National Autistic Society

The National Autistic Society
Founded 1962
Founder
Group of London-based parents
Type Registered charity
Focus
Supporting the rights and interests of all people with autism
Location
  • London
Area served
United Kingdom
Members (2013)
18,000[1]
Revenue (2012–13)
£88 million[2]
Employees
3,630[2]
Slogan
"Until everyone understands"
Website www.autism.org.uk

The National Autistic Society (NAS) is a British charity for people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), including autism and Asperger syndrome. The purpose of the organisation is to improve the lives of people with autism in the United Kingdom.[3]

Founded in 1962 as the Autistic Children's Aid Society of North London, it has around 18,000 members. The NAS is funded through UK government grants and voluntary contributions.

In addition to a wide range of adult and children's services for people with autism located across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, the charity has an Autism Helpline open 5 days a week, a range of products for professionals working with autism and a campaigning function.[4]

History and organisation

The National Autistic Society originated from the foundation of the Autistic Children's Aid Society of North London on 23 January 1962 by parents of autistic children living in the area, with the assistance of a member from The Spastics Society (later Scope).[5] The current name was adopted in 1975 when the charity extended its interest to the whole of the United Kingdom. It has the following names registered with the Charity Commission:

The NAS is organised into four regions and currently run by an elected Board of Trustees and an elected Council through a Strategic Management Group. The president of the NAS is Jane Asher and the patron is The Countess of Wessex.[6] In 2012-2013, it employed around 3,000 people and spent £85.2 million directly on its charitable activities, out of £91.2 million in expenditures (approx 93.4%).[2]

In 2011, the NAS consulted with numerous police agencies in developing identity card schemes designed to ensure a tolerable environment for autistic individuals during inquiries; participating agencies included the Wiltshire Police, the Essex Police, the Norfolk Constabulary, the Suffolk Constabulary, and the Cumbria Constabulary.[7][8]

Schools and facilities

The NAS manages a number of residential schools in the United Kingdom.

References

  1. "Who we are and what we do". National Autistic Society. 8 October 2010. Retrieved 26 October 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 "Charity Overview: National Autistic Society". Register of Charities. Charity Commission. 17 August 2009. Retrieved 18 July 2010.
  3. "Our vision and mission - | autism | Asperger syndrome |". National Autistic Society. 2013-02-15. Retrieved 2013-10-05.
  4. "What we do - | autism | Asperger syndrome |". National Autistic Society. 2013-02-15. Retrieved 2013-10-05.
  5. Allison, Helen (June 1997). "Perspectives on a puzzle piece". National Autistic Society. Retrieved 2009-09-03.
  6. "Our structure". National Autistic Society. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
  7. Autism Alert Card, Wiltshire Police, Retrieved 6 May 2011
  8. Autism Anglia, Retrieved 6 May 2011
  9. "About our school - | autism | Asperger syndrome |". National Autistic Society. Retrieved 2013-10-05.
  10. "The National Autistic Society Minutes Of The Annual General Meeting And Family Day". 22 November 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  11. "Church Lawton School - The National Autistic Society - NAS". National Autistic Society.
  12. "Daldorch: Listed Building Report". Historic Scotland. Retrieved 2013-10-05.
  13. "Helen Allison School - The National Autistic Society - NAS". National Autistic Society.
  14. "Robert Ogden School - The National Autistic Society - NAS". National Autistic Society.
  15. "The Robert Ogden School". OFSTED.
  16. "SC032154". OFSTED.
  17. "Radlett Lodge School - The National Autistic Society - NAS". National Autistic Society.
  18. "Sybil Elgar School - The National Autistic Society - NAS". National Autistic Society.
  19. "Thames Valley School - The National Autistic Society - NAS". National Autistic Society.

External links

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