FINDING no parents self-help group in Poole for autism when she needed one, an enterprising mum started her own.

Sara Hobbs, who has a 14-year-old son Kieran with a range of difficulties including dyspraxia and a sensory processing disorder who suffers acute anxiety, started The Mix, which meets monthly at Rossmore Library in Herbert Avenue.

“It was set up because there was no actual support group or anything like that in the Poole area,” said Sara, 43. “There was in Dorchester, Christchurch, Bournemouth and Ferndown but not in Poole.”

But now that there is, any family member with a child who is on the autistic spectrum, has learning or behavioural difficulties, or is as yet undiagnosed, is welcome to pop along on the second Monday of the month for information, support and tea and cake.

“We welcome everyone, parents, carers, grandparents – anyone who want to come along and have a chat,” she said. “We have got loads of books and the library puts out books for us every time.”

Although the group was started on the Bourne Estate and has been meeting upstairs in the library since January, it is open to anyone in Poole. And the hope is that it will prove so successful that spin-off groups will start in other areas.

While there is professional help available such as the Poole Parent Partnership Service and the Child and Adult Mental Health Service, charities such as Autism Wessex, there is nothing like having someone who has been there and done it, offering help and support.

“CAHMS can do so much. They can give you a diagnosis then it’s basically down to you,” said Sara. “There’s no follow-up. If there’s no support group, you can get really lost.”

While people on the autistic spectrum can display a range of difficulties – some have problems with light, others noise or crowds or have repetitive behaviour – there are enough similarities for those caring for them to help each other.

Advice is available on services, who and what to ask, the minefield that is education and getting a statement for a child with special needs. The group has received support from the medical profession which tells people about it.

“If you are a child with autism you grow into an adult with autism. Medication helps but it doesn’t take everything away,” said Sara.

*The next get together for The Mix is on Monday May 11from 10am to 12noon. Sara can be contacted on 07966 971983 or email themix14@outlook.com.