AN autism charity has held its first appointments at a new outreach support service in Bedale.

Action for Asperger's offers help and support to those adversely affected by Asperger Syndrome, including parents, carers, siblings and partners.

It is believed that more than 1,550 young people and their families in North Yorkshire are affected by the syndrome, which is a differing neurological state which is thought to fall within the spectrum of autism.

It is characterised by subtle impairments in three areas of development - social interaction, social imagination, social communication.

The charity’s founder, Elaine Nicholson, set the organisation up after getting frustrated when trying to get help for her son, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, and it has since been steadily expanding.

She said: “I am constantly seeking ways to raise autism awareness and learn of techniques and methods to reach out to more autistic people.

“Action for Asperger’s cannot ‘cure’, but can offer comfort, support, hope and belief, where and when it is needed.”

The charity is now working with North Yorkshire expert Rob Knox, of Baldersby, near Thirsk, to identify families who would benefit from one-to-one counselling.

Mr Knox has worked with young people with autism for more than 25 years and works with a number of charities in the area.

The charity operated its first surgery of appointments on Monday at the Bedale Children’s Centre, and will be holding sessions every six weeks.

To book sessions, contact Rob Knox at 07592 302600 or e-mail rob.knox@actionforaspergers.org