I have now personally taken up this issue and I can promise the Sheffield Autistic Society and the young people and parents they represent that no changes which affect service provision to parents and children will take place until they have been properly consulted. I have been assured by Council officers that future consultation on any such changes is already planned. But if anyone has evidence to the contrary then please get in touch with me as soon as possible.

As the new Cabinet Adviser for Children's Services I would like to outline that we are extremely keen to work with parents and carers in developing the services to improve education outcomes of these children. Managers of these services will be contacting parents and carers of children with autism or Aspergers Syndrome to arrange a meeting, together with people from the Autistic Society, to discuss all these issues in the very near future.

Coun Alison Brelsford, Cabinet Adviser Children's Services, Sheffield City Council.

Trekking in Tuscany
Through my work with the National Autistic Society (NAS), helping to raise awareness of autism, I have learnt about an exciting trek in Tuscany, which I wanted to let your readers know about.

The Tuscany 3 Peaks is taking place from 19-22 September and is set to be a real challenge but also fantastic fun. Those taking part will be helping the over half a million people in the UK with autism and supporting crucial NAS services.

I would be so very grateful if you could let your readers know about this wonderful fundraising event. Autism, which is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition, is still greatly misunderstood and much more common than many other conditions which get far more attention.

If any of your readers are interested in finding out more about the trek, they can contact the NAS on 08450 509 001 or email getmilesmore@nas.org.uk
Lesley Garrett , soprano and Autism Champion