Welcome to Autism-in-Mind (AIM)

Autism-in-Mind (AIM) was formed in 2000 by Carole Rutherford and Sarah Johnson two Mothers who both have two autistic children.

AIM is a campaign and support group and during the last nine years we like to think that though our campiagning that we have contributed to some of the changes that are currently taking place in England and Wales.

In 2001 we produced the AIM diet in which we high-lighted the issues within Diagnosis – Intervention – Education and Training which we felt needed to be addressed by the government.

In 2002 we joined with BIBIC and The Disability Trust along with many other groups who were spearheading a National Autism Awareness Year. AIM wanted to do something that would ‘make a difference’ and so we organised a ‘National Call for Action’ which was written for AIM by Richard Exley who himself has Aspergers Syndrome.

Terry Rutherford undertook a 2500 mile tour of England and Wales colleting signatures in support of a National ‘Call for Action’ He handed over 6500 signature to Dr Stephen Ladyman who was at that time the Minister for Community Care.

In May 2003 Terry was invited down to the launch of the National Manifesto for Autism where the 6500 signatures that he had collected were taken to the House of Commons and used to Petition Parliament.

In 2004 we launched our ‘BIG Issue’ in our fight for inclusive education beyond the mainstream.

In September 2004 AIM fed into the State of the Families and the Well being of Children Consultation carried out by the NCH the National Family and Parenting Institute and The Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

In May 2005 AIM produced a ‘Blue Print for the Future’ in which set out how we felt service provision and resources should be allocated and built upon to secure a worthwhile future for people with autism.

In March 2005 AIM meet twice with Lord Filkin, the DfES, the National Autistic Society and PACE to discuss provision, parental involvement, integrated multi agency provisions within Local Authorities, monitoring provision and what Central Government could do to help.
In September 2005 AIM responded to the Educational and Skills Select Committee enquiry into Special Educational Needs.

In October 2005 Carole Rutherford wrote a paper ‘Autism and Socialisation’ and took part in the Awares online International Conference.

In March 2006 Terry Rutherford trained to become a Network 81 Parental Supporter to enable AIM to better support parents who have children with special education needs being educated in state schools.

Terry is also on the board of Directors of Network 81 as a trustee for the group.

In 2006 AIM opened an online support and information group for parents who have chosen to home educate their autistic children.

In 2006 AIM attended the launch of the National Autistic Societies ‘make school make sense’ campaign at the House of Commons.

In October 2006 Carole Rutherford wrote a paper ‘What does High Functioning Mean’ and took part in the Awares online International Conference.

In 2006 AIM became an active member of the Every Disabled Child Matters Campaign.

In May 2007 Carole Rutherford became a member of the North East Autism Consortium and a memver of the South of Tyne Autism Spectrum Development Group

In November 2007 Carol Rutherford wrote a paper 'Parents perspective' and took part in the Awares online International Conference.

In March 2008 AIM joined the National Autistic Society 'I exist' Campaign

In November 2008 Carole Rutherford wrote a paper 'Inclusion and Barriers to Achievement for the Awares online International Conference.

In November 2008 AIM wrote a report 'Why Parents have a Lack of Confidence in the Educational System - Including the Statementing Process' for the Brian Lam Inquiry into Special Educational Needs.

In February 2009 AIM became an official supporter of the Autism Bill.

In February 2009 Carole Rutherford became a member of the External Reference Group helping to draft up a National Autism Adults Strategy.

In March 2009 Terry Rutherford graduated from the 1st National 'Partners Policy Making' Course.

In March 2009 AIM launched a new Campaign on Facebook 'Valuing EVERY Autistic Person' we currently have 1242 members who have signed in support of Autism Partnership Boards to be rolled out across England and Wales.

In October 2009 Carole Rutherford gave evidence at the Select Committe Inquiry into the Badman Home Education Review.