The Mayor of Leighton- Linslade says she hopes to raise the profile of a support group that helped her family when her son was diagnosed with autism.
Councillor Amanda Dodwell has chosen Mencap, which provides support and opportunities to those with learning disabilities in the town, as one of the mayor’s charities this year.
Mrs Dodwell, whose son Jack was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder when he was three years old, said: “I felt that Mencap were very supportive to us as a family. We were having quite a few problems at pre-school and I didn’t really know where to turn.
“They were a good listening ear and I felt that people were very accepting at the way he was. I didn’t feel like I constantly had to explain. It was also nice to be among mums who had similar problems.
“Hopefully it will raise their profile because it deals with children with all disabilities and highlights their world and the issues that carers face.
“Groups like Mencap give mothers the chance to share tips and to feel as though there is somebody listening to them.”
Seven-year-old Jack attends Ramsey Manor Lower School in Barton Le Clay, but had been part of the Opportunity Group at Mencap for under fives.
Mrs Dodwell said: “Socially he has done very well since he has been at school.
“They have been brilliant at trying to get him to relate to other children.
“He is naturally quite friendly, which is quite unusual for an autistic child. He is not at all withdrawn.
“He likes to make friends with people, but doesn’t pick up on social cues so some of the responses he gives aren’t always appropriate. He will introduce himself to everybody, we’ll be going round a supermarket and you find yourself being introduced to all and sundry. With Jack, he is my only child so whatever Jack does, to me, is normal.”