So Somerset

Autism and Asperger Syndrome (AS) are part of a range of disorders that cause communication and emotional problems. To people with these disorders the world can appear chaotic with no clear boundaries, order or meaning.

People with the condition often find it difficult to cope in social situations which can mean everyday activities such as going to work or getting a bus, are incredibly difficult.

They can have difficulties in understanding non-verbal communication such as body language and facial expressions which can account for around 80% of how we communicate with each other.

"It’s a bit like being on a different planet where you can’t speak the language," said Diane Rawlings, area manager for the National Autistic Society (NAS) in Somerset.

People at the higher functioning end of the scale (meaning they have an IQ of above 70) can often fall through the net in terms of services available.

A recent survey conducted by the NAS found that only 15% of adults with autism in England are in full-time paid employment. This is because there is a lack of services available to young people during the transitional period between school, higher education, training and employment. In Somerset, there is only one support group in Yeovil.

Friend for life

Although there are many schemes to help people with or who are affected by Autism in Somerset, there are few which are aimed solely at young people.

Matthew Cummings, 27, from Yatton, agrees with the report. He said he would like more opportunities to mix with young people as did Eva Glen, 28, from Weston-super-Mare who also has AS.

The scheme helps to bridge the gap between their home life and the outside wider community.

Befrienders have to have a long term commitment to person they are befriending as people with autism find it difficult to have different people coming in and out of their lives.

"The trick is to match people correctly. [Befrienders] must have respect for the individual as they are the same as you or I. When you get it right it really benefits everyone," said Ms Rawlings.

The scheme has an impact. "It is nice that someone cares for me and wants to help me," said Matthew.

Matthew Richards, from Weston-Super-Mare, has been befriending a 21-year-old man with AS since May.

"It should never feel like you are making an appointment, I can't stress that enough," he said.

He said he became involved with the scheme after he became interested in the condition through one of his friends.

"A friend who I've known for ten years has AS- he was my friend long before I knew he had it.

"I was fascinated by the condition - everyone with it is different. I wanted to know what it was and how I could make a positive difference to the lives of people with the condition."

Autscape

A special event, Autscape, which was organised for and by people with autism or AS, was held in Radstock in North Somerset in August.

Now in its third year, Autscape is a conference whereby the audience is mainly autistic people.

Non-autistic people are welcome, however the majority of the activities are based around autistic peoples' needs.

Workshops include advising attendees on how to communicate effectively and advice on how to beat loneliness.

The location of the conference, Radstock in North Somerset, was chosen as it is a "peaceful rural retreat centre surrounded by extensive and picturesque grounds".

It is being kept as autism-friendly as possible, with spaces for people to go and fluorescent lighting, which can be a source of pain or irritation to people with autism, is being kept to a minimum.

For more information about the services available to people affected by Autism or AS in Somerset, click on the NAS website:

Or call the NAS Autism Helpline on: 0845 070 4004 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, (local rates apply).