In January Anthony Bernard wrote a moving piece about children who struggle for a range of reasons – poverty, poor role models, lack of opportunity. For some months I have been involved with a club in Exeter for youngsters aged 8-15 who have a particular disability – autism. Many children from Exmouth and the immediate area attend it. 

In my 15 years as a teacher followed by 30 in school inspection it was only towards the end of my career that autism became recognised as a distinct special need, although it was identified in 1908. Over the years it has been given different names. Today it is described as neuro-diversity which sums up well how people might think when they encounter children and adults who behave, talk and do things differently to most. This was brilliantly shown just recently by the four case studies in Chris Packham’s ‘Inside Our Autistic Minds’ (BBC 2).

For someone to be properly described as autistic there must have been a comprehensive assessment and a formal diagnosis. It is estimated that 1 in 100 children and adults in the UK are autistic and we know that in Devon where some 8000 5-24 year olds have a neuro-developmental condition, over 1800 have autism.

Children with autism can be a challenge for mainstream schools and out-of-school settings such as youth clubs and uniformed organisations. Like most neurological conditions autism is a spectrum from mild to severe. Some children are prodigiously intelligent and others intensely focused on specific interests like drawing, building computer games and crafts. Many find social interaction difficult, especially with people they don’t know well. Change of place and even new food can be emotionally upsetting. Children with autism can take what is said literally – so the response to ‘Take a seat’ could be ‘Where to?’ How they speak can be taken as rudeness and behaviour as challenging.

Exmouth Journal: The SOCOPS club for young people with autism

Every Saturday in term time a group of children with autism meet at the 100 Club in Countess Wear, Exeter. The registered charity that runs it is called SOCOPS, which stands for Social Opportunities, providing a safe space for children to make friends. Numbers can range from 15 to 40 because with autism regular attendance is dependent so much on the child’s mood that day. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or carer and siblings are welcome. Ben, the Project Manager, assisted by volunteers, supervises the activities. Topical themes recently included shortbread making and Scottish emblems (Burns Night), and dragon drawing and enjoying Chinese food for Chinese New Year. A well-equipped gym is popular for those who want to let off steam and the pool hall for quieter pursuits. A room provides a space for those who want some ‘time out’.

What strikes me every Saturday is the calm atmosphere, the positive acceptance of difference, the quiet concentration around the craft and food-making tables, and the eager countdown to 11.30 when snacks are served. Children comment that they can be themselves at SOCOPS because they are not judged. Parents and carers can share their experiences and their difficulties.

Children come to the club from a wide area of Devon because SOCOPS is unique. Parents tell me ‘Without this club I don’t know how we would cope’. But the need for such support for is huge – and largely unmet. SOCOPS wants to restart SOCOPS Plus for the 16-23 age group. Most of this age group have left school and have nothing by way of social and recreational opportunities. SOCOPS was started in 2008 by parents. I feel privileged to be involved with such a dedicated group making such a practical difference to families coping with autism.

If you think SOCOPS could help a young person in your own family contact Barbara Scales (Chair of Trustees) on 07950 021006. If you know of any sources of funding to help SOCOPS to restart SOCOPS Plus contact Ian Burrows (Treasurer) on ianjburrows@btinternet.com