Warm Welcome for Autistic Centre

2.14.18pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 21st Nov 2005

It is planned from next September Whitton School will host a small (20 strong) unit to provide for the special needs of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder [notice to be published in the press on 25th Nov]. This builds on the provision for younger autistic children at the Windham Nursery and at St James's RC, Twickenham, for primary level. Vincent Cable MP gave a warm welcome to the suggestion: "I encounter a substantial number of dedicated parents who face enormous frustration trying to get the special needs of their children addressed. Autism is particularly challenging since children are often highly intelligent but find it difficult to communicate or develop relationships. It is often very difficult for parents to get a statement of special needs and, then, there is lack of specialist provision locally. This Specialist Centre would help families who deserve and need support."