Autistic disorders can be difficult to diagnose in children

Autistic children and their families on Teesside are to benefit from a specialised respite care and support centre.

Daisychain Farm will based in Stockton and provide families with a chance to have a much needed break in a holiday environment.

The centre - thought to be the first in the UK - is the brainchild of Lesley Hanson who has an autistic son.

Enough money has been raised to buy the farm but �500,000 more is needed to pay for the specialist equipment and refurbishments.

Sarah Haughton, who works with children with autism spectrum disorders in schools in Stockton, said it was a much needed facility in the area.

Sensory rooms

She said: "I think it is absolutely vital. It has come from a parent themselves so they know all the needs and pressures they have been under.

"The Daisychain vision is an usual and very creative one and comes from the heart.

"I certainly feel that the enthusiasm and the warmth that is coming through from Daisychain is what makes it different from other facilities and resources that I know of."

The Daisychain Farm will provide autistic children with a home from home environment with lots of special facilities including sensory rooms, hydrotherapy, ball pools, soft play areas.

As it is set on a farm, it will also give the children the opportunity to learn about animals and their surroundings.