A Co Down group is fundraising to help their 'dream' of having their own centre a reality.
Downpatrick Autism Family Support Group hope to raise £25,000 as a starting point to build their own centre for children who use their services along with their parents.
Co-founder Aine Sloan told Be the group was founded in 2017 by herself and another local mum.
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She said: "We both felt that there was no support for us as parents, while our children were being diagnosed and also after they got a diagnosis. We also felt that there were no services, therapies, activities etc suitable for our children locally.
"Basically once you are handed your diagnosis, you are sort of left to your own devices.
"The group was initially set up as a parents' support group, a cup of coffee on a Thursday night once a month at the Ballymote Centre and over the years, we now offer support to over 230 local families.
"All grants are applied for by parents, all activities are sourced by parents and the volunteers are all parents.
"One thing holding us back is the lack of suitable venues to rent in Downpatrick. That is why we are working at the minute with our local council to secure a plot of land and are doing a fundraising drive to source £25,000.
"That will not build a new autism support centre, but it will allow us to apply for larger grants. They want us to show our commitment so that is what that amount is for."
The group offers activities such as occupational therapy, music therapy, social clubs, parent yoga, mental health workshops for parents, dads only groups and soon will offer one-to-one special needs swimming lessons.
Aine added: "If we weren't organising this, nobody would basically.
"That is why it is so important that we try and get a base. We want to have the continuity for our families, and children with autism really need that continuity.
"We have a range of different activities we are doing over the next year to try and raise that.
"[Within the group] people feel great as they realise they are not on their own. If you having a really bad day, it's just that connection and [knowing] that others are facing the same challenges that you are facing.
"It's good for the children as they can go to our clubs and not be judged, be themselves. They are not trying to fit into a box in a club of what is expected and what's not. [They can] just let themselves be themselves.
"We want other people to get involved. We don't get any government funding. Basically we look for grants and apply for them ourselves."
The group had a 'Glow Walk' at Russell Gaelic Union on Saturday, March 12 - the first step in working hard to make their dream of having their own centre a reality.
To find out more about the group and to join in with fundraising, visit Downpatrick Autism Family Support Group on Facebook or email downpatrickautism@hotmail.com.
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