BOLTON Town Hall was the venue for the launch of a new organisation helping families with autistic children and adults across the world.

The Autism Foundation is a social enterprise created by Faria Arsh, a 2022 winner in the Bolton-based SheInspires Awards.

She is a single mum with two daughters, one of which, 15 year-old Afiyah, has Severe Autism, ADHD, Severe Learning Disability and epilepsy.

After her daughter was born, Faria trained as a specialist assistant and has been working in special schools in Greater Manchester ever since.

In her own time, she devised a method of toilet training autistic children and adults and began teaching her system to small groups of parents and carers.

A book followed, called Toilet Training for Austistic & SEND Children and Adults, and the step by step guide has proved a top seller on Amazon.

Faria expanded this to workshops and courses and has worked online with people across the UK and further afield in America, India, the Middle East and even remote parts of Africa.

The new Autism Foundation also provides autism training for parents, carers and professionals.

Stated Faria: “Our aim is not just to spread awareness but also to give everyone the tools and techniques they need to deal with autistic children and adults in a positive manner.”

She thanked all the people who had helped her and the Foundation so far, in particular special guest Gulnaz Brennan, founder with Ray Hanks of the SheInspires Awards.

Gulnaz paid tribute to her work: “Faria’s journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Her story is one of resilience, determination and remarkable success.”

These sentiments were echoed by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Mohammed Ayub, who hosted the launch. He told Faria: “What you have achieved so far in your life is simply amazing.”

For more details about the Autism Foundation go to www.autismfoundation.co.uk