AS our Angel Cakes for Autism moves into its second week, the Ealing Times is repeating its call for all budding pastry chefs to pick up a bowl and a whisk and begin fundraising.
Money raised will go towards a new educational catering kitchen at the Sybil Elgar National Autistic School in Acton.
Autism is a lifelong condition which affects how a person makes sense of the world around them.
People with autism experience problems with social relationships, communication and imagination.
It is a "spectrum disorder" and affects not only the individual with the disability, but also their family.
Les Pilgrim's son, Nathan, is a student at the Sybil Elgar school. He says the type of specific, individual education he receives there has been key in improving his quality of life.
"When Nathan was 18 months old he did not communicate at all," says Mr Pilgrim. "He did not speak or look you in the eye. If he wanted something he would just lead you by the hand and you would have to figure out in your own way what he wanted. It would be very difficult even to embrace Nathan as he would not like it."
He adds: "Many parents of children with autism want them to go to mainstream education, but going to Sybil Elgar has helped him immensely. He would not have survived in a mainstream school.
"Now Nathan's forte is music and dance, and that has been made possible because of the type of sensory education he has received. He could not function on nearly the same level if he had not had this kind of specialist attention."
Nathan, 18, who has recently performed at St James' Palace, is one of more than 100 children who have benefited from the work of the Sybil Elgar school.
The kitchen will help many more develop and flourish in the way dancing has for Nathan.
Deputy principal of the school Liz Fitzgerald, says such a new facility will do wonders for the students and added: "The reason why we are so keen is that food technology and catering will make a big difference in terms of their own lives."
For entry forms or fundraising pack call 020 7903 3522 or email fundraising @nas.org.uk. To donate call 08702 334040, quoting "Angel Cakes for Autism".
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