Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today
Caerphilly’s Senedd Member will be holding a surgery event for constituents dealing with autism.
Hefin David MS will be at the Autistic Minds community hub in Caerphilly town centre on Monday, September 27, to speak with and answer questions from people who have autism, as well as family members of people with autism.
Dr David said: “I’m a parent of a child with Autism and so I know the challenges that looking after a family member with Autism can bring.
What is autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a life-long condition which can affect people in different ways.
The brain of an autistic person works differently to that of a neurotypical person (someone without autism), which can lead to people with autism experiencing difficulties socialising and communicating with other people.
Autistic people can often have intense and highly-focused interests and hobbies.
There are around 700,000 people in the UK who have autism.
Autism is not an illness or a disease.
Research carried out by the National Autistic Society found that only 16% of autistic adults in the UK are in full-time employment, while only 20% have a CV.
They also found 90% of autistic people reported having anxiety and depression and are also dealing with social isolation.
“I’m pleased to be holding this event with the Autistic Minds charity in Caerphilly and I hope people will find the session valuable.”
Autistic Minds, which used to be known as the Autism Directory, first opened its hub on Market Street, Caerphilly, in September 2020.
As well as support groups and advice sessions for autistic people and their families, the hub offers support with job applications, social skills and more.
The charity also offers employment opportunities within its ranks for autistic people, with 60% of its staff having autism.
During the pandemic, much of what the hub has offered has been done remotely, but now restrictions have eased, it’s moving to a more hybrid approach.
Anyone interested in attending the surgery can contact Autistic Minds to arrange a timeslot.
Autistic Minds can be contacted on caerphilly@autisticminds.org.uk or 02920 108921.
History of Autistic Minds
The charity was set up as the Autism Directory in 2010 by Nadine Honeybone, after she struggled to find information and support for her autistic son.
Since then, the charity has grown and expanded across south Wales, opening a number of community hubs from which autistic adults and their families can receive support and advice and socialise with other autistic people and their families.
The charity is based in Treforest, and opened its community hub in Caerphilly in September 2020.
The hub was opened thanks to support from Caerphilly Comic Con, which was held at St Cenydd Leisure Centre in 2019, as well as from money raised by Caerphilly town mayor Mike Prew in 2018/19, where he chose the Autism Directory as one of his two chosen charities.
It rebranded as Autistic Minds in August 2021.
Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts.
Become a member today