Autistic boy heading to US for life-changing treatment

Aug 21 2009 by Gregor White, Stirling Observer Friday

A FURTHER fundraising push is to be held this weekend for an autistic youngster heading to America for a potentially life-changing treatment.

Cambusbarron’s Adam Fotheringham (7) was diagnosed with autism at the age of four.

Last year his parents Graeme and Gail attended a London seminar for the Son-Rise Programme, whose founders insist their approach can make a real difference to autistic children and their families.

Developed by parents in Massachusetts whose own son was diagnosed with autism at less than two years old, but who they say is now a grown man with no autistic traits, the programme uses intensive play therapy.

The Fotheringhams already use some of the methods prescribed at home and in October the family are due to travel to the programme’s US headquarters.

Gail said: “During our one-week stay Adam will be under the supervision of the Son-Rise teachers, who will spend many hours with him, learning about his specific problems and teaching us how best to tackle these within our own playroom environment at home.

“We are extremely fortunate to have great friends who have not only volunteered in Adam’s daily home-based programme but who have also supported us in many fundraising events held over the past 18 months to raise the amount needed for our US trip”.

The next event will be a pig roast on Sunday evening at Murrayshall Farm, just outside Cambusbarron.

Food has been supplied by local businesses including Tesco and Nando’s and there is a raffle with prizes including vouchers for the Vue cinema, Peak health centre and Blair Drummond Safari Park.

“We would like to thank absolutely everyone who has contributed to this event,” said Gail.

The event starts at 7pm and entry is by donation, with all money going to cover the costs of Adam’s trip.

Murrayshall Farm lies off Polmaise Road to the east of Cambusbarron.