As part of this years UKF all stars weekend, I am proud to have been chosen to play for team Autism Plus. Every year, hockey players from across the country take to the ice to raise a substantial amount of money for various charities operating nationwide. Last year, the event raised a total of  over £49,000 in total. With the £7,000 mark already surpassed this year, the 2015 event looks on track to smash this record.

Why Autism Plus

Autism is a complex disorder, often misunderstood by many. Sometimes, people dismiss an individual with autism without giving thought to what the condition actually entails. In my career as a Police Officer, I have contact with people with autism on a regular basis. Part of this involves supporting and safeguarding them in some of the darkest times of their lives as a result of circumstances out side of their control.

Autism is a neurological disorder that can reduce and interfere social function, verbal and non verbal communication whilst also often causing restrictive and repetitive behavior. There are 700,000 people who have been diagnosed with autism or Asperger's syndrome in the UK. This means that Autism will directly affect 2.7 million people in the UK, as often the condition requires a degree of care from friends, family and charities such as autism plus. A recent survey by Autism.org showed that 40% of children who suffer with autism admitted to have been bullied in school because of their disability.

This is why the work that Autism Plus does on a daily basis is so vital. Autism Plus provides support to both the suffers of autism and their families; through financial, emotional and physical means (i.e. living aids, visiting carers and specialist learning programs.)

About the charity.

Autism Plus is a charity based in Yorkshire providing care and support for people with autism, learning difficulties and mental health conditions. Autism Plus works with individuals mainly with autism, many of whom have complex and high support needs. They provide a range of provision including residential services, supported living, adult learning and day services, community outreach, employment support, social enterprises, children's service and transitions support.

Autism Plus was started in 1986 by a group of parents with autistic children under the name of Thorne House Autistic Community. Thorne House initially provided services for a small number of young adults who were leaving special schools in the local area as no appropriate adult provision was available. Since then the charity has grown considerably and now provides a diversity of services throughout Yorkshire to many people affected by autism and related conditions.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, please give generously to help this fantastic charity. For ore information on Autism Plus and Autism itself, visit autismplus.org or autism.org.uk