Blogs

The Autism Treatment Trust is conducting a pilot study with the aim of finding out how cognitive abilities in autism should be measured.  The project should provide a greater understanding of autistic syndromes and how best to assist people affected by autism with intervention and provisions.  The Trust is looking for children to participate in the pilot study - including children with disabilities other than autism.  Participation would involve one visit to the ATT clinic in Edinburgh, lasting around 2-3 hours.

To find out more, contact the Autism Treatment Trust on 0131 558 7444 or by email to admin@autismtrust.org.uk

Syllabus dates for 2010

12 May 2010 SQA Digital Exams/Where to get "books for all"/Using audio to read and record. Paul Nesbit, Senior Research Fellow, CALL Scotland, Moray House College of Education, University of Edinburgh.

Location: North Berwick Community Centre, 7.30-9pm

9 June 2010 From literacy in primary schools to literacy in prison.  Anne Marie West.  How working with all types of literacy problems including dyslexia in young children led to working with youths with little or no literacy in Polmont Young Offenders Institution.

Location: Drummond Community High School, Edinburgh.  7.30-9pm

All welcome.  Refreshments served with time to chat to others.  For more information, visit www.dsse.org.uk or email info@dsse.org.uk

Dyslexia Scotland helpline - Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, 0844 800 8484

Finances can be a major concern for families with disabled children.

In 2008 Contact a Family asked families about their finances and the results were shocking, with one in six families reporting that they were going without food and heating. 

Now, two years on, we would like to ask families about their finances again so that we are able to demonstrate if and how things have changed. There is a lot of talk that the economy has turned a corner and things are beginning to improve. But we would like to know what the experience of families with disabled children is. 

Do you live in Midlothian and care for a pre-school child with language delay or additional needs? If so, you may be interested in Music for U, which is on every Friday morning during term time in Penicuik.

Children have the opportunity to participate in a small group music session, allowing for flexibility depending on the individual's abilities and needs. The sessions include singing, action songs, instrument playing and opportunities for sensory and visual stimulation. In addition, the children also have time to play.

The 2009 family day out in the botanics was a great success!

Sleep Scotland, a charity for children with additional support needs and sleep problems seek two professionals from Education, Health or Social Work looking for a worthwhile and challenging volunteering position.  These part-time, volunteer positions may suit professionals recently retired, or those looking for a new challenge. The Volunteer Sleep Counsellors must be able to work and support families living in Edinburgh.

The main duties of a Sleep Counsellor are: to set up a Sleep Clinic with support from Sleep Scotland and meet with children and their families, evaluate the information received, put in place a tailor-made sleep programme and provide follow up support and advice.

Salary: There is no salary but expenses will be paid.  The successful candidates will be provided with 6 full days training starting in May and on- going support.

Hello to all SNIP readers!  My name is Laurie, and I am a dietitian based in Edinburgh working on a project with children at home on tube feeding.  I have recently joined up with a group of doctors, nurses and dietitians to try and look at ways of improving the care and support we offer to patients and their families who deal with tube feeding daily.

We are looking for a parent or carer who would be willing to join our group to discuss any ideas or concerns you may have about care for children at home on tube feeding.  Your input would be highly valued and would help us work towards creating an even better service for all of these children.  If this is something you would like to be involved in, please drop me a line to laurie.eyles@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk or call me on 0131 537 6053.

The Family Fund has been able to revise the age limit for children in Scotland with immediate effect. This means that they will be able to consider applications on behalf of young people aged 16, up until the young person’s 17th birthday. An application must be received at the Family Fund office before the date of the young person’s 17th birthday. Both the young person and the family will need to meet the Fund’s eligibility criteria.

If you would like to find out more about this, you can contact the SNIP helpline on 0131 536 0583, or contact the Family Fund direct on 0845 130 4542.