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LETTER From John Ling, Autism Outreach Service, Feb 9 2006
At the last .PSG meeting in Hudds we discussed what happens to students with autism after leaving school. The remit of the Autism Outreach team stops at age 16, but it is part of my responsibility to work alongside schools to make links with local colleges, and to offer advice and training to college staff if required. All the colleges are willing to support students with ASD, but what parents are saying is that they would like a service for 16+ in Kirklees which compares with the thorough going service provided in schools such as Honley High.
I have asked if we can reconvene the Autism Steering Group to address the issue, and I also asked at this meeting if any parents would like to join me in trying to make a case for a better service. I also have compiled a small collection of documents about services and agencies around the country which deal with post 16s. I have for instance a list of colleges and agencies which already provide a service, and also a list of suitable careers for ASD people compiled by Temple Grandin. Parents can contact me if you would like to see these.
Can I suggest that the two Parent Support Groups have a joint meeting, to which you invite Margaret Woodcock (Careers officer for disabilities), and staff from the special needs support teams at Hudds, Dewsbury Bradford and Wakefield colleges, so that we can find out what already exists. Out of that might come an idea of what else is needed. Then we can ask the Steering group to put forward proposals to the LEA.
In addition to that I also asked if there was any interest in a support group for post 16 students, with regard to social skills, life skills, and general coping. I would like to keep a list of school leavers to try to track their progress. We did not have time to pursue that, but if anyone is interested could you please get in touch?
John Ling Autism Outreach Team 01924 324850
IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS OR SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE TALK TO A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE. THANK YOU
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