Welcome to the Angelman Syndrome Association of Australia
The Australian Angelman Syndrome Association was founded on March 20,1993 at a meeting held at the St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW. The meeting was organised by a group of three interested parents, two leading medical professionals and fourteen families attended.

During the meeting, plans were made for the first National Conference to be held later that same year, on October 30 and 31 in Sydney. More than 100 parents and professionals attended the conference from all over Australia. As a result, a National Association was formed with representatives from each State and Territory. The Association has blossomed since that time, mainly through the hard work of dedicated parents of children with AS and with the guidance of medical professionals.

National Angelman Syndrome Conference in Brisbane
The 8th Biennial National Angelman Syndrome Conference was held in Brisbane on October 5 -7. The conference was a great success with over 140 people attending from throughout Australia and New Zealand. Attendees included approximately 55 different families and included "Angels" from 2 to 24 years. The conference was held at Virginia Palms International, Virginia.

The conference included a day of speakers and workshops that included topics on current research and developments and breakout groups focussed on the different stages of the children for example, new families, puberty and so on.

While the parents and carers participated in the conference, the "Angels" and their siblings had a day out at Dreamworld! A total of 97 people which included "Angels", siblings and carers were sent off in two buses to Dreamworld for a big day of fun and activities. A great time was had by all who participated and they were certainly all "tired little teddy bears" by the time they returned. A key feature of Angelman Syndrome is the inability to sleep so none of the parents were complaining about anyone being worn out!

The final day of the conference was a family fun day at Woody Point Special School. The entertainment included bouncing castles and performing clowns along with a fabulous BBQ lunch.

For many families, the conference provides them with the first opportunity to meet other Angelman Syndrome families and share experiences. Often isolated by distance, it is common for a family to be the only family in a large town or city with an AS child. It is important for us as a group to learn we are all experiencing similar problems. Whilst talking to other parents of disabled children can help, our children display their own unique characteristics and behaviours which can only truly be understood by the parent of another Angelman Syndrome child. The bizarre behaviours also pose challenges, such as house and car modifications, on which other AS parents can advise. The conference enables families of AS children to be informed of the latest information about the syndrome that will enable them to assist their child in the best way possible.

The next conference is scheduled for 2009 and will be held in Western Australia.

National President, State Vice Presidents and Committee Members
From left to right, front row: Anne Funke (National President), Heather James (SA Vice President).

Second row: John Hannaford (Committee Member), Simone Kennedy (Secretary), Robynne Hannaford, Megan Moore (QLD Vice President), Sally Shackloth (TAS Vice President), Cathy Bayliss (NSW Vice President).

Third row: Liz Stanley (WA Vice President), Karina Harris (Committee Member), Robert Church (Treasurer), Kerri Monaghan (Committee Member), Raye Hearn (VIC Vice President).

Click here to contact your state Vice President.


Current National President
The current National President of the ASA is Anne Funke.
Phone: 0410 526861
email: amfmcon@bigpond.com

Angel Bears raising funds for the Angelman Syndrome Association
Driftwood Bears, has kindly offered to make "Angel" Bears for Angel Bear collectors so that all proceeds from the sale of these bears go to providing extra funds for the Angelman Syndrome Association. Click here for the Angel Bear Link.

The Angelman Syndrome Association is pleased to introduce “The Angel Pendant”
Your purchase of an Angel Pendant or Lapel Pin will assist The Angelman Syndrome Association to raise much-needed funds, as 50% of the proceeds will help to support our Association. Wearing an Angel Pendant will result in promoting increased awareness of our cause, as this beautiful Angel is sure to attract attention and arouse curiosity. Click here for the Angel Pendant link, but please return here to order your Angel to ensure that 50% of the proceeds come to our association. Come back soon to see developments on this website about these beautiful Angels. We will be placing an order form here soon. If you would like to order in the meanwhile, please contact John Hannaford on 0411 119788 or email: john.h@iinet.net.au and he will advise on pricing and postage fees.

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