THE mother of an autistic child has spoken about the importance of understanding her son’s world.

Justine Haigh’s call comes as a project is launched to help autistic children.

Justine says her nine-year-old son, Daniel, benefited from an Early Birds project, which gave him an understanding of life that autism can often prevent.

But with children having limited access to such schemes, parents and experts are hoping to set up a special nursery.

Justine, 35, of Highburton, said: “Daniel had no understanding what life was about until they taught him to see the colours and shapes of the wider picture.

“He is severely handicapped and I believe that without this early intervention he would not have the understanding of the world that he now does.

“Even though he had training for just a short period he learned so much. It doesn’t come naturally to autistic children, so the earlier they get training the better.”

Justine, a senior lecturer in marketing at Huddersfield University, believes she would be unable to work if Daniel hadn’t started training pre-school.

“When he was younger Daniel didn’t have any sense of me having to go out and work, but he understands now,” she added.

At first Kirklees Council wanted Daniel to go to a mainstream school, which Justine said was ridiculous. He was given a place at Longley School.

Kate Falkingham, a speech and language therapist at the Holme Valley Memorial Hospital, is hoping to set up a new nursery for children like Daniel.

But she needs the backing of parents and the council.

She said: “Children with autism are in a difficult situation because the Government say they want inclusion and integration. But unfortunately for children with severe communication difficulties this isn’t always right for them.

“We need to set them up with the right strategies to cope early on and five days a week.”

The new nursery could take eight to 10 autistic children and give them specific training for their individual needs.

A similar project at the Ellerslie Centre on Greenhead Road has some programmes, but they are only available for a couple of hours a week.

Organisers are now working with the council to find suitable premises and need more people to help.

A public meeting will take place at the Ellerslie Centre at 7pm tomorrow for people to find out more or to help.