DARLINGTON families affected by autism are being invited to free drop-in information and support sessions in the town.

The sessions are being run by the National Autistic Society (NAS) and at Darlington Crown Street Library on December 16 from noon to 4pm and at the same time on January 21.

It is estimated that 1,129 Darlington residents have autism and the sessions aim to give people affected the advice they need to plan and make important life choices.

The NAS’ Support Brokers work with local people affected by autism, their families and carers to identify their support needs and develop plans to help them to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Rose Maddick, brokerage development worker at the NAS, said: “We know that far too many people affected by autism struggle to navigate the social care and health systems to access essential support.

“We launched a brokerage project in Darlington to help address this problem locally, ensuring that people affected by autism, their families and carers have someone to help them plan how they can meet their support needs.”

For more information about the scheme contact Ms Maddick on 07436271190 or at

rose.maddick@nas.org.uk or visit: www.autism.org.uk/brokerage