Portsmouth Autism Support Network was started with the aim of helping and supporting all families and children affected by Autism/ Aspergers at all stages and in any way possible. It is not essential to have a diagnosis to come along to these groups, in many cases the waiting time to receive a diagnosis can take over two years and during that time people often require a great deal of help, advice and support from other parents and that is what we try to offer everyone.

We hold various activities and events, designed to meet the needs of parents, children and the whole family. There is a number people can contact us on if they have a specific query and we produce a newsletter which can also be downloads from this site.

In this first secion on the website we have also illustrated some of the events that we do hold, so you can see some of the events that ahve taken place with great success and much enjoyment from the families.

Living with ASD can be exhausting and at times feel like you are living in a "minefield" as you wait for the next "melt down" to happen. Are aim is to be there to offer words of encouragment, join with you in laughter at some of the situations that do occur and above all help you realise you are not alone. Unfortunatly many people can feel isolated due to living with someone with this condition, through the network numerous families have been able to realise they are not alone, and they can relax knowing that whatever their child/ children does will not cause a reaction from anyone within the group. We are all here to help, support and encourage one another.

We are a group of parents of children with an autistic spectrum disorder, and professionals working in the field. We are aiming to provide a support network for parents to enable them to access information about what support is available to them in the Portsmouth area.
This website is part of the first phase of a three phase project to establish a support network open to all parents (and other relatives and carers) of a child within the autistic spectrum.                                       
The factual information contained in this website is taken from reliable sources, such as the National Autistic Society, Tony Attwood and Lorna Wing. However, when opinions and perspectives are mentioned, these do not necessarily represent the views of the group.

Since forming Portsmouth Autism Support Network we have grown and expanded in many ways and are still looking for new ways to further expand and help more fmilies affected by ASD. We now produce a monthly newsletter which is published and printed by "Standard Life", we have autism/Asperger Alert cards, we hold monthly coffee mornings, evening parent support meetings, Picninc in the Parks, and activities for the children at Krazy Kaves and Pitt Street Gym. We hold annual events for all the families to attend and we always try and hold a coach trip once a year which families can access. We also have a library packed with resource books, media and computer data. The library is open to everyone and is available at all the evening meetings and coffee mornings. Shortly the library catalogue will be available on this website so people can then phone the library number and ask for books to be reserved for them.

We also have an education co-ordinator who is employed by the network and this person will be going into schools and promoting the network within the school environment.

The telephone number for the network is available between the hours of 9.00-7.00pm. This is manned by parents within the network and so on times they may not be able to reach the phone due to situations in their own house but you can always leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Numbers important for the network are listed below:-

Mobile network number for enquiries:- 07914331876

Education co-ordinator:-  07914331876.

Library Information:- 07914 254452 

For two years running Kevin Bradshaw kindly took part in the Great South Run to raise money for PASN. His efforts, hard work and constant training raised essential funds for the group and we are indebted to the amount of time and energy he put into raising funds for the whole group.

Unfortuntaly Kevin will not be taking part in the run this year so if there is anyone who would be willing to take his place and help to raise funds we would love to hear from you!!

Thanks again Kevin for all you did to help so many families within PASN

Welcome to all adults who have ASD. For the past year I have been trying to be able to offer a group or opportunity for adults with autism, but due to funding issues and lack of volunteers I have had no success. I find this very frustrating, because a support group should be there to offer help and support to EVERYONE affected by autism.

Recently I have had an offer by an individual with autism to look at the possibility of forming a forum for adults with ASD. Would you be interested in being part of this new venture? Perhaps as time goes by it would mean a group would naturally form and people would be comfortable meeting one another within a social environment?

If this would be of interest to yourself , or you know someone who would like to participate we would very much like to hear from you. Please send all enquiries to enquiries@portsmouth-autism-support.co.uk .

I find all the activities and different speakers within the network very helpful and inspiring, I enjoy the trips we have held and the evening meetings we hold each month….but despite everything the Christmas party always holds a very special place in my heart. I think it is because the first thing I really did when I become properly involved with the network was to help run the Christmas party, the first year PASN was formed. I look back on that event and where it was held, which was at the Hilsea Club and we still had room to spare!! Now I look at the fact that we booked Admiral Lord Nelson School and extra rooms as we wanted to ensure we had enough space for everyone not to feel cramped, room for the children to run and play, and an area for people to get refreshments and have a chance to sit and talk. Wow, what a difference!! This difference has come around because of all of you as families.

