National Autistic Society, Wales

6 & 7 Village Way
Greenmeadow
Springs Business Park
Tongwynlais
Cardiff
CF15 7NE

Tel (Helpline): 0845 070 4004
Tel (Parent-to-Parent): 0800 9520 520
Tel (Admin): 01792 815915
Tel (Membership): 020 7903 3563
Tel (Education Advocacy): 0845 070 4002
Web: www.autism.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=408
Best time to telephone: 10am - 4pm, Monday - Friday

The National Autistic Society exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs. The aims of the Society are as follows.

• To offer families and carers information, advice and support.
• To improve awareness amongst key decision-makers, professionals and the general public.
• To provide training and promote research into autism.
• To develop a range of educational and support services for people with autism.

Activities of the Society in Wales, include the following.

• Runs a helpline and information service for people with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), their parents, carers and professionally interested people on the nature of autism, the type of services available, and teaching methods.
• Produces a range of literature on autism, including a journal Communication available to members.
• Organises a wide range of courses and conferences for parents, carers and practitioners.
• Runs a voluntary network of befrienders working with people with autism and their families.
• Offers an accreditation scheme for autism specific education and care programmes.
• Policy work via the policy officer based in Cardiff.
• Family services in Newport offering direct support to families.
• Runs The Help! Programme. An information programme for parents whose child has received an ASD diagnosis in the previous 18 months.
• Is setting up social groups in Wales for adults with Asperger syndrome.

Contact the Society for further information or a detailed factsheet on its aims and activities.