A new DVD that gives you an insight into living with Asperger Syndrome was launched this week by the Nottingham City Asperger Service.
The service, part of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, provides diagnostic assessment and support to adults with Asperger Syndrome in the city area.
Asperger Syndrome is part of the autism spectrum disorder that affects how the individual interacts, communicates and relates to people and how they experience their environment.
The DVD, Being Different: Living Life with Asperger Syndrome was developed with a group of service users to provide accurate and relevant information about Asperger Syndrome to the wider public.
The launch of the DVD took place at Nottingham Contemporary and included a preview of the film. The mother of a son with Asperger was at the launch and found the DVD extremely useful:
“It was insightful to hear the views of other service users and parents. I am so grateful for the help me and my son have received from the service and I feel that the DVD helps to raise awareness of the condition and show Aspergers in a very positive light.”
The DVD includes questions and answers about issues such as employment, relationships, advantages and social difficulties and is open to anyone who is in contact with adults and families with Asperger Syndrome.
Autism spectrum disorder affects about 1% of our population. For Nottinghamshire this means that about 7800 children and adults will have significant social difficulties affecting all areas of life.
People who have Asperger Syndrome do not always immediately come across as being different to people without the condition. Each individual with Asperger syndrome is affected differently, but they share the same common difficulties with communication and interaction. In this respect it can sometimes be seen as a ‘hidden’ disability.
Jacqueline Dziewanowska, Autism Spectrum Disorder Nurse Consultant said: “The launch was a huge success and we are delighted with the feedback we have received about the DVD. We hope that service users and professionals will find the DVD useful and want to thank the staff and service users who were involved in such a fantastic project.”
The DVD is on sale now for £14.99. If you would like a copy please contact the Nottingham City Asperger Service on 0115 8542207.
