A LOCAL Asperger support group is soon to launch a new parent and carer group to help West Devon families affected by autism.

The local group of the National Autistic Society (NAS) has expanded in recent months and is holding a number of events this summer.

The Tavistock and District Asperger Support Group was set up to support local adults who have, or are awaiting diagnosis of, Asperger Syndrome (AS), which is a form of autism.

During an autism information drop-in session held at Tavistock Library for World Autism Awareness Week (WAAW), several parents expressed a need for a local group for parents and carers of people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

Although NAS parent and carer groups are held in Plymouth and Exeter the group is going to hold a session just for parents and carers at Tavistock Library on June 17 at 1.15pm.

The theme of the meeting is going to be 'Books and Autism' and parents and carers are asked to bring along their favourite book related to autism, which can be fiction or non-fiction.

Wendy West, who is chair of the group, said: 'If you haven't got a favourite book about autism, still come along and hear about ours.'

The Asperger Support Group for adults with AS continues to meet monthly and has planned a walk at Mount Edgecumbe for its June meeting. The next general support group meeting is at Tavistock Library in July.

Wendy said: 'It has been, and continues to be, a very busy year for the committee members.

'We are all volunteers and have to juggle home and work alongside running the group.

'But it's all worth it when you can be there for someone and see the difference your advice or links can have.

'Autism can have a profound effect on individuals and families but the right support at the right time can make all the difference.

'We'd encourage any local people who don't know where to turn to contact us and come along to one of our meetings.'

For more information about the Tavistock and District Asperger Support Group meetings and times, or local autism information, visit http://www.nasbranch.org.uk/tavistockanddistrict">www.nasbranch.org.uk/tavistockanddistrict or email [email protected]">[email protected]

The group's website offers an array of information about autism and where people can go for support.

Although still under development, the group decided to make it available as soon as possible so that local people affected by autism can get help now.

l More than 1 in 100 people have autism, including an estimated 8,200 in Devon.

Autism affects how a person communicates with and relates to others, as well as how they make sense of the world.

It is a spectrum condition which manifests differently in each individual, meaning that some people are able to live relatively 'everyday' lives while others require a lifetime of specialist support.