Autism rates continue to rise with 1 in 40 school age children in NI diagnosed. (2017, DHSSPS)

Children and young people across Northern Ireland in all communities are struggling in all aspects of life and their families are struggling to support them.

The lack of support and intervention is having an impact on the health and well-being of children and young people with autism and their families not to mention the future outcomes for the individuals themselves.

Autism is not a mental health problem but far too many children with autism go on to develop mental health issues.

PEAT has the professional expertise to provide individualised help and support to families of children with autism in their home environments, however, without core funding this places an enormous financial strain on our charity.

We can address all areas of behaviour for everyday life skills across the spectrum of autism in all age groups and empower families with the skills to support their child now and in the future as they get older.

The current fees levied by PEAT are only a fraction of the actual cost where in some cases the fee doesn't even cover travel expenses not including the time of a professionally credentialed Behaviour Analyst.

With the right support children can make significant gains and require less support as they get older.

PEAT is an organisation that is dedicated to helping families face autism in order for their children to have the same childhood experiences and opportunities as their peer group across all environments and that their families are empowered with the skills to support them.

We need to able to provide support to the lower income families who cannot afford to pay the rates levied by private ABA profit making businesses.