HAVE you ever been in a supermarket and wondered why a parent can't control their child? Have you considered that they may be Autistic?World Autism Day was held last week to draw attention to a condition that affects in every 100 people in Britain.

HAVE you ever been in a supermarket and wondered why a parent can't control their child? Have you considered that they may be Autistic?

World Autism Day was held last week to draw attention to a condition that affects in every 100 people in Britain.

Autism, and Asperger's Syndrome, affects people in many different ways. Some describe it as where the brain has been wired up wrong, others that they feel like they are in an alien world.

The autism spectrum is broad, with effects ranging from mild to significant. Related characteristics include a love of routines, sensory sensitivity, intense special interests and learning disabilities.

The Autistic Way Smart Kids OK in Great Yarmouth helps make life more rewarding for children and young people with the condition.

The play centre, on Gapton Hall Road, offers a safe, warm, colourful and friendly environment with lots of fun activities and facilities for three to 18 year olds on the autistic spectrum.

In addition they offer parents/carers much needed support such as a child minding service to help support the family unit.

Smart Kids fundraiser Andy Bane said: “Young people also need help, with the transition from childhood to adulthood being particularly traumatic. We need to do more to address the shortage in support in this transitional stage.

“It's great news that the recent reading of The Autism Bill in Parliament has received so much support, it's a shame it doesn't go that one step further than simply identifying the number of children and adults with Autism in each region in order to provide sufficient services.”

Contact Smart Kids OK on 01493 44213 or email autisticway@smartkids-ok.org.