Join the Angelman Family.
Angelman support networks and associations have been set up in many countries including Australia, USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Norway and Canada.

Life with a child who has AS is challenging, draining, but rewarding. By making contact with other AS parents and Angelman Associations, you will receive support, information and access to the wealth of experience that AS parents have gained from growing with their children. As the condition is rare, doctors and health professionals cannot be expected to have a full and immediate knowledge of AS. The Angelman family network can help.

The Angelman Syndrome Association Incorporated is the umbrella Organisation for children with Angelman Syndrome and their families in Australia. There are support groups in each state and territory.

The Association's Objectives are:

• Education: to educate AS families, the medical and educational communities about Angelman Syndrome;
• Support and Advocacy: to establish national, regional and local support systems for persons with AS and their families and to publicise the condition, its treatment and management; Research activities on the diagnosis, treatment and management of AS; To raise funds for education, support, advocacy and research.

If you would like to become a member of the Angelman Syndrome Association, you can download our Membership Application Form here: Membership Application Form. After downloading and completing the form, please post it together with your cheque (payable to the Angelman Syndrome Association) to: Angelman Syndrome Association. P.O. Box 554, Sutherland. NSW 1499. All financial members will receive discounts on conference fees for; Welcome Drinks, Conference Registration, Conference Dinner, Child Care, and our Family Picnic Day. There are also additional membership benefits provided by the Association.

The AS Forum was created on the 22nd of April 2005 and provides an easy and efficient way for family members and carers of people with Angelman Syndrome (AS) to exchange information with each other. Parents, other family members, teachers, students and medical professionals, all are welcome. I would like to encourage the AS community (including those who are involved with AS in any way) to register and post your messages. This will be a great help to others who are struggling with various AS issues. The forum is international and is not affiliated with any organisation or group.

John Hannaford.
www.angelmanforum.org