As schools close across the country, we are increasing our support to Ambitious About Autism (AAA), a charity that is rising to the challenge of keeping their beneficiaries engaged and learning at this difficult time. The charity, which we funded earlier this year, is moving its services online to provide as much continuity as possible for young people with autism and their families.

We have donated £20,000 to AAA’s Coronavirus Emergency Appeal, to go towards their larger appeal to provide highly specialised and personalised support for 300 autistic children, young people and their families. Our donation will specifically fund the provision of online resources and workshops with caregivers, and cover some of AAA’s additional operational costs arising from the crisis. The crisis response work will include family support staff working with parents and carers on a one-to-one basis, offering information and advice on welfare, health, and legal support. They will also offer guidance and mediation in communicating with local authorities and signpost useful information online.

This work will ensure that autistic young people and their families will manage more easily through this period of uncertainty and change, and continue to thrive despite the disruption. To find out more about Ambitious About Autism’s appeal, click here.