FAMILIES living with autism are refusing to feel blue about the condition and are instead celebrating their children during national autism awareness month.
The Autism Parent Support Group County Durham, based in Spennymoor, has nearly 400 members in and around the county. It holds fortnightly meetings, provides friendly advice and information and runs online support via its Facebook page.
To mark World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, and a month-long campaign, members took part in a family walk in Durham and Spennymoor Town Council illuminated Spennymoor Town Hall in blue.
Group founder Louise Brown, who runs it with fellow autism mother Haley Richardson, said: "The support available from professionals has improved a lot over the years but parents have the experience to share and support each other, spreading the word so more people understand is important."
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