Autistic children are suffering "mental stress" at school and having to be educated at home instead, according to a support service.

Autistic Inclusive Meets (AIM) looks to enable families with autistic children to get out into the community and socialise with peers.

Based in Woolwich, and run by a specialist team of autistc adults, AIM is now encouraging more people to be home educators.

The group organises monthly meet-ups and trips out with fares for transport provided for families and individuals.

The CEO of AIM, Emma Dalmayne, told News Shopper: “We have taken five new home educators on in the last three days.

“These are parents who have not found the right support in local schools and have been forced to de-register their children.

“The children and teens have ended up with mental stress due to bullying and sensory overload due to overcrowding and a general lack of inclusion.”

Emma has been home-educating for five years, she has six children and five are on the spectrum, along with herself.

She continued: “I believe sadly no matter how many accommodations a school may make, not all children can access it.

"The size, echoing, flurry of colours, smells and noise plus crowding can make it impossible so we are here to support families with autistic children/teens and autistic adults.”

The group now runs two weekly social groups on a Monday and Thursday, and it is working with Charlton Athletic to provide a football session starting this Saturday.

For more information visit https://autisticinclusivemeets.com/