On Friday 29th August from 11.00am the North East Centre for Autism, Cedar Drive, Newton Aycliffe is celebrating six years of working with families across the North East. The North East Autism Society (NEAS) Family Support team mark the event with a celebration Family Fun Day called ‘Fab Friday’.
The event is open to the general public and all funds raised on the day will go towards supporting the charities Family Support Services that helps families with a range of services including a toddler group, family workshops, befriending, dance and healthy eating groups.
Families can enjoy a range of activities at the fun day including archery, basketball, face painting, go karts, bouncy castle, arts and craft, drama, dance workshops and much more.
The charity recognise that it is often difficult for families to access the right type of advice and guidance so staff from the society will be on hand throughout the day  offering help and support for parents who have a child with autism.
This unique opportunity will also combine the chance to have a tour of the facilities at the Centre. Working across the region, the charity’s  Family Support team help more than 150 families by providing a wide range of positive activities for children and young people with autism during school holidays and includes residential short breaks.
Susan Tron, Trust Fundraiser for the charity explains: “Children with autism have a distinctively different way of processing information and of seeing the world. They have a need for structure and routine otherwise anxieties can lead some fairly disruptive behaviour. As a result of their complex needs and challenging behaviour they can often become isolated from society and their peers. Children with autism therefore have restricted access to leisure facilities and new opportunities as choices are limited and parents struggle to manage and lack confidence. Our Fun Day will be a safe supported environment in which parents can relax and children can enjoy doing what they like best. We have a huge sports hall and park with plenty of room to run wild! It is also a great opportunity to find out about all the other services we have on offer.”
For more information about the work of North East Autism Society and their Family Support Services please contact them on 0191 410 9974 or check out their website at www.ne-as.org.uk

autism