Triple A – All About Autism charity hosted its Reconnect event in Penrith n March 18th to celebrate Neurodiversity Week. The event highlighted the diversity of autistic and ADHD individuals and provided a platform for Manager Kate to share our Adult Autism Pathways project report.
It was great to meet so many people and discuss their experience of the referral and diagnosis process and hear about what services and support is needed locally.
Sheila Gregory, Chair of Triple A said of the event:
“It is a chance for neurodiverse people, friends and families to get together, enjoy themselves and share ideas.”
As well as engaging and through-provoking speakers there were exhibition stands from a wide variety of local organisations connected to or with an interest in autism, from Team Autism and Bee Unique, to North Cumbria Integrated Care and a team from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office.
There was also an art exhibition, beautiful gifts from Flutter & Fern, whose creator, Joanne, is autistic, craft sessions, an incredibly detailed Warhammer exhibit, and brilliant folk group, The Patterers, both of whom are autistic.
Volunteers Hannah and Jake both got a lot out of the event, and both made insightful contributions to the discussion. It was an honour to work alongside them.
Kate said:
“It was a pleasure to meet so many people working on different projects as part of Triple A, including Yves, who runs art, craft and gaming sessions across Westmorland and Furness, to Emma who is changing lives with her women’s support group. And, of course, Chair Sheila, who is inspirational in her commitment to improving autistic lives.
“Several people told me that people had previously said to them, ‘You don’t look autistic’. From Triple A’s event I would say, this is what autistic people look like: successful business people, talented writers and performers of wonderful music, people making a difference. A community as diverse as any other.
“At the same time, it was disappointing to hear that waiting lists for diagnosis have got worse since our Adult Autism Pathways report was published. Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness is working with Westmorland and Furness Council and the NHS to progress the recommendations from our project.”
Thank you Triple A for hosting a wonderful event.