All of us are united by a common bond, we attend these events and although we may not know others by name we can guarantee that we all have one thing in common….in some way we know a child or family member with autism/Aspergers. We have been blessed by having a child with unique and special challenges. I just wanted to extend a personal thanks to everyone because when I look up and see the children and their parents I am filled with such hope. I feel comforted by the knowledge that PASN is available to everyone, that it is a place where we can find help, support, friendship and laughter. Somewhere we and most importantly are children can be accepted for the amazing children they are and not be judged in a negative fashion, but praised and respected for their own unique and terrific individuality.

On Sunday October 29^th just under 100 of us from the network went on the Watercress line and took part in their wizard week. All of us met at Alresford train station shortly after 10.30am and we were allowed early entry  onto the train so we could choose are seats in the carriages they had set aside for the group.

It was fun watching the faces of the children (and the Adults) as the train pulled away and the smoke billowed into the air. All of us  were handed wizard "goody bags" which had a selection of items in there for the childrens entertainment and enjoyment.

It was a fun day out and the children who came along had a wonderfull time. The memory which will remain with so many of us was the united scream/ shout of glee from the children as we pulled into Ropley station and they spotted Thomas.....all you could hear echoing down and through the carriages was "THOMAS" by all the children!!

A very enjoyable day and certainly one that we can look back on and enjoy.

file:// november newsletter 2 

Volunteer waiting to help a family in Portsmouth

The NAS run befriending schemes across the UK, offering the opportunity for a one to one relationship between someone affected by an ASD (can be of any age & includes other family members) and a volunteer befriender, the schemes support hundreds of families and individuals, in their homes and local community.

Befriending is about building a relationship, sharing time, hobbies and interests.  Support and friendship from a befriender for just a couple of hours a week can make a huge difference to the whole family; it is very much a two way opportunity that is enjoyable and rewarding for all involved.

 Our Bristol scheme has been fortunate enough to be able to match volunteer befrienders with a befriendee in their local area.  In this way we have been able to support families outside of Bristol as far away as Portsmouth.  Kate, our Portsmouth volunteer has been a tremendous benefit to her befriendee and to the family for the past 2 years.  Although their befriending relationship has come to an end, Kate would like to continue befriending.  As we don't actually have a scheme in Portsmouth, at this stage we can only offer support from Kate.  She is an experienced befriender who has been fully vetted (trained, CRB checked, with 2 excellent references).
 We would like to find the best match possible as this would ensure a lasting and fulfilling relationship.  If you feel you could benefit from the support Kate is able to provide, please get in touch, if you are not successful at this stage, we would with your permission, keep your details on file in case we are able to provide more support in the future.

Please contact Emma or Debbie on 0117 974 8409; volunteering.southwest@nas.org.uk  to find out more.

On Sunday October 8th we all had the most wonderful day out at Legoland. 17 families took part in this organised trip which was made possible due to fundraising and the generoisty of various organisations.

The gratitude of the families goes to Revelations Church

                                                       Land Registry

                                                       Zurich Insurance Company

                                                       Everyone who took part in the Sponsored

                                                       Walk earlier in the year.

Due to the kindness of the above mentioned  it meant that families could go to Legoland at the heavily subsidised price of £25.00 per family and the smiles on everyones faces really was the picture of the day. The whole day was thoroughly enjoyable, people got soaked on the water rides, braved the "jungle coaster", enjoyed the lego displays, and spun to their hearts conten on the "Spinning Spiders".

On the coach everyone collapsed, tired but content and many a father was heard snoring on the return journey home!!

                    Sunday August 13th    - Admiral Lord Nelson School

I am writing this after the picnic because I just knew how much I would want to share my thoughts and experiences on the day itself! Firstly I would like to share some of the children's comments form the day itself, and this is a mixture of ASD children's remarks, and siblings:

"Wicked, when's the next one?"

"" I shall be here at 8.00 tomorrow morning to start again"

" I am not leaving"

"Have you been on that big purple thing? It's very Springy!"

"I am all painted and someone with a different accent has made me an amazing balloon!"

"I met some new friends here today, and ASD is cool"

"I want to stay on the (honeypot) bus all day and can it visit my house?"!

The parents also have some very touching comments and with over 150 people joining us throughout the day I can honestly say it was a very fun and rewarding experience on so many levels.  

There was so much to keep everyone entertained, the honeypot bus with all it's activities, from colouring, facepainting and dressing up to sitting and watching a film- Robbie, who painted fantastic tattoos and face designs for so many of the children,- David and Sarah, who made the most incredible display of balloon sculptures for the children, yet another 2 fantastic bouncy castles from Mr Bouncy, not to mention all the space and freedom, both indoors and out, where the children were able to explore all the various toys and puzzles, - Plus a fantastic raffle with so many generous prizes donated by many local companies - and of course the tuck shop and refreshments. 

 Look in to this site again soon for the photos of the day!

On Saturday April 29th we held the Library Launch for Portsmouth Autism Support Network. This was a very exciting day and we were delighted and overwhelmed by the enormous support of so many people who attended this sepcial day.

