About Us
People with High-functioning Autistic Disorders in Fife
Recognised Scottish Charity No. SC 027932
Pictures by members of the Hobby Horse Project (Fife, Scotland)>
PHAD Fife is a charity founded in 1995 by Stella MacDonald, a parent of a teenager diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.In partnership with other autistic associations and Fife Council, we provide support and advice to families and carers of sufferers of high-functioning autistic disorders such as Asperger's Syndrome and Semantic Pragmatic Disorder, the ably autistic, as well as organising a host of activities for auties and aspies (familiar terms for autistic and Asperger's individuals respectively) of all ages.
We also seek to raise awareness of autism in the wider community and promote mutual understanding between high-functioning autistic individuals and the rest of our diverse society.
Self-awareness, self-esteem and a more accepting community are the keys to success in our endeavours to realise our full potential. GIven the chance and in the right environment most ably autistic people can make valuable contributions to mainstream society, free of the ingrained prejudices that shape conventional social relationships. Coping strategies (Although high-functioning autistics may lack instinctive social skills, we can learn social etiquette and basic social survival skills in the same way as we master a seemingly elusive academic subject. Click here for some useful coping strategies) and social survival skills can be learned, albeit methodically, and childhood obsessions and later special interests can lay the basis for future careers.
PHAD ha s produced an Autism Awareness video, costing £20.00 (incl. P&P): proposed and assisted in creating a Disability Employment Co-ordinator post for those diagnosed with a high-functioning ASD; contributed as part of a learn, with the Education Dept.; producing 2 education videos to aid Education Personnel working alongside children on the spectrum in Primary School proposed and assisted in the setting up of a Roving Autism Resource Library as part of Fife Councils existing library service; organise open evenings touching on a variety of issues relating to ASDs; and organise various projects and outings for families.
- PHAD Chairperson: Stella MacDonald
01383-623567 support@phad-fife.org.uk
About Stella MacDonald
Stella is a member of the Course Team of the Multi-professional Postgraduate Autism Programme at Strathclyde University, where she provides training using material she has written and produced. She is invited regularly by the Educational Department to talk to staff attending in-service training and provides one-to-one support for families and professionals alike. Courses on Autism are also provided through Elmwood College, Cupar. Please contact Alison Boyle on 01334 658839 for more info.