A company set up by a Bicester mother whose son developed autism as a toddler, is moving into its own premises.

Jane Stooks and her business partner Stephanie Eramus, from Fritwell, founded Future Kids after Ms Stooks son George, eight, was helped by a similar scheme in the United States.

The play-based therapy revolves around a specially-designed playroom environment, in which autistic children are encouraged to draw themselves out of their silent world, by engaging in play and educational activities.

Until now, the women have been visiting families and offering the play therapy with autistic children in their own homes. But the premises will enable families to spend five days on site, in a specially-controlled environment.

Ms Stooks said: "Our premises will be in the Banbury area and will offer families a special 'moving-in' package, in which their child will spend seven hours a day, for five days, in our playroom.

"There is so little help offered to families with autistic children, but we are thrilled to be able to pass on the successes we have had with George to other local families."

She added: "We already have two families signed-up for October and another for December, but we want to let as many people know about this as possible."

Autism is a severe, developmental disorder that affects the way a person sees and interacts with the world.

Parents may notice that their toddler does not begin to talk or does not communicate or interact normally with themselves or others.

New figures released this month say the problem has been vastly underestimated, and that around one in 100 children could now have the condition.

To find out more log on at www.futurekids.me.uk or call 01869 345364.