Like Dustin Hoffman's Rain Man, autistic children can often be amazingly talented -- some are mathematical whizzkids, while others sketch perfect images of famous monuments from memory.

But this unexplained phenomenon is just one aspect of a condition which demands full-time attention and supervision.

Resources for Autism, a Finchley-based charity, is currently working towards setting up a one-stop resource centre for autistic children and their families.

Based in Regents Park Road, the charity was set up several years ago by the then MP for Finchley and Friern Barnet, Hartley Booth.

Anthony Krais, deputy chairman of Resources for Autism, said: "Within Barnet alone there were quite a number of people whose children or siblings came within the autistic spectrum, and for whom there were inadequate services and facilities at the time."

Outside of school time, caring for an autistic child is still mainly the family's responsibility. Consultation with local organisations, schools and experts in the field, led the MP to set up the charity.

Mr Krais said of the centre: "People will be able to come and seek advice, but also have consultations about the condition of their child and the most suitable therapy."

The centre, fostering the slogan Bridging the Gap Between Provision and Need, will house a wide range of facilities -- consultation rooms, music rooms, a theatre and more -- all under one roof.

Although unlikely to open until early next century, a fundraising campaign for the centre will soon begin. Despite substantial and generous support from donors such as chairman of Pentland Group PLC Steven Rubin, the group is desperate to secure additional funding.

Resources For Autism is currently seeking volunteers to help update its fundraising database and identify potential sponsors.

Mr Krais said: "It's quite detailed and accurate work that we need, but it's an essential part of running a proper campaign. Volunteers should have common sense and accuracy and be prepared to give a few hours each week."

Readers interested in volunteering should contact Resources for Autism on 0181 371 5073.

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