AN autism campaigner has urged sport and performing arts clubs to do more to welcome people with the condition.

Anna Kennedy said research from her own charity found that dozens of children have been “turned away” from clubs because of their autism.

The charity, which is named after Ms Kennedy, surveyed 250 families and found over half of those had seen their child turned away from a local club, performing arts class, sports facility or leisure environment due to autism.

Ms Kennedy, originally from Middlesbrough, said this had led to those children feeling “upset and even more isolated”.

Just over half of the 250 families (53 per cent) surveyed said they had an “autistic friendly club” in their area.

She was speaking after the latest edition of her Autism’s Got Talent show, which took place at The Mermaid Theatre in London last month.

“Recently many parents have contacted me via the charity website or via social media telling me that they are struggling to find and access out of school clubs or groups such as performing arts or sports,” said Ms Kennedy.

“It should be said that many clubs do a good job, but sadly, some parents have been turned away because of their child’s autism,” she added.

Ms Kennedy, a mother of two, has previously received an OBE and a honorary degree from Teesside University for her campaigning work to raise awareness of autism.

She is also patron of Daisy Chain and several key autism charities and support groups.

“Clubs should certainly not just refuse to allow children to join simply because they have a disability – at the very least they should look at what reasonable adjustments or accommodations they should make for potential and actual members and guests,” she said.

“I am hoping that families will share where autism friendly clubs are located so that we can share them across the UK and many other autistic individuals can benefit from them,” she added.

This year’s Autism’s Got Talent, its third edition, was attended by English actress Kacey Ainsworth, who has stared in Eastenders, Casualty, The Bill and Call The Midwife.

“As the founder of Autism’s Got Talent annual show, I see first-hand how wonderfully talented autistic individuals can be showcasing their talent in the creative arts and media world,” said Ms Kennedy.

“It was amazing – we had 20 performers from across the UK showcasing their talent in central London.

“Kacey attended and she has a family member with autism and is now one of our ambassadors.

“She was blown away by the talent on display,” she added.