North west charity Autism Together is asking families affected by autism for their help with a special research project.
Those completing a simple online questionnaire (www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XB6NFT5) will have their names entered into a hat.
Win a luxurious hotel stay
One family will win an overnight stay at the luxurious Malmaison hotel on Liverpool’s famous waterfront, pictured above and below. The hotel is an Autism Champion, with staff trained in how to support those on the spectrum.
The five-minute questionnaire will ask people to think about what life could be like 50 years into the future for people on the spectrum; what changes they feel should be made to improve lives, how they feel people with autism will be supported in the future and what they could be contributing to a future society.
A report based on the research will be published in early 2018.
Energy and creativity
Robin Bush, chief executive of Autism Together, said: “Next year is a big year for our organisation. We could spend 2018 looking back at our charity’s first 50 years. What we’d rather do, though, is use the remarkable energy and creativity within the autism community to look ahead and ask some big questions about society.
“As recently as 30 years ago, outside autism circles, knowledge of the condition pretty much started and stopped with the film Rain Man.
“Yet look where we are today – with massively increased awareness. Our question now is: what do we want for our future?”
Pioneering history of Autism Together
Autism Together has a pioneering history. It was founded in 1968 as Wirral Society for Autistic Children by a group of concerned parents, one of whom refused to pay his taxes unless his autistic son was offered the opportunity of an education. This bold move resulted in a parliamentary debate and the beginnings of special education provision.
Today the charity employs 1,000 people across Merseyside, North Wales and Cheshire and offers a broad range residential and day services. It has won a dozen awards in the past four years for its services for people on the spectrum.
Complete the survey for your chance to win
To complete the survey visit: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XB6NFT5
For further information about the project, please email: PR@autismtogether.co.uk
