An Asperger’s syndrome support group is to be launched in Leominster later this month in order to bring together parents whose children have autistic spectrum disorders.
An off-shoot of the National Autistic Society, the group will have its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, April 15, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the committee room at Leominster Community Centre.
Aimed at providing mutual support and a sharing of information, resources and experience, it’s hoped the group will meet on a monthly basis and a newsletter will also be produced.
Organised by local author Jo Mary Stafford, whose call for more support for families dealing with Asperger’s was featured in the Journal last month, she has decided to take this first step in forming a Leominster support group.
Jo, whose son has become “something of a role model” for adults with Asperger’s, a complex disorder of the neurological system, plans to share her research, and extensive files with the group, and also act as a catalyst in bringing together the parents of Asperger’s Syndrome ‘children’ of all ages.
She explained: “Later it is hoped the group will grow in response to its particular needs, with friendships being formed and problems shared and, hopefully, halved.
“Diagnosed at an early stage, the prognosis is relatively good but this often depends on how much support within the family that the main carer can call upon to reinforce ground rules etc,” she said.
“However, because many fathers of such autistic children have themselves elements of the condition – characterised by a lack of imagination and empathy – the mother is often isolated and accused of poor parenting skills. This has a snowball effect and is a major cause of breakdown within the family group, placing often unbearable stresses on the most pivotal member of the family.”
A charge of £2 will be made to cover room rental.
For further information contact Jo Mary Stafford on 01568 614993 or e-mail jomarystafford@tiscali.co.uk