Closing autism charity is 'invaluable lifeline'

A charity that provides support to people with autism and their families that is set to close is an "invaluable lifeline", a parent has said.

Autism Family Support Oxfordshire (AFSO) announced on Monday that it would be closing after 48 years in March, unless a benefactor could be found.

The charity, which helps more than 4,000 families, said its proposed closure was due to a "a significant fundraising deficit that has made it impossible to sustain" its mission.

Sofi, whose child uses the service, said it had "just done so much for my young person and I know that they do the same for other families around Oxfordshire".

"There's a worry because they provide a service that's an invaluable lifeline for some of these children," she added.

Sofi explained that her child had been diagnosed with autism at the age of five, and had "always struggled with school, social interactions, any kind of sensory input".

She said: "When you get that diagnosis with a young child it feels like your world caves in a bit and you just think they're never going to have the life that you expected or wished for them.

"Before we got in contact with AFSO they were completely and utterly isolated, no friends, just never leaving the house, anxiety sky high."

Having got in touch with the service, Sofi said their child had got involved in a social group and also received training to help them "understand their own condition better".

"To see them in any way come out of their shell a little, smile, laugh, make friends - there's no word to describe that feeling," she said.

"It's so wonderful, and you feel a sense of relief and joy that they are happy."

The service announced it will close in March unless a "funder, organisation or benefactor steps forward to secure the continuation of services".

"If somebody can help, this is definitely a worthwhile charity to do it with," Sofi urged.

She added: "The team are absolutely fantastic and the work they do shows real, palpable results for families across the county."

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