No Apologies needed

Sharon Minter and Lucy Masson both felt under pressure when their three year olds with autism attended nursery sessions and felt other mothers were "not very understanding" of their children's problems.

They have now started a weekly group at St Stephen's church hall on Tuesdays between 12.30-2.30pm and are hoping other children will come along.

Sharon said: "This is exactly the same as the usual toddler group but it is just for kids with special needs..

"We were at a normal toddler group but you always get the odd mum who is not very understanding. We just thought that it would be so nice if there was a group where we can come and not have anyone staring or saying anything.

"So we thought '“ why don't we do it ourselves? We are hoping more people will join '“ it is about getting word out there to anyone sitting at home with their child in despair and thinking they can't go anywhere.

"Caleb is our third child with special needs. The eldest two are both autistic and are 14 and 15 now. I remember what it was like being stuck in the house without anywhere to go that was suitable. But somewhere like this is absolutely brilliant where you know everyone is understanding and if a child throws something or hits someone you don't have to explain and continually apologise.

"Lucy came up with the name No Apologies for the group '“ and this is basically what it is. You don't have to apologise for anything your child does, because everyone understands."

It's early days still with just a handful of children attending and three or four mums helping out, but the plan is to hold the session all year round with no break for school holidays to provide continuity.

"It's brilliant," said Sharon.

"There's only a few of us but at least the children can charge around and this is somewhere Caleb can come to run around and see his friends '“ and just have fun, really."

Lucy's son Owen has autism as well as extreme hyperactivity. She commented: "I just find wherever you go people seem to think your child is just incredibly naughty. You can see them thinking '“ isn't she an awful mother, she is not telling him off and he is just running riot.

"It would be nice to have somewhere to go where it doesn't matter and you don't feel you are being watched or censured. I think other parents find that as well '“ you just sit there and you want the floor to swallow you up.

"So this is about having a couple of hours where they can play."

For further details phone Lucy on 01424 223929 or Sharon on 428021, or visit the playgroup on Tuesday afternoon.