CHILDREN with autism will benefit from the opening of a new specialist unit at their school.

Green Fold School in Farnworth has opened its new 10-place unit following requests from parents in the area.

The Highfield Road school introduced classes for autistic pupils two years ago, but wanted to create a separate area with specialist equipment and a classroom layout which would be suited to children affected by the condition.

The youngsters are being taught a specialist curriculum adapted from the National Curriculum by the unit's two teachers and four nursery nurses who are already qualified in or are working towards a certificate from Manchester Metropolitan University in the education of children with autism disorders.

Speech and language therapy teachers at the special school help the children and the educational psychologist also works closely with them. The pupils, who range in age from three to 11-years-old, have been given individual desks because autistic children like to organise their own space.

Teaching has to be highly structured with a clear timetable to get the youngsters used to a routine. and every child has a special symbol book to help them communicate by exchanging pictures of the items they want. Funding for the new unit came from the school's budget with additional help from the Local Education Authority.

Keith Cox from the National Autistic Society will officially open the specialist unit on October 18. Acting head, Elizabeth Templeman, said: "All children who have worked using these specialist approaches in the past two years have made excellent progress. "The staff team are highly committed to achieving the best possible education and support for each child.

"We've had a good reaction from parents, some of whom have sent their children here especially for the unit."

Dave Scowcroft from Bolton's Autism Action Group said: "This is a positive move forward. The more specialist provision locally the better."