AUTISTIC children in Bolton will soon have a place to go, thanks to a group of dedicated parents and carers.

Bolton Autism Action Group are in the process of setting up a drop-in Saturday club for children and their families.

Families say it is difficult to take autistic children to ordinary places because a lack of understanding means people think they are being naughty.

But if everything goes to plan, families will soon be able to meet at the Brazley Centre in Horwich without worrying about their childrens' inherent lack of social skills.

One organiser explained: "At our Christmas party one little girl who has speech told her father: 'It's nice here. Nobody's laughing at me'.

"That just about summed it up. She was articulating what many autistic children experience but cannot communicate.

"They have extreme difficulties in social situations because many people cannot recognise their problems and just think they are being naughty and their parents cannot control them."

The Saturday club will also provide a valuable meeting place for brothers and sisters of autistic children as well as their parents.

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The number of children being diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder is growing rapidly and the support group have developed strong links with professional services and authorities in Bolton.

The Saturday Club is expected to open next month and families who want to contact the group can telephone the organisers on Bolton 840452, 846974 and 492564.

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