a list with links below:

• Genetics research in autism: ethical perspectives (Friday 13 March) https://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/events/genetics-research-autism-ethical-perspectives

• Autism research in Cambridge (Sat 14 & Sun 15 March) https://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/events/autism-research-cambridge

There is also the opportunity for adults and children who have an autism spectrum condition and their families to explore Cambridge science in a quieter and less-crowded space at:

• Hands-on at the Guildhall: autism-friendly hour (Sun 15 March), bookable from Monday 10 February https://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/events/hands-guildhall-autism-friendly-hour