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NAS..good newsWelcome to our newsletterSo often in my messages to you, whether in our mailings, our magazines or in this newsletter, I'm asking for your help, or announcing campaigns that we hope will improve the lives of those with autism - well, this month is different, and makes me very happy. I'm able to share some very good news with you: all the hard work has paid off and the Government has made a landmark commitment to adults with autism in response to our I Exist campaign. I'm so thrilled, as is everyone at the NAS, that the Government has listened to us and has announced a major commitment to improving support for people who have been ignored for so long. For the first time, those in power are beginning to take the needs of adults with autism seriously.This announcement follows the publication of the Welsh Assembly Government's Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan in late April. A draft version of the plan was published in January 2007 and, since then, improvements have been made to the document, including a 'task and finish group' for services for adults with autism, and improvements to family services. At the NAS, we are convinced that these additions are all due to the hard work of people with autism and their families, and to the professionals who took part in the consultation events which led to the action plan.Thanks so much to all of you who've taken action to help improve the lives of adults with autism - isn't it wonderful to see a result for once?Best wishesJane AsherPresident, The National Autistic Society Getting supportGovernment makes commitment to adults with autismNAS and LEGO launch two-year partnershipWorld Autism Awareness DayRaise a Grand for people affected by autismNew awareness pack for criminal justice professionalsNews Government makes landmark commitment to adults with autismWe are delighted that the Government has listened to The National Autistic Society and our campaigners and has announced a major commitment to improving the lives of adults with autism. Read more.LEGO logo NAS and LEGO launch two-year partnershipWe're pleased to announce our two-year partnership with LEGO UK, which will help us to upgrade the playground at our Radlett Lodge School in Hertfordshire. Our other schools and services won't be forgotten either - they'll be receiving LEGO construction sets, which encourage problem solving skills and team work. Read more. World Autism Awareness DayThe first ever World Autism Awareness Day took place last month. We marked the occasion in several ways: we presented a petition calling on the Government to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, opened a new sensory room at our Manchester Service, and took part in a week-long autism feature on MySpace. Read more.NAS fundraiser Raise a Grand for people affected by autismGrand Intentions is a new, fresh and fun fundraising initiative which is all about raising one thousand pounds to support the NAS. Our supporters have signed up to raise a 'grand' in all sorts of ways - from going on fundraising walks to being sponsored to give up sugar for a year. Why not join in the fun? Read more.NAS criminal justice information pack New awareness pack for criminal justice professionalsWorking in partnership with the Co-operative Bank, we've launched a new information pack for criminal justice professionals who may come into contact with people with autism. We're also running the 'Keeping Safe' programme for young people with Asperger syndrome, which promotes awareness of crime and personal safety. Read more.

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Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise,trouble or hard work.
It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.