“Help support and information about
Autistic Spectrum Disorders”

A support group to promote the rights and interests of all individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, their families, carers and partners

How did the charity start?
The Stroud Autistic Support Group was set up in September 2000 by three mothers with children on the autistic spectrum. They found there was little family support and information about autism available, and this motivated them to set up an informal parental support group within the county of Gloucestershire. Membership increased rapidly and as the group expanded, it became obvious that autism affected many different people in a wide variety of settings; at home, at school, in the workplace, and in all areas of everyday life. In March 2001, the group became a registered charity.

Charity Resolution - Agreed at Special General Meeting dated 11th November 2008:-
A Special General Meeting (SGM) was called on 11th November 2008, following a proposed resolution from the executive committee that we, The Stroud Autistic Support Group, link up with the National Autistic Society (NAS) and formally become an NAS Parent Branch - Gloucestershire. This would mean the dissolution of the Stroud Autistic Support Group(SASG) and transfer of it’s assets to the new National Autistic Society (NAS) Parent Branch - Gloucestershire. Date to be agreed by SASG Charity Trustees.

At the SGM, following a discussion, the vote went in favour of this resolution.

The new NAS parent branch is in the process of being set up and our members will have the opportunity to transfer their membership over to this new branch once their annual SASG membership expires on 31st March 2009. I would like to reassure our members that once the new parent branch is set up, all our committee and volunteers will continue in their current roles and support the new group.

Membership

Membership is open to anyone with an interest in ASD living within the county of Gloucestershire. Please be advised of “Charity Resolution” (as above) and would advise that new SASG membership for 2008/2009 expires on 31st March 2009, when members will then have the opportunity to transfer their membership to the new NAS Parent Branch. Although we would encourage membership to the National Autistic Society, there would be no membership fee to the NAS parent branch for parents/families. Many of our members already belong to the NAS, in which case they may wish to nominate their local NAS parent branch to receive a contribution of their annual membership fee. Current SASG professional members may also transfer to the new NAS parent branch, however, in this case, a small annual voluntary contribution would apply.

Donations

Financial donations are always welcomed and help to fund the services that the Charity offers to its members. If you are a UK Tax Payer and wish to give a donation please request a gift aid form from The Treasurer to enable the Charity to reclaim tax from the Inland Revenue.