A woman who works with autistic children wants doctors to give parents more information about where they can find help.

Maggie Anderson, who has worked as a learning difficulties nurse, said a diagnosis of autism is often a relief to parents, but they do not know what to do next to get help.

"The first port of call should be the local education authority who will be able to assess the needs of the child," she said.

"This will give them a statement of their child's special educational needs and will show what support the child needs.

"But many parents don't know where to start and so the child doesn't get any help until they get to school."

Using her 25 years of experience of working with young autistic children and lecturing medical staff on dealing with it, Dr Anderson, of Kirby Road, Walton, has set up a business called Autism Learning and Development to help provide education and support for families.

Dr Anderson started her business at the beginning of March, and is currently working with five children.

  • Anyone interested in getting more information can call her on 01255 678493, or 07775 508651.