“We were kind of in an unknown world at the time.”

That is how Jade, whose son Freddie attends BeyondAutism’s Early Years service, described the months before finding the right support.

This summer, BeyondAutism is calling on the public to help raise £30,000 by 31 August to ensure more families can access the personalised, early support they’ve been searching for.

The campaign, titled “We Were Never the Right Fit – Until We Were,” is part of the charity’s wider Included, Not Excluded initiative. It highlights the importance of inclusive