New support service for parents of autistic children

The group, called Autistic Spectrum Dilemma?, held a launch day last Friday for visitors and enjoyed a good turnout.

It was the brainchild of parents Nicky Stimson, of Harting Combe, St Leonards, and Jo Standen.

Nicky said: "We set up the group as there used to be similar ones locally and we wanted to make sure something was in place for families with autistic children in town.

"There is definitely a need in this town for such a service because there is very little out there for them.

"It's very hard as you often feel very isolated.

"Autistic Spectrum Dilemma? is a mutual support group for parents to come and join and tell their stories and get support from other like-minded people.

"In the future we hope to organise different activities for members and get guest speakers over who can advise parents.

"We had more than a dozen mums and dads at last Friday's meeting so a lot of interest was shown, which is good for our first get-together."

The group has the backing of Hastings and St Leonards Excellence Cluster.

The group meets every other Friday at the Pupil Development Centre in Elphinstone Road from 9.30am to 11.30am. The next meeting takes place on May 21.