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As most of you will know my gorgeous nephew Leo was diagnosed with Autism at a very young age, this is uncommon and was predominantly due to his accompanying learning disabilities.

As a result of the unconditional love, patience, dedication and constant care my sister Vicky (and family) gives to Leo he is usually seen to be a happy, content and lively young boy and she is a master at preempting and foreseeing any situations which may potentially cause him confusion or distress which would undoubtedly result in a major melt down.

So what many people won't be fully aware of is the daily struggles which can be exhausting that Vicky (and family) has as well as the frequent sleepless nights - often spent in the garden until the early hours with Leo on his trampoline, ( it has to be noted that Vicky would not normally call it a struggle ).

Leo like so many Autistic children has extreme difficulties with Social communication and interaction and although he is making progress has limited speech. Leo does not cope well when overloaded by people, this ultimately means that my sister and family) miss out on a lot of special occasions and events.

Leo has to know what is going to happen at every point of every day and routine and repetitive behaviour is a must. Any change in his routine such as school holidays usually leads to him displaying extremely difficult, challenging and aggressive behaviour as he is unable to cope and becomes confused and frightened. At these times Leo has been known to bite and injure his family or himself and frequently bangs his head on the floor/wall.

Leo is totally reliant upon Vicky for all his care needs and his diet is limited to several foods.

Leo has no sense of danger and has to have constant supervision at all times at home and at school. There are a lot more behaviours and needs that Leo has that are just normal everyday life for him and his family and thousands of others.

The Autistic Spectrum varies enormously and each individual has their own different needs and behaviours which require their own degree of assistance and intervention. In severe form Autism will probably require intensive, life long care and support.

It is therefore quite amazing that with around 700,000 people diagnosed as being on the Autistic Spectrum which including their families totals around 2.8 million people Autism still remains a condition of which many people know very little about and of which to some degree there remains a stigma around.

It is my hope therefore to raise £500 for Daisy chain which will help them inform, advise and offer much needed support and respite to Autistic children and their families.

Thank you xx