There are an estimated half a million people in the UK who are ‘on the autistic spectrum’. 

Definitions of autism differ, as do beliefs about how (if at all) it can be treated. What’s not in doubt is that countless families around the world struggle to come to terms with challenges that can arise when children exhibit autistic tendencies. Books like The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Nightime have done much to bring conditions such as Asberger’s syndrome to the attention of the wider community... but still, families with children who suffer from this condition often experience a living nightmare with little by way of help or support from the medical profession or from social services. 

In many places it’s extremely difficult to get respite care or any kind of support from a person who actuall understands the difficulty. 

The Inspiration Foundation funds practical experiments into new solutions for families with autistic children... and where necessary and within the charity's means, offers direct financial assistance.  For more information about autism visit The National Autistic Society