Autism places not sufficient

A survey found 84 per cent of parents with autistic kids felt the range of education placements in Rotherham was inadequate.

Debbie West, who volunteers with the National Autistic Society’s Rotherham branch, said: “My two sons have autism and attend great mainstream schools.

“While my eldest, James, is coping well at the moment, my youngest son Cameron has different needs, and is really struggling with the large class sizes and noise.

“The environment there just isn’t suitable for him to learn in. What he really needs is specialist support, but there just aren’t enough places and he is on a waiting list for existing primary autism resource units.”

The branch is encouraging people to sign the online petition before it is handed to Rotherham Borough Council in September.

Debbie added: “I hope that local people will put their weight behind the campaign and ensure that children like Cameron have the same chances as everyone else.”

Sign the petition at www.nasrotherham.org.uk.