This petition is for the Director of Autism Charities to highlight the need for ASD and special needs services in the North East of England.

The organisation Autism Initiatives offers support in a variety of locations throughout the UK and Ireland giving a wide range of support for autistic people. From supported living to schools, from a short break service to one stop shops, from work placements to training, social meet ups, clubs and activities, Autism Initiatives has a wealth of resources and expertise that support autistic people to achieve their personal goals.

Organisations such as Autism Initiatives can have such an amazing impact on the families and children's lives just by bringing people together so they don't feel so alone on their journey, by sign posting them to groups they offer and services they can provide. 

Our family is impacted by ASD as we have two children, our daughter is diagnosed ASD and our son is on the path way for diagnosis and we want to see more services started up in the County to aid the lives of families and individuals with ASD and other special needs. It can leave families feeling isolated after diagnosis and there needs to be more done to bring in vital support services to ensure its available to those who need to access it.

County Durham is the only region not to have access to a proportional amount of provisions for ASD individuals and families for the County. It has no ASD social groups, clubs or independent living schemes and ways to give the opportunity for children with ASD to grow with in themselves. And the few services currently available are out stretched and limited due to funding and people are having to travel long distances to access the services or pay for them as they are out of funded area. For example if you don't live in Stockton you don't qualify for free catchment support so have to pay £25 for your child to attend a Daisy Chain session. Which means low income families are missing out on experiences and opportunities for their children due to where they live. 

I want our families to have access to much needed support and services that is currently lacking in the region, in starting up services from organisations such as Autism Initiatives in to Durham City and surrounding areas will benefit so many peoples lives that are impacted by ASD, helping the children/adults futures and enhancing their lives. Along with this it will bring jobs and opportunities for people to volunteer. 

We have the chance to change things for a better future for the ASD children of the North East. Please sign the petition to help make this happen.