SHEILA Coates, a pioneer in services for autistic children and their families in Oxfordshire, has died aged 67.

Mrs Coates founded the Chinnor-based charity Children In Touch, which supports children with autism.

The service then became a model that was used by others around the UK and worldwide.

Mrs Coates, who was born in Kent, was head girl at Lewes County Grammar School for Girls, before training as a history teacher.

She moved with her family to Chinnor in the 1970s and lived there until her death from myeloma on October 27.

It was during her time at St Andrew’s Primary School in Chinnor that she was asked to work with an autistic boy who was close to expulsion.

This led to two further autistic children being helped by teachers, and the beginnings of the charity were put in motion.

Mrs Coates, together with psychiatrist Dr Mercy Heatley and others, started Children in Touch in 1977, which continues to work supporting families with autistic children.

Nobel prize winner Professor Niko Tinbergen was an early supporter, donating prize money to the service.

It also became a key model for the important 1978 Warnock Report on integrating disabled children into mainstream schools.

She leaves behind husband Chris, sons John, Ian and David and grandchildren Millie, Daisie and Jude.

In a tribute, her family and friends said: “Sheila will be missed dreadfully, not just by her husband, children and grandchildren, but by her many, many friends and colleagues and by the hundreds of families to whom she gave such unstinting help.

“The charity which she helped to found still energetically and creatively supports children and families affected by autism in Oxfordshire with befriending schemes, ‘aspire’ groups, support and information for families and many other ventures through their Autistic Family Support service.”

A fund set up in Mrs Coates’s memory for Children in Touch has raised more than £10,000.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/sheilacoates