Treatment programmes for autistic children

Jane Stooks' son, George, was diagnosed as severely autistic at the age of 2 1/2. Frustrated by the lack of resources for parents of autistic children in the UK, Jane turned to an American play therapy programme for help. Seeing George transformed from a silent child to a fun-loving little boy inspired Jane to set up FutureKids, a company whose aim is to offer affordable, accessible home therapy programmes for parents of autistic children.

'Some people will tell you there's nothing you can do to help your child but that isn't true,' says Jane. 'As parents and as a society we should be helping them lead the full and rich lives they are capable of leading.'

The National Autistic Society's Early Bird programme is aimed at parents whose pre-school child has recently received a diagnosis of autism. It lasts three months and combines group-training sessions with home visits where video feedback is used to help parents apply what they learn, while working with their child.
'The best thing about it is that it brings families together, to share experiences and ideas,' says Jo Stevens.