AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
A CALDICOT teenager diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of five is pursuing her dreams of becoming an actress.
Nineteen year-old Briony Robinson is studying performing arts for theatre and film at the University of South Wales in Newport.
She gained her place there after achieving a BTEC Level three in art and design at Priory Coleg Wales which is a specialist college for students aged 16 to 25 with Asperger’s and associated conditions which supports students at Coleg Gwent.
“Going to university has enabled me to follow my dream in the drama world. I have built up my confidence so much and am looking forward to the rest of my course and becoming a successful actress,” she said.
Her mum Julia said Briony likes ‘anything to do with the stage’ and that some people don’t fully understand autism and Asperger’s, which is an autism spectrum disorder that is characterised by difficulties in social interaction
While there are similarities with autism, people with Asperger syndrome have fewer problems with speaking and are often of average, or above average, intelligence. They do not usually have the accompanying learning disabilities associated with autism, but they may have specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia or other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy.
With the right support and encouragement, people with Asperger syndrome can lead full and independent lives.
Speaking ahead of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, Allison Hope-West, autism director at the Priory Group, said more quality jobs and apprenticeships for adults with autism are needed.
She urged companies to come forward, saying many adults with autism could fulfil satisfying roles in the workplace but were never given the opportunity to make their ambitions a reality.
Ms Hope-West said a lack of understanding among employers of autistic spectrum disorder and a dearth of specialised employment services were major hurdles to gaining employment, while more training was needed for those who supported autistic adults in jobs.
She added:“Every person on the autistic spectrum is individual, and some will manage well in a workplace setting with small interventions. But employers do need a better awareness of the condition, because there's a lot they can do quite easily that would help.”
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2 April 2015 World Autism Awareness Day.
SOURCE: Caldicot budding actress with Asperger's following her dream (From South Wales Argus)
A CALDICOT teenager diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of five is pursuing her dreams of becoming an actress.
Nineteen year-old Briony Robinson is studying performing arts for theatre and film at the University of South Wales in Newport.
She gained her place there after achieving a BTEC Level three in art and design at Priory Coleg Wales which is a specialist college for students aged 16 to 25 with Asperger’s and associated conditions which supports students at Coleg Gwent.
“Going to university has enabled me to follow my dream in the drama world. I have built up my confidence so much and am looking forward to the rest of my course and becoming a successful actress,” she said.
Her mum Julia said Briony likes ‘anything to do with the stage’ and that some people don’t fully understand autism and Asperger’s, which is an autism spectrum disorder that is characterised by difficulties in social interaction
While there are similarities with autism, people with Asperger syndrome have fewer problems with speaking and are often of average, or above average, intelligence. They do not usually have the accompanying learning disabilities associated with autism, but they may have specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia or other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy.
With the right support and encouragement, people with Asperger syndrome can lead full and independent lives.
Speaking ahead of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, Allison Hope-West, autism director at the Priory Group, said more quality jobs and apprenticeships for adults with autism are needed.
She urged companies to come forward, saying many adults with autism could fulfil satisfying roles in the workplace but were never given the opportunity to make their ambitions a reality.
Ms Hope-West said a lack of understanding among employers of autistic spectrum disorder and a dearth of specialised employment services were major hurdles to gaining employment, while more training was needed for those who supported autistic adults in jobs.
She added:“Every person on the autistic spectrum is individual, and some will manage well in a workplace setting with small interventions. But employers do need a better awareness of the condition, because there's a lot they can do quite easily that would help.”
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2 April 2015 World Autism Awareness Day.
SOURCE: Caldicot budding actress with Asperger's following her dream (From South Wales Argus)
