Dealing with autism together

A support group for parents of children with autism is going from strength to strength.

Newark and Sherwood Autism Support Group was set up about two years ago and has around 60 members.

Before the group started in Newark, parents travelled to Mansfield, Nottingham or Lincoln for advice and support.

From getting a diagnosis to gaining financial assistance, members share their own experiences to help each other.

There are trips for families and parties for children.

Youngsters are taking part in a photography competition to show the world through their eyes.

The chairman is Mrs Laura Redfern, 44, of Grange Road, Newark, who became involved after her foster child was diagnosed with autism.

Mrs Redfern said: “It really has grown bigger and better. We have got professionals helping us now as well. We have training for parents in Newark. Before there was nothing here.

“You need support when your child has just been diagnosed with autism because you just get told by the doctor. You need to find out how to get support from schools.”

Mrs Michele Philpot, 43, of Hawton Road, Newark, has a son, James, 10, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, a type of autism, at four.

She said children with autism struggled with social interaction, making it difficult to take them to certain events or places.

Mrs Philpot said a positive aspect of the group was being able to go to places together.

“Whatever the problem is, somebody else in the group will have encountered it,” she said.

“It is important that the children all have the same opportunities as every other child.”

Mrs Sarah Twiner, 30, of Barnbygate, Newark, has a son, Charlie, who shows signs of autism but has not yet got a diagnosis.

She said: “I think it has helped me knowing that I am not alone, knowing that I am not the only one out there.

“I know that if I have a bad day, everybody in the group will know what I am going through.”

Mrs Samantha Hardy, 36, of Belvoir Place, Balderton, has a son, Elliott, 8, who was diagnosed with autism in June, 2008.

Mrs Hardy said: “When your child is first diagnosed, you just don’t know where to go. The group is really good. I was just struggling along before because it took a long time to get a diagnosis.”

Mrs Hardy attended the first parental course in Newark, which she said was a big help for her.

Hope House School, Balderton, has also been working alongside members.

Many parents have organised for their children to attend sibling sessions at Hope House.

The next autism group meeting is on April 15 at Hawtonville Junior School from 1pm to 3pm.

A creche is available during the meeting for parents with other children, but places must be booked.

An autism awareness play day will be held on April 1 at Hawtonville Junior School to mark World Autism Day on April 2.

A Facebook group has been set up by the support group. For more information, call Mrs Rachel Moffott, the extended services co-ordinator for Hawtonville learning community, on 07960121027 or email newark autismgroup@hot mail.co.uk