The day began by Wendy Lawson from Australia speaking to over 100 people. Wendy is an adult with autism and she presented the most incredible insight into the minds of autistic people. Her positive, caring,and genuine approach was marvellous to watch. Her explanations of how confusing the world is to autistic people, the way she explained speech patterns and thought process, not to mention her keen sense of humor, left everybody spellbound and captivated by all she had to share with so many people.

After the talk people were invited to a buffet style lunch and the afternoon was taken up with the official opening of the library and 12 other stands within the child development centre were available for people to gather information, help, advice and support.

In addition the children had access to play facilities so they could also enjoy the afternnon. A bouncy castle was provided, courtesy of "Mr Bouncy" who always kindly assists the network, the "Honey Pot Bus" was there for the course of the day for siblings and carers and during Wendys talk "Caring For You" and staff from the "Willows" provided creche facilities for the children so that parents could listen to Wendy comfortable in the knolwledge that their children were being entertained and looked after by staff sensitive to ther needs.

The whole day was an enormous success, the general atmosphere of the day was filled with laughter, support, caring and understanding. It was terrific to watch so many people, all united by autism, relaxing, enjoying and learning from the day. The children left smiling,content and happy. Watching autistic childen and their siblings playing, and enjoying themsleves in ways appropriate for themselves made the day so unique and special.

The day was made successful due to so many organisations offerring their help and support. In particular Connors Toy Library, Honey Pot Bus, and Mr Bouncy (Mr. Jones). Standard Life who produced and donated copies of the library catalogue and who also sponser and publish the monthly newsletter. The Lions who helped with deliveries and collection of items that we were unable to transport.

The library launch and resource library has been made possible due to funding received from Community Chest, The local Network and The Lions. Thank you to them all for allowing this wonderfull day and resouce library to become possible within the Portsmouth Autism Suppot Network. Yor generoisty and kindness will benefit so many families whose lives are affected by ASD.

The christmas party was held on December 11th and was an evening where children could enjoy the chance to be themselves within an understanding environment and to meet Father Christmas. The event was extremly well supported with a staggerring 150 people attending. Everyone coped extremly well in a hall that really needed to be three times bigger, yet the children coped fantastically and were all so excited about meeting Father Christmas. A bouncy castle was monitored and refreshments were available throughout the evening, but the main focus was the children, as it it always must be at christmas time. Christmas is so majical for them and seing the excitment in so many faces as Santa arrived was truly something.

The children all had their own personnal ticket and chance to meet Father Christmas, and they after they had met him and received their present, they were all presented with a chrsitmas foil ballon and another party bag. They were also all given the opportunity to have their photo taken with Father christmas!!!It was marvellous watching their faces, and knowing that all the families who attended were able to enjoy a christmas event together as a family. Often due to the nature of ASD it is hard to attend social functions as a family but the purpose of the network is to enable everyone to benefit from all events and activities that are organised.

After the event we received much thanks and gratitude from so many parents, who were overwhelmed by the fun their children had  had throughout the evening and after  the staggerring response to this event we are already looking round for a suitable larger venue for next year!!!

Thank you for all the support of so many companies who made this event possible. Primiarily the Portsmouth Lions who committed so much of their time, energy and who donated financially so generously. Peter Cooper from Volkswagon who helped sponser the event, Wilkinsons who donated vouchers and ELC who kindly donated musical instruments.

Friday August 12 Network Annual Fun day and BBQ The doors opened at 10.30 am amid much excitement for the annual network fun day and barbeque. In total 95 people were present throughout the day. There were several families for whom this was the first time they have ventured out all summer holidays and they arrived nervously and hesitantly, concerned how people would react and cope with their own children.

What parents found was a day when they could relax and not be concerned about their child’s behaviour. Children were allowed to be themselves. Siblings had a wonderful time in the knowledge that everyone there also had brothers/ sisters who had what is often classified as “unusual behaviour” so there was no need for embarrassment and parents slowly relaxed and began chatting, making new friends and were able to exchange stories and offer support from one another.

The bouncy castles provided by “Mr Bouncy” offered untold fun and enjoyment for all the children. Mr Bouncy had also donated a wonderful game called “Beat the Goalie” which every one of all ages enjoyed.A face painter was available and the children had great fun being designed in their favourite faces and having tattoos. There was a refreshment stand full of homemade cakes and biscuits, outside toys, a resource table and a raffle which was made up of the most fantastic prizes which had been donated by numerous companies supporting and helping the autism network. All the children also received a prize

As everyone within the network is aware autism is very difficult to understand and come to terms with, no two children with autism are the same and their behaviour is often perceived as “naughty” by society. Parents are often belittled and upset by unkind remarks and many families become isolated due to societies inability to accept these children. In parks other children frequently look upon ASD kids as “weirdoes and geeks”. They become easy targets for bullies and are ridiculed by their behaviour. Many parents of ASD children resign themselves to the fact that they can not attend parks or go to “normal” social functions as people are unable to cope with their child’s mannerisms and behaviours. One family who attended the day admitted it was the first time this summer they had all gone out as a family Events like these are so important for everyone, the parents, the siblings and the ASD children.

