Autism charity to close (From Salisbury Journal)

Autism charity to close

1:44pm Monday 29th November 2010 in Headlines By Jill Harding

A CHARITY that has given support to autistic children and their families in Salisbury is closing down.

Autism Support was established in 2002 to provide advice, information and practical help for children diagnosed with the condition.

But now, due to changes in personal circumstances, those running the group have decided it will cease to operate and its funds will be passed on to another charity with similar aims.

The founders of Autism Support felt that various nutritional and other interventions could bring about improvements in the condition.

It was hoped that one day the charity would be able to provide a place for autistic young people in Salisbury where they could be taught and practice skills that would allow them to lead lives that were as normal as possible.

Although this didn’t become a reality, the group has helped hundreds of families over the last eight years by running support groups and a helpline, giving talks and providing printed information.

The charity also organised conferences on Autism held at Salisbury District Hospital, provided financial support for children undergoing tests and sent a quarterly newsletter.

“Sadly it has become impossible to devote sufficient time to what needed to be done and reluctantly it was decided the charity must cease to operate,” said Beryl Paton from Autism Support.

“When the charity started there was very little information available about what might be done to try to improve the lives of those with autism.

“This is not the case today.

“There are a number of excellent organisations with websites where families support each other and exchange information.

“We are hopeful that families in Salisbury will be able to get the advice and support they need.”

All the money raised by Autism Support is being passed on to The Autism Trust.