Edinburgh Lothian Asperger Society — ELAS

by Mark Keenan

Purpose

Asperger Syndrome (AS) is at the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. ELAS exists to provide a social group for adults aged 18 and over with AS in the Edinburgh and Lothians area of Scotland.

Purpose of Meetings

To provide an opportunity for people with AS to accept, value, support and encourage one another
• to provide information about AS and relevant local events
• to provide the opportunity to be with similar people
• to exchange ideas and social activities/interests
• to invite visiting speakers to talk about relevant issues
• to link people with
the NHS Adults Autism Co-ordinator for the Lothians
• a professional at Moving IntoWork with a view to exploring study or work opportunities
• a befriender for those who would like additional friendship
• a counsellor for those who would like to discuss personal issues

Who comes to meetings?

Adults with AS or adults who think they may have AS
• Partners or friends of adults who attend
• Health, social workers or other professionals by prior arrangement

Format of meetings

About 6 to 10 people attend the monthly meetings.

Meetings normally follow an agenda.  This would be sent out to all members prior to monthly meetings.  News in the AS/autism scene will be covered, the group will look at arranging the next Social event usually at the end of each month, and then some topic of interest will be discussed in the meeting.  For example we are currently looking at developing the ELAS website (this site) as well as other plans for ELAS.  We hope in future to have more talks and discussions on topics relevant to the AS community.

ELAS structure/finance

ELAS adopted its constitution on 12 May 2003
• ELAS has an administrator and a treasurer who are elected
• Meetings are led by ELAS' administrator, and a facilitator from Number 6 also attends.

Other aims

To participate in the Autism Alliance
• To keep informed of news in the National Autistic Society and participate in appropriate events.
• To provide input to government policy documents
• To maintain contact with appropriate professionals

Hopes for the future

To share ideas and coping strategies in order to promote self help
• To expand this Web site with articles and a members' forum
• To keep in touch with those who cannot attend meetings
• To keep in contact with other autism organisations locally and nationally

ELAS Contact:	Mark Keenan	keeno.1(at)blueyonder.co.uk