What is Autism?

According to the National Autistic Society (NAS):

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others.

Autism is a spectrum condition. All autistic people share certain difficulties, but being autistic will affect them in different ways.

Other Names for Autism

Different labels have historically been used to diagnose autism:

– autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
– autism spectrum condition (ASC)
– classic autism
– Kanner autism
– pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)
– high-functioning autism (HFA)
– Asperger syndrome
– Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

This reflects the different diagnostic manuals and tools used, and the different autism profiles presented by individuals.

Virtual Q&A Regarding Social Communication Pathway

Following last year's approval of the new Social Communication Pathway (SCP) for Manchester, we have been working with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to run a parent/carer session where you will be able to ask questions you may have about this new

By Jordan @ MPCF|2021-03-15T15:58:58+00:00March 18th, 2021|Categories: Community, Learning|Tags: autism, CAMHS, Carol Kendrick Centre, Social Communication Pathway|

Review of Social Communication Pathway Diagnostic Reports

Review of Social Communication Pathway Diagnostic Reports

Manchester's Autism Board are reviewing how they write their diagnostic reports for the Social Communication Pathway (SCP) and are looking for parents to join the panel that looks into what the reports should look like. The panel's meeting will be on 11th March, 9:30-11am,

By Jordan @ MPCF|2021-03-06T19:32:42+00:00March 11th, 2021|Categories: Co-Production, Meeting|Tags: autism, Clinical Service for Children with Disabilities, co-production, Health, Jo Bromley, SCAIT, Social Communication Pathway|

Review of Social Communication Pathway Diagnostic Reports

Review of Social Communication Pathway Diagnostic Reports

We are looking for parents/carers to join a panel that will review how diagnostic reports for the Social Communication Pathway (SCP) are written. The panel's meeting will be on 11th March, 9:30-11am, and we would like to invite 2 parents/carers to join the forum in

By Jordan @ MPCF|2021-03-06T19:40:19+00:00March 10th, 2021|Categories: Co-Production, Meeting|Tags: autism, Clinical Service for Children with Disabilities, co-production, Health, Jo Bromley, SCAIT, Social Communication Pathway|

Co-production with Children’s Community Health Services

Co-production with Children’s Community Health Services

We recently invited various partners from Manchester's Education, Health and Care services to reflect and share with us how co-production has helped them deliver SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) provision to our families. Below is a message from Laila Baig (Head of Service Children

By Jordan @ MPCF|2020-07-10T13:38:59+01:00July 10th, 2020|Categories: Celebration|Tags: About Me, autism, co-production, Community Health, Health, Manchester Local Care Organisation, More About Me, National Co-production Week, Social Communication Pathway|

Improved Social Communication Pathway in Manchester

Improved Social Communication Pathway in Manchester

We recently received great news that, because the Social Communication Pathway pilot in South Manchester has improved the experience and wait time for children and young people undergoing assessment for autism, the pathway has now been approved for a city-wide roll out. This means

By Jordan @ MPCF|2021-06-27T18:47:54+01:00July 10th, 2020|Categories: Information Sharing|Tags: assessment, autism, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Health, MFT, SCAIT, Social Communication Pathway|

Parent Sharing: Setting up a Support Group with a Difference

Parent Sharing: Setting up a Support Group with a Difference

After my son got a diagnosis of ASD at 2 years old, I felt alone. The waiting lists for SALT, OT and other services seemed endless. A few parents have approached me with the same heartache and I want that to change. Alongside MPCF I

By Jenna Hillyard|2021-02-28T13:12:32+00:00June 24th, 2020|Categories: Parent Sharing|Tags: autism, coffee morning, occupational therapy, SPACE Group, speech and language therapy, support group|

Back to School Resources for Autistic Students, Their Parents and Schools/Colleges

Back to School Resources for Autistic Students, Their Parents and Schools/Colleges

At the start of June, Manchester produced a "back to school" pack that staff from Educational Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy and the Clinical Service for Children with Disabilities have put together as a multi-agency project. It includes a pack for parents, booklets for younger

By Jordan @ MPCF|2020-06-22T14:48:17+01:00June 20th, 2020|Categories: Information Sharing|Tags: autism, CAMHS, Clinical Service for Children with Disabilities, coronavirus, Covid-19, Education, educational psychology, One Education, SCAIT, speech and language therapy|

“Creative Take Aways” for Neurodivergent Young People

“Creative Take Aways” for Neurodivergent Young People

We have recently been contacted by Starling, a charity that uses creativity and the arts to amplify the lived experience of neurodivergent young people, to bring good news about their "Creative Take Aways" project. The project, which makes free Creative Wellbeing Packs and access to

By Jordan @ MPCF|2020-05-11T17:34:17+01:00May 11th, 2020|Categories: Information Sharing|Tags: ADHD, autism, coronavirus, Covid-19, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, neurodiversity, Starling, Tourette's Syndrome|

Q&A from the April Virtual Local Offer Drop-in

Q&A from the April Virtual Local Offer Drop-in

We asked participating organisations/teams in last month's Virtual SEND Local Offer Drop-in to collate questions that parents asked them so we can share the information to more parents & carers.Below are the questions that parents asked at the April SEND Drop-in (click or tap a

By Jordan @ MPCF|2020-05-10T11:24:12+01:00May 9th, 2020|Categories: Information Sharing|Tags: autism, Citizens Advice Bureau, coronavirus, Covid-19, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), EHCP, Free School Meals, Help and Support Manchester, IAS, IASM, Local Offer, One Education, Short Breaks, siblings, SIBS, Specialist Resource Team, Variety, young carers|

Educational Psychology Helpline for Parents/Carers of Children with an Autism Diagnosis from North, Central or South Manchester CAMHS

Educational Psychology Helpline for Parents/Carers of Children with an Autism Diagnosis from North, Central or South Manchester CAMHS

Please see below the message from One Education regarding their offer to provide telephone support to parents of young people with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder): During this period of school closure, Educational Psychologists are available to provide advice to parents/carers of children and young people