Thanks to the overwhelming kindness and generosity of so many people this event was a major success on so many levels and perhaps the most important aspect was the comment from one child with autism who summarised the sentiments of so many people when he excitedly announced” This is my best day ever”. Thank you to everyone.

october newsletter (1244kb)

Thank you to so many of you who sponsored everyone who took part in this fundraising event for he network. People were so generous and kind, and as soon as the final total is accounted for and all the moies collected I shall advertise and inform everyone how much money we made. At present the grand total stands at £250.00 with still some more money being collected and handed in to the participants.

I would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who took part in this event. The weather was horrific. The wind, rain, hailstones......real British weather and I can honestly say it was a walking nightmare, yet somehow we all strode on and did it for all the other families in the network. Christopher and Martin managed to walk the entire 15 miles and against all the odds even managed to smile and laugh( not while the hailstones were falling I miust admit!!). Alex and Vicky, Anthony and Katy Ann all walked 4 miles and all of them deserve congratulations and compliments for their success and perseverance for battling against the odds.

The adults who walked were myself, Jenny (siblings representative) Sally and Tracey. I think all of us experienced every emotion going throughout this walk but the smile on peoples faces at the end of the day did make it all worth while and now we are hoping to put all the money raised towards a family day trip for some of the families within the network,to go to Legoland Windsor.

 Kev Bradshaw is  a parent of a child with autism.  Their family have all benefited from Portsmouth Autism Support Network. Kevin and Brenda, attend the support meetings, Sophie their daughter attends the siblings group and Liam their son, attends various social activities.  Kevin will be doing the Great South Run on Sunday October 22^nd and he is  asking people to sponsor him.  Kevin is donating all the proceeds raised for Portsmouth Autism Support Network to further increase awareness of autism and give the children a chance to take part in future social activities and events. Please support Kevin and all the had work and effort he has put into training for the Great South Run and please show your support by offerring to sponsor him and by so doing helping other families within the network.

If you would like to sponsor Kevin to complete the Great South Run sponsor forms will be available at all meetings, events and activities held by the network or if you are unable to attend the meetings but would like to sponsor Kevin in this fundraising event, please feel free to e-mail the autism network on enquiries@portsmouth-autism-support.co.uk  Thank you inadvance for your generosity, help and support.

The official launch of this website www.portsmouth-autism-support.co.uk took place on Saturday 28th February 2004. The event was very sucessful, with over 60 people in attendance, a mixture of parents and interested professionals.

The need for a variety of support groups, including one for siblings of children on the autistic spectrum, was identified, and we are pleased that two of these groups have now been set up.

Watch this space for further details!

In December we held a christmas party for all children and their families. This proved to be a very popular and thoroughly enjoyable evening and it was lovely to see how well it was attended.

The siblings group, which runs fortnightly, helped organise and run this event and it was nice to see so many families all relaxed and enjoying themselves with no fear of repercussions from the antics which can sometimes be displayed by children on the spectrum. Everyone let the children and the evening unfold in the true spirit of chirstmas.

There was a disco, party games, a vasy array of food and of course a much required visit from Father Christmas who safely delivered peresents to all the children. The children were very excited at the arrival of Father Christmas as was to be expected and the look of wonder and joy on all of their faces made the evening a very special occassion to remember.

Some of the people who came said they had been looking forward to is, as it was nice knowing that their children and siblings could all attend somewhere as a family, with no fear of repercussions, knowing that everyone there present understood the difficulties that children on the spectrum can and do encounter.

A thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding evening.

On Tuesday April 5 a Spring Party was held at Binstead Community Centre. It was an open evening for all families and their siblings who have children on the autistic spectrum.

It was a very pleasant informal evening. Children and parents alike thoroughly enjoyed the activities, which involved a small disco, dancing and various games. The children had great fun participating within the games and all children were rewarded by plenty of prizes.

The evening was accompanied by much fun, laughter and general participation by all the children as they relaxed and took part in the games/ activities and this gave parents the chance to relax and meet new friends.

Upon the success of the party we are hoping that this will become a regular "termly" event giving all members of the family the opportunity to participate in a non-judgmental environment . Children will have the opportunity to participate if they desire and parents will have the chance to meet new friends and offer support and encouragment to one another.