A SCHOOL for children who suffer from autism is raising money for a sensory garden that could play a crucial role in their development.

Baston House School, Hayes, is halfway towards raising the £3000 it needs to build the garden.

Such a garden can help develop the sensory system of an autistic child by addressing the child's senses - important because an autistic child may have difficulty adapting to everyday sensations, a condition known as sensory dysfunction.

The pupils who attend Baston House are aged 5 to 16 and all have a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder.

Mark Birkbeck, Principal, Baston House said: "This exciting project will have a huge impact on our children and with the continued support of both Sainsbury’s and Coolings garden centre design team we hope to have the Garden in use by the summer term."

Sainsbury’s Beckenham recently presented Baston House School with a Community Grant for £500.

To help Baston House raise the remaining money, call 020 8462 1010.