Guest guest Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Seeking fair play for autism By e WHAT happens when your children leave school and there are no opportunities to help them reach their full potential? This predicament led a Chingford family to decide to launch a ground-breaking facility for adults with autism. Debra de la Nougerede Sinclair is appalled that there is no way for her profoundly autistic daughter, Fiona, 17, to continue her education. Her husband, Graham Sinclair, Fiona's stepfather, is working with the family to turn the situation around. Mrs Sinclair said: "There is a rising tide of people with autism and my daughter is on the crest of the wave. It is not a case of a shortage of opportunities, there is a gaping void." Having seen Fiona develop through educational programmes in the sixth form of the Bridge School, Islington, the couple are passionate about getting other parents, teachers and experts on board. They are looking to get advice from experts who will help with recruitment and developing learning programmes for their Centre for Autistic Spectrum disorder Post 19 Education (CAPE). Mr Sinclair said: "We are already talking to a former local education officer and we are going to make sure that we work with people who are 100 per cent committed and reliable." Mrs Sinclair added: "We don't want people to come along and look at trying out new methods to further their own careers. My daughter has been used as a guinea pig in the past to her detriment and this is something we're keen to avoid." A fundraising campaign will be launched and the Sinclairs are also seeking support from charities including Mencap and the National Autistic Society. They are urging other parents of children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders to get in touch. Premises have not yet been located but the family is open to suggestions. Mrs Sinclair said: "Provision is made for dyslexic, blind and deaf people so they can go on to further education but autistic people have been completely forgotten. "They should not have to sit in day centres or at home where they have no chance of progressing." Various methods of teaching and therapy are being offered to people with autism, and Mrs Sinclair believes there is no single treatment to suit all. Tireless research and checking developments in education and diet plans are an ongoing part of the family's life. They hope their experiences can be shared with others. Anyone who would like to find out more or help by donating time, money or advice should contact Mrs and Mr Sinclair by email to cape19plus@.... If you do not have email facilities, call the newsdesk on 8498 3478 and we will pass on your details. http://www.wansteadandwoodfordguardian.co.uk/display.var.702953.0.seeking_fair_play_for_autism.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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