People with autism often describe the world, to them, as a mass of people, places and events which they struggle to make sense of.

In particular they struggle to understand and relate to other people and take part in everyday family and social life.

Autism is often described as a ‘spectrum disorder’ because the condition affects people in many different ways and to varying degrees, from Aspergers Syndrome to Classic Autism.

The word ‘spectrum’ is used because, while all people with autism share three main areas of difficulty, their condition will affect them in very different ways. Some are able to live relatively ‘everyday’ lives; others will require a lifetime of specialist support.

OASIS is an independent charity run by parent volunteers with children on the Autistic Spectrum to provide support to parents and carers of children on the spectrum from Aspergers Syndrome to Classic Autism. OASIS aims to provide a supportive community through informative meetings, often with guest speakers and organises popular play days for families, including siblings, during the school holidays.

Last year OASIS organised a crafts and ceramic painting in Abingdon, had an art day at Sunningwell School of Art, went to Youlbury Scout Camp and did zip wiring, archery and other outdoor activities, and held many other well organised days out.

OASIS also holds meetings five times a year in the evening at Cheney School, Oxford. The meetings cover a variety of challenges that face members, such as the science behind a gluten and casein-free diet for those with AS. For 2011, OASIS will additionally be trialling some daytime workshops. Informal coffee and chat times are also held during term-time around the county as a way for parents/carers to swap ideas and talk to others who understand their situation.

These are held in Abingdon and Oxford and details can be found on OASIS’s website www.oasisonline.org.uk

The website also has information on training and events run by other organisations around the county, the dates of up and coming play days, term meetings, informal coffee and chat dates. To contact OASIS email chairman, Rachel Dennett on chair@oasisonline.org.uk or call 07900 144 493.