To mark our 50th birthday on 17 May, we will be publishing the results of the largest ever survey, looking at what it’s like to live with autism in 2012.
There are a number of key themes arising from the survey, and we are looking for people who can share their personal stories via the media. Once you have had a chance to look at the list of opportunities, please feel free to get in touch by emailing aan@nas.org.uk, if you want to share your story with local or national print journalists.
In particular, we are looking for:
- adults who have waited a long time to get a diagnosis
- parents who have struggled to or are struggling to get a diagnosis for their child
- adults who have paid to get a diagnosis privately and anyone who has then struggled to have that diagnosis recognised
- women who have struggled to get their condition diagnosed and anyone who has developed mental/physical health problems as a result
- adults who are not in education, employment or training and do not think they will ever get a job
- adults who have experienced bullying of harassment at work
- adults and children with autism who have struggled with isolation, friendship and bullying
- carers with of adults with autism who worry about what will happen to their children when they are no longer able to support them
Of course, we are also really keen to hear any positive stories about how you have been able to overcome these kinds of challenges.
For anyone who is more keen to do some general awareness-raising press around the 50th birthday, we also have a template press release about why you want people to celebrate 50 years of the NAS. You can get a copy and instructions for completing this action by emailing aan@nas.org.uk.