Autism Acceptance 2024
World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognised day on 2 April every year. There are events all over the world to raise awareness to improve the lives of people on the spectrum World Autism Awareness Day - EN | United Nations
The National Autistic Society have World Autism Week, they provide resources such as quizzes and information sheets to raise awareness. What is autism
Lifeworks consider Autism as a spectrum which includes many other conditions including OCD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia etc.
While there are challenges that people on the spectrum face, there are also positive traits and many people on the spectrum are successful and talented.
Artwork from our clients.
Funding
Lifeworks have received funding from Cash 4 Clubs and Leek Building Society.
£2000 from Cash 4 Clubs towards "sporting activities, to help mental health, wellbeing and reduce social isolation" over a 6 month period from March to September, and £1500 from Leek Building Society towards activities in conjunction with Green Door at Westport Lake.
Lifeworks would like to thank them for their support.
Coop have given us £2021 towards the cost of a Sensory Garden for outside our office. Lifeworks would like to thank the Coop for their support.
Lifeworks have received £500 from TK Maxx. We would like to thank them for their support.
We would like to thank the Barchester Foundation for the funding we received for social activities over the summer 2023 and ICB NHS for the funding we received towards the ADHD groups and posters sent out to GPs.
Lifeworks would also like to thank all our regular supporters and one off donators for all your support.
Calendar
Take a look at the client social groups, carer support groups (in green), and any other events we have on this month.
If you would like to attend but are not a client please contact us
Befrienders
We are looking for compassionate, friendly Volunteer Befrienders (18+) with good communication and organisational skills.
The role will include helping to build social interaction by establishing and maintaining a friendly, sympathetic and professional relationship. Encouraging engagement with Lifeworks and other organisations activities, to help the client gain confidence through social interaction and valuable life skills improving their quality of life.
For more information contact us.
Every year we hold a fundraising event at Stoke-on-Trent Repertory Theatre, to raise funds for Lifeworks so we can continue to support our clients and carers.
£532 was raised from ticket sales, raffle, and donations. Lifeworks would like to thank everyone who organised, shared, donated, and attended.
Thank you for supporting Lifeworks Staffordshire.
ADHD Support Groups
Please see our new ADHD support group run by one of our volunteers. This group takes place in the Lifeworks office. Please contact us for details and future dates.
Funding
Postcode Local Trust is a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Lifeworks are grateful to have received a grant for £25,000 from the Trust to fund a Lifeworks Outreach Worker for one year.
We received this funding on the 1st August 2023.
www.postcodelocaltrust.org.uk
www.postcodelottery.co.uk
Autism Acceptance 2023
World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day on 2 April every year. There are events all over the world to raise awareness to improve the lives of people on the spectrum World Autism Awareness Day - EN | United Nations
The National Autistic Society have World Autism Week, they provide resources such as quizzes and information sheets to raise awareness. What is autism
Lifeworks consider Autism as a spectrum which includes many other conditions including OCD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia etc.
Poster Lifeworks Co-occurring Difficulties Autistic Spectrum
The Autistic Spectrum - A better Understanding.
Louise is currently doing training to help clients, carers, and professionals to better understand Autistic Spectrum Conditions. She has completed training for Brighter Futures, NHS GPs and staff, Social Care, Keele Medical Students, Stoke Council, and Lifeworks clients and carers.
What is Autism
Training
Social Activities
Take a look at the variety of activities we offer to our clients, which can prevent isolation and improve confidence.
Gallery
While there are challenges that people on the spectrum face, there are also positive traits and many people on the spectrum are successful and talented.
Artwork
Lifeworks would like to show the Artwork and creativity our clients shared for World Autism Day. Please see our gallery in the link below.
World Autism Day 2021
The Autistic Spectrum
A Better Understanding
The Autistic Spectrum is complex and diverse. We at Lifeworks hope the following information will help you gain a more in-depth understanding of this condition and those that may co-exist with it e.g. Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to name just a few.
See below how Autism and other co occurring conditions overlap
Autism – What is it?
- A developmental disability
- It can be referred to as an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). The ‘spectrum’ indicates the diversity of autism. Individuals will be affected at different levels and therefore experience problems to varying degrees. Some people will require considerable support throughout their lives while others live independently with minimum support.
- No two people are the same.
- The more able people on the spectrum (those with Asperger’s Syndrome) are considered to have average to above average intelligence.
- There are around 700,000 people in the UK on the Autistic Spectrum. Statistics show there are more males than females diagnosed with an ASC.
- There are three main areas with which people have difficulty. Collectively these are known as the Triad of Impairments. The triad consists of difficulties with communication, social interaction and social imagination.
- Many people on the spectrum have a very literal understanding of language. They can experience difficulties in expressing themselves.
Due to the ‘hidden’ nature of the condition it is difficult to recognise someone on the spectrum. People generally show no outward sign of disability, therefore some individuals are considered more able than they are. This of course, leads to confusion and misunderstanding. However, it is important to remember that people are all different and it is vital not to focus on the negative and what people on the spectrum find it difficult to accomplish but consider what they can accomplish. Indeed, many individuals on the spectrum make hard working, conscientious members of the workforce. Many famous people such as entrepreneur Richard Branson and television personality Guy Martin have a diagnosis. Individuals with extreme proficiency in certain areas are referred to as ‘Savants’.
What differentiates Lifeworks Staffordshire from other services? We are unique in that we look at all conditions that present in an individual, not just the autism. Staff and volunteers at Lifeworks have personal experience of autism and the way this affects individuals and their families. It is this aspect which makes us so passionate about the work we do. Lifeworks aims to help people to build strategies in order to navigate and improve quality of life. Individuals on the autistic spectrum need to be given the chance to reach their full potential.
This will not be achieved without better understanding!