My very close friend Sonya's son James, who is 3 years old, has been diagnosed with Autism,  a complex lifelong disability with wide ranging symptoms and impacts which does not yet have a proven cure.

Over the past few months,  James has undergone, as a result of very generous family support, both one on one and group private “early intervention” treatment. Funding for this is extremely costly and there is insufficient support available from the government - private healthcare does not cover any of his treatment. Sonya and Simon have been informed that James needs as much weekly intense therapy as possible and that up until the age of 4 the brain is most receptive - so clearly we have to do all we can now. 

From this intervention Simon and Sonya have already begun to notice some improvements, although progress is slow. We hope and pray that James continues to progress. With treatment, James has a greater opportunity to lead a relatively “normal life”, although realistically it is too early to say what the future holds for him.  

His treatment has recently been increased as Sonya and Simon are aware there is less than a year until his 4 birthday and they wish to gain the maximum benefit from the early intervention programme developed for him.

Given that such continuous treatment is extremely costly, Sonya and Simon have planned a family and friends 10k run/walk in Regent’s Park on Sunday 26th July 

Sonya and Simon have been assured by the trustees,  that all money raised will go towards James’ treatment and equipment for the centre , which  James attends.  This will not only benefit James, but many other children with autism at the centre.

Thank you so much for your support

Lisa