Who we are

Members of the Committee

Trevor James - Treasurer

We have been involved in the group for many years, in fact we were amongst the original members of CASSEL as Action for ASD was then called. I was the first Chairman of CASSEL and I am the present Chairman of Action for ASD. Our son (the eldest of three children) was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of 8, he did his secondary education in a special school, then went on to further education. We are learning day by day to overcome problems. We have a great deal of knowledge which we are delighted to share with other parents of young adults.

Janet James

As above.

Alan Waddington - Chairman

We have a teenage son who has Aspergers Syndrome and are founder members of Action for ASD having been involved since 1996. We have a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of ASD and are more than happy to share this to support other parents.

Christine Waddington - Committee Secretary

As above.

Tina Lynch - Company Secretary

I am a parent whose main goal is to change policy in special educational needs and to hopefully someday represent parents who may need to challenge the LEA. I joined the group because I needed some support and to meet parents in the same position as me. With the advantage of gaining access to information on the latest developments.

Lorna Porter

I am a busy housewife as well as a mum to Imogen age 5 (who is very caring and loving beond her years) and Aiden age 6 who has autism. I am delighted to be a part of Action for ASD as a committee member. My other interest include volunteering for Beavers, i am also a member of Sure Start and help out at school as I enjoy working with children.

Julia Palmowski

I joined Action for ASD as a parent member almost three years ago. I am married with two children. My eldest child is 21 years old and my youngest is 8 years old and has an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. He Attends a mainstream school with support. Since joining Action for ASD I have learned more about autism and gained support from the people in the people in the organisation. I would like to continue to broaden my knowledge and hopefully help support others who have children with autism.

The Office Staff

Hanna Ingleby - Project Director

My first interest in Autistic Spectrum Disorders began at university where I studied Psychology at Liverpool. As a result of this I began to work for the National Autistic Society (NAS) in Hyndburn where I worked as a support worker in a day service for adults with an ASD. I then moved to a new NAS service in Manchester to take the position of Programme Coordinator responsible for adults with an ASD in a day service provision. After six years working for the NAS I then accepted the post of Project Coordinator for the Autistic Society Greater Manchester Area where I developed from new and managed a large project for children and young adults with Asperger Syndrome called Aspirations. In July 2002 I began work for ACTION for ASD as Project Director. My work involves general management of the project, running the Helpline, supporting parents and professionals with many issues around ASD, developing and providing training sessions, looking at the needs of members and developing services and activities. I also attend reviews and case conferences with parents, take part in regional and county wide forums such as the Lancashire County Council SEN Forum and ensure that Autism is on the agenda with policy making on various levels. I also work with the children at the Saturday Clubs and with the families on the Social Activities that ACTION for ASD provides during the year. I also supprted the young adults on the recent holiday to Centre Parcs in Cumbria.

Ben Ponsonby - Asperger's Project Manager

I started work for Action for ASD in 2003 and I have recently completed my research paper which concerned the level of provision and services available to adults with Aspergers Syndrome in the Lancashire region. We hope this will have an effect on how services in the future are planned as well as allowing families affected by the disorder, to find out what can work with the right input.

I have recently accepted the position of Asperger Syndrome Project Manager. The project began in August 2004, and is therefore still in the early stages. The project has been funded to support young people between the ages of 11 and 19 with a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome. This covers a number of areas including social and leisure activities, educational support, employment opportunity advice, as well as other issues such as behavioural and emotional difficulties.

I am also due to start a post graduate diploma in Asperger Syndrome in November 2004 which I hope to eventually lead onto a masters degree. Those connected with autism either in a professional or personal way will know that the disorder throws up something new almost every day. There is so much to learn, however I hope this course will only add to my knowledge base and enhance my understanding of the disorder.