The Autism Group

Between 2017 and 2018, the Autism Group successfully applied to The Prince Philip Trust Fund for two grants and were awarded over £3,500 to support the expansion and development of their newest social club which was for children and young people aged 9 – 13 with autism who live in the Royal Borough.

Children and young people on the autistic spectrum often face significant challenges in developing social skills and life skills. To help meet these needs, The Autism Group – a charity based in Maidenhead – provides four different special interest clubs for young people aged between 9-25 with autism to meet and socialise and undertake activities that would otherwise not be available to them. For some of the young people this is their only social activity outside the home.

The grants from The Prince Philip Trust Fund have helped establish the new Saturday morning club which provides opportunities for about 15 children aged 9-13 to try new experiences related to their special interests, helping them to make friends and interact socially. This club is held regularly in the Royal Borough and staffed by experienced leaders and trained volunteers. It also benefits the wider family who can enjoy a break from caring or spend time with their siblings while their child with autism is happily occupied.

Tricia Kempton, from the Autism Group remarked “It is a delight to welcome the children to the club when we know it is likely that they are attending few or no other activities away from their families. We see their confidence growing, friendships developing and them having fun with like minded others – just as other children would be doing at the weekend. As one of the boys said” it’s a great club- I give it 100 out of 10!!”