UK Autism News

The UK Autism Foundation has endorsed ‘Gauntlet’ the thriller written by the Canadian author, Richard Aaron. The book was recently launched in London in the House of Commons in the Palace of Westminster. Richard Aaron met with British autism campaigners Lee Scott MP, Member of the House of Commons Select Committee on Health and Patron of UKAF, together with Ivan Corea of the UK Autism Foundation. UKAF hopes to hand over signed copies to Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg.

Richard Aaron has modelled the hero of his new novel Gauntlet, a techno-thriller, on his own autistic son, now a young adult. The book is a tribute to the special and often unrecognized talents possessed by his son, and Richard hopes it will encourage people to see past autism to the very real abilities that many autistic people have.

Gauntlet, the new techno-thriller from Richard Aaron, published by Glass House Press, introduces the world to autistic savant Hamilton Turbee, a character who embodies both the astounding abilities and tragic misunderstandings of autism. Richard goes one step further and puts a young man with the social condition on the international stage. Turbee proves himself to be the only one capable of tracking the bad guys when he becomes the one with the answers to the questions. His specific brain chemistry and functionality set him up, in the end, as the man who might save the nation.

For the first time, an autistic person plays 007; America’s hero, out to stop the attack in the only way he understands – by being more clever than anyone else.

As father to an autistic child, Richard Aaron writes from personal experience and a longtime study of the condition, making Turbee both realistic and understandable, and giving the world a better idea of the many aspects that go into the disorder. The author has made it his personal mission to inspire his own son, Taylor, and the thousands of autistic children throughout the world, by giving them a role model worth their attention.

On a larger scale, Gauntlet is a very current story about terrorism on American soil, with all the bells and whistles of a great international suspense/techno thriller novel. Aaron has included an added depth with a cast of unique and important characters, working both for and against each other in a mad race against the clock. Conspiracy theories abound, and the bad guys keep the good guys in the dark until the last second.

'I was delighted to meet Richard Aaron in the Palace of Westminster, during his visit to London. I look forward to reading 'Gauntlet.' The main character in his book has autism. Many of us in the House of Commons have been campaigning on the serious issues concerning autism and Asperger's Syndrome. As Patron of the UK Autism Foundation I welcome Richard Aaron's commitment to all people with autism...'

Lee Scott MP
House of Commons
Westminster

' Computer mastermind Hamilton Turbee, the hero in Richard Aaron's book 'Gauntlet' has autism and yet he was given the chance to fulfil his potential. I found 'Gauntlet' absolutely riveting - it is such a good read and a fiction masterpiece. 'Gauntlet' is a huge plus for all people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome around the world - they all have potential....'

Ivan Corea
UK Autism Foundation

The UK Autism Foundation is recommending the moving story 'Twin Brothers Worlds Apart,' written by Kevin Healey who has Asperger's Syndrome.

Ivan Corea said: 'Kevin Healey is a wonderful champion for autism and Asperger's Syndrome in the United Kingdom. I am delighted to invite him to join an Advisory Board for the UK Autism Foundation. He has been an amazing advocate for autism and Asperger's Syndrome. His voice deserves to be heard.'

Kevin Healey has released a book: 'Twin Brothers Worlds Apart.' It is an autobiography about identical twins Shaun, who has autism, and Kevin, who has Asperger syndrome, living in their own worlds.

' Twin Brothers Worlds Apart,' is a journey of sadness and happiness, Kevin Healey, founder of NSAAA and SAAS, writes about his experience - living with this condition. He is a marvellous Ambassador for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome in the United Kingdom.

So take a step into their world of autism.

RRP £12.99 P&P £1.50

To order the Kevin Healey book please contact:

By Post :
Staffordshire Adult Autistic Society
Po Box 2977
Newcastle Under Lyme
Staffordshire
ST55 9DN

Channel 4's Year Dot is a groundbreaking initiative, following the lives of 15 young people while they look for support online in their "Year Dot" - a defining year in their life.The UK Autism Foundation has applauded the courage one of the 15 Year Dotters, Josh Muggleton who has Asperger's Syndrome.Josh is also a National Councillor for the NAS.

He has recently gone off to St' Andrews University and Channel 4 are following his progress as he embarks on this new venture and deals with Asperger's Syndrome.

Josh often does public speeches to raise awareness about Aspergers and he is currently writing his own book to help increase understanding of ASD. At the moment, Josh is getting to grips with his book on Asperger syndrome but is only too aware of how much he has left to write. He’s so passionate about getting his experiences out there that he’s putting a lot of extra pressure on himself to get it finished.

View the latest catch up video featuring Josh here:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=55845742

Here is the link to Josh's profile and blogs:
http://www.yeardot.co.uk/whoweare-10/videotype-5/josh-muggleton.html

More information can be found at www.yeardot.co.uk

As ever, get it touch with us to share your thoughts on how you think Josh is getting on: http://www.yeardot.co.uk/comment

The Canadian author, Richard Aaron ( who recently released a fiction masterpiece recommended by the UK Autism Foundation), arrives in London in the United Kingdom,in May 2009, to promote his book. The Gauntlet has also been recommended by the Autism Society of America.

Ivan Corea of the UK Autism Foundation said: 'The Gauntlet, written by Richard Aaron, is a fascinating piece of fiction, it puts autism into the mainstream - through the life of Hamilton Turbee, a TTIC employee. It is a good read. The Gauntlet should be on your list of summer reading books....'

A terrorist threat is looming; an attack that would dwarf any other. This time, the government knows it's coming, but doesn't know where… or how.

From a stunning new voice in international intrigue comes a dramatic story of high-stakes missions, treachery, honor, an unlikely hero, and the ultimate terrorist attack…

Six hundred sixty tons of Semtex is detonated in a massive explosion in Libya – the last of a deadly stockpile. The operation seems to have gone smoothly, but within minutes of the explosion, CIA agent Richard Lawrence discovers that one shipment of the explosive was hijacked en route to the destruction point. Days later, a glory-seeking “Emir” broadcasts to the world that he is planning a massive terrorist strike against a major U.S. landmark. And he gives a timeline of one month.

Now a desperate chase covers four continents, as the men bent on attacking the United States use every weapon at their disposal to evade the American authorities. Time and again they prove willing to destroy anything – and anyone – standing in their way. But Hamilton Turbee, an autistic computer mastermind at the secretive and newly created TTIC agency, discovers a way to follow their tracks. His flawed genius gives the nation its only chance at stopping the attack… if the American leadership will listen. As the enemies near their destination, and an attack becomes imminent, it is up to the TTIC team, still without a true leader, to stop the massive explosion that could destroy the lives of millions.

As the world watches in horror, the President asks TTIC two questions…Where will the attack be?

And can it be stopped…

Order Gauntlet now at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Borders!

The UK Autism Foundation was recently invited by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling and Mrs Margaret Darling to a reception on Tuesday 5th May to mark the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day.

UKAF has been a partner of the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day ever since the UN General Assembly launched the year on the recommendation of Qatar on 2nd April 2008. UKAF was featured on CNN, GMTV, BBC News and other media regarding the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day.

Autism Campaigners Ivan and Charika Corea have been lobbying hard for better public services for parents, carers,children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome since 2000 with the Autism Awareness Campaign UK. Last year they launched a new autism charity for a new generation, the UK Autism Foundation campaigning on behalf of families with autism who are below the poverty line.

Ivan and Charika Corea were joined by UKAF Chair of Trustees Norman Darling, Becky Harcourt, Co-Leader of the New Wine Network, Financial Secretary Stephen Timms MP, Lee Scott MP, Member of the Health Select Committee, Mike Gapes MP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Cllr. Alan Weinberg, Leader of Redbridge Council.

Ivan Corea urged people to back and support families with autism who are below the poverty line. The recession has devastated families with autism - people have lost their homes and jobs and are facing financial pain. The UK Autism Foundation has urged Her Majesty's Government to support poor families.

The autism campaigners met with Sarah Brown, wife of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Bob and Suzanne Wright, co-founders of Autism Speaks USA, Former Leader of the Opposition Iain Duncan Smith and Cheryl Gillan MP who has introduced an Autism Bill in parliament - UKAF has supported the Autism Bill.

http://www.ukautismfoundation.org