AN AUTISTIC six-year-old from Kingsley will visit a specialist centre in America to receive groundbreaking therapy after £15,000 was raised.
Jack Armstrong’s parents refused to accept doctors’ advice that nothing could be done for their son when he was diagnosed with autism two years ago and discovered an innovative therapy for autism called Son-Rise, developed by the Option Institute in Massachusetts.
After a year following the home-based play programme – involving help from a team of adult volunteer playmates for Jack and converting the garage of their Top Road home into a special playroom – they say the attention-span and interaction of the once withdrawn youngster have improved.
Eager to build on Jack’s amazing progress, Natalie and Mark Armstrong are now preparing to take their son to America in June for a week of intensive therapy with specialists at the Option Institute. They will also provide the couple with extra training to continue the programme.
Natalie and Mark’s fundraising events over the past year have been supported by friends, neighbours and other well wishers and, after his story was highlighted by The Chronicle , the couple even received an anonymous donation of £1,000.
“People have been wonderful, so supportive of Jack, and we’re very grateful for their help,” said Natalie, who said fundraising may need to continue after the America trip.
A golf day in aid of Jack’s Son-Rise programme will be held at Pryors Hayes Golf Club, Tarvin, on May 25, with entry fee, including a buffet, at £100 per team of four.
For more information call Natalie on 01928 7882.
