NAS August Monthly E-newsletter

Welcome to the National Autistic Society’s monthly e-newsletter!

It’s already time to start thinking about school, and the National Autistic Society teamed up with Marks & Spencer to support the development of their brand new ‘Easy Dressing’ school uniform collection, designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum. Students at our very own Helen Allison School told the designers what they like and don’t like about clothes – particularly things like labels and fastening that can feel very fiddly, and even painful and distracting because of their sensory sensitivities. Then they helped test the designs, which include trousers, shorts, and a seam-free long-sleeved polo shirt.

10% of the proceeds from the ‘Easy Dressing’ collection will go to our charity. The range, which went on sale on 1 August, is available to buy on the Marks & Spencer website.

Autistic actors wanted

We’re making a brand new film for our Too Much Information campaign. We’re focusing on the struggle autistic people can have to find full-time employment.

We’re looking for an autistic actor/actress. Ideally you’ll be in your late twenties or early thirties and have experienced challenges in the workplace due to attitudes towards autism.

Autism Uncut Film & Media Awards

We have officially launched the Autism Uncut Film & Media Awards 2017, a competition to celebrate the best of TV, film and media that helps give the public a greater picture of autism. Know a budding filmmaker? We’re looking for short films from student filmmakers, aspiring filmmakers and professionals.

Call for volunteers!

Our Autism Helpline and Supporter Relations team have some exciting volunteering opportunities to get involved in. By giving just a few hours each week you can provide vital support to our busy, dynamic team, based in our head office, London. Whether you’re interested in talking to people, helping with administration, supporting people online, we have the right role for you.

All new teachers in England to learn about autism

Our campaign to make autism a necessary part of teacher training has succeeded. From September 2018, every new teacher in England will have to learn about the needs of autistic children as part of their training. Aspiring teachers who want to get a head start can sign up to MyWorld for our free resources.

Art sensory exhibition in Acton, London on 11 August

Autistic adults we work with in our daytime hub in Acton, London, are holding a ‘sensory art’ exhibition on Thursday, 11 August. Come along and see the unique journey of each artist expressed through pieces of art. By each focusing on a particular sensory need, the artists have created a variety of work, all of which tells its own story. Everyone is welcome so we’d love to see some of you at the exhibition showing your support.