The Big Lottery Fund today announced that it will provide substantial support to the Berkshire Autistic Society for the next 3 years.

The number of people diagnosed with autism in Berkshire has increased. It is a lifelong condition that affects how a person makes sense of the world around them. People with autism experience problems with social relationships, communication and imagination. Some individuals have a very high I.Q. whilst others have severe learning difficulties. As the disability is not physical, autism is often not recognized by professionals or by the general community, and support for many is consequently lacking. There are more than 7000 people affected by autism in Berkshire who may turn to the Berkshire Autistic Society for help at any stage during their life.

The Berkshire Autistic Society has 15 years experience of supporting families affected by autism. The Big Lottery Fund grant will enhance its current work by providing a full time project coordinator and thus enable the Society’s services, such as the help-line, to be provided all year round. Additionally, the Society will provide more speaker evenings, enhance its newsletter and work more effectively with Berkshire’s statutory authorities to improve the lives of all those with autism in the County. The Big Lottery Fund will part fund the Society for 3 years

John Kedar, a Berkshire parent of an 8 year old boy with autism, says “This is a great opportunity to assess the services being provided by local authorities and persuade them to do more for the very large number of people with autism in West Berkshire. As families we often feel that autism is low on the authorities’ agenda’.

Ruth Barlow, who currently runs the Society’s office on Oxford Road, Reading, says “The staff and volunteers are delighted that our work is recognized as essential. We look forward to the next 3 years and all the additional help that we can bring to people with autism”.

Trustee Sharon Carrigan has been involved with the Society since its inception. She says “This grant will enable us to develop constructive plans for the future as well as consolidate our present support. I am thrilled that the dedication, determination and sheer hard work of the Society has been acknowledged."