Polly Tommey - Our Founder's Message

Living with Autism

Message from Polly Tommey.

Being told that your precious child has autism is heartbreaking and frightening.
 
My son, Billy was diagnosed with having severe autism at age two and a half; we have come a long way since then. Nine years on and he is a happy boy who still has autism, but now he is described as, ‘high functioning’, and his improvement is ongoing.
 
Through preliminary research into what lay ahead for my son, I was devastated to find that his future, like a great many other children with autism was ‘bleak’. There simply isn’t enough provision and support for these children as they approach adulthood.
 
The more families and children I meet with autism, the more I learn. One thing that is blatantly obvious to me is that whether verbal, or non verbal, every child I meet with autism has an extraordinary brain ... a fabulous brain with so much potential. We cannot lose these children to a future without purpose.
 
As a result of Polly Tommey's findings The Autism Trust has been created. The Trust will create an environment that will help these children develop their skills and fulfil their potential, where they will get lifelong help, but where above all, they will be safe and happy.

If we give children like Billy a future they deserve and need, I know they will give so much back.
 
Please help Polly Tommey and The Autism Trust in anyway that you can: help us build a real future for the great many children that have autism today."

Polly Tommey