EXPERTS from a Clent special school are hosting an information night to raise awareness of the problems faced by people with autism.

Part of Autism West Midlands’ Autism Awareness Week, the event organised by Sunfield School aims to offer an insight into the effects of autistic spectrum disorders and to advise people on the help and facilities available to them.

As well as staff from Sunfield - representatives from agencies such as Mencap and the Autism Outreach Service will also be at the event - taking place at Stourbridge Town Hall on Thursday October 9.

Iain Chatwin, Sunfield’s staff development co-ordinator, said: “Because people with the condition do not look any different from anyone else, autism is a largely ‘hidden’ disorder and this has lead to a lack of understanding surrounding it, despite the fact that it is believed to affect one in 110 people.

“At Sunfield there is a vast bank of knowledge and expertise. We not only teach children with the severest forms of ASD, but we also have a very active professional development centre which offers a range of training opportunities, as well as psychology and research departments.

“We wanted to offer the general public the opportunity to hear about some of these issues and also to learn more about what help and support is available."

This event is free, but places are limited.

Contact Elizabeth Wood at Sunfield on 01562 882253 or email pdc@sunfield.org.uk to book a free place.

Admission is from 6.30pm and the information stalls will be open until 8.30pm.