A LOCAL charity is running courses for people who work with children or adults who have autism or Asperger's syndrome.

Action4Autism IOM has arranged for an experienced trainer to visit the Island to deliver three courses after it was revealed that there had been a rise in the number of children diagnosed with the conditions, over the last 10 years, in the Island.

Paulla Hall, the chair of Action4Autism IOM, said: "Autism worldwide is more prevalent that previously recognised and this of course increases the need for expansion of services and also emphasises the need to train professionals to improve awareness of autism and Asperger's syndrome. With this in mind we have arranged three courses for anyone working with children or adults with autism or Asperger's syndrome."

There will be two courses on May 25 and May 26 for those working with adults. These will take place at Eastcliffe Resource Centre, Victoria Road, Douglas.

On May 27, a course will be held for people who work with children that have autism spectrum disorders. This will be held at Keyll Darree at Noble's Hospital. 

Barrie Cooper will lead the courses. He is an independent trainer who is based in Scotland. He has had many years of experience working as a head teacher, school inspector, and a trainer for the National Autistic Society UK.

There is a £10 booking fee for each course which includes a light lunch and drinks throughout the day.

Action4Autism is an Island based charity that works on a voluntary basis to ensure that every penny donated is used solely for the benefit of children and adults with autism and Asperger’s syndrome on the Isle of Man. It does not receive any government funding.

For more information please contact Paulla Hall by calling 01624 456076 or by e-mailing paullahall@manx.net.