A NEWTON couple say their autistic son's life has been transformed by a special room they have created at home.

Nicola and Russell Prior have been fundraising to send four-year-old Curtis to the Option Institute in Sheffield, Massachusetts. The centre offers a week-long intensive play programme for autistic children and their parents.

In the meantime, Nicola and Russell have converted the garage into a playroom for Curtis so they can begin his therapy at their Rosemary Drive home.

Following instructions from the institute, the couple made special adaptations to provide Curtis with plenty of stimuli.

"We completed the conversion five weeks ago and it's brilliant," said Nicola.

"It has two big high shelves for Curtis's toys so he has to ask for what he wants. He learns body work, such as dressing himself, using a big mirror, and we have a two-way mirror from the hall so we can film him as he plays without distracting him.

"He loves it. It's the best thing we have ever done. There is much more space and it has made a big difference."

Autistic children are often happy to play alone and do not socialise with other people, but Nicola says Curtis is a changed child since the conversion was completed.

"He's a lot more sociable," said Nicola, "and he is trying to talk now by spelling out what he wants.

"He also knows his numbers to 100 and he will play with anyone. Even the hospital consultants can't believe the difference."

Nicola and Russell are still fundraising to send Curtis to America in September 2000 and are also appealing for volunteers to help with his play programme. Anyone who can help should call 290922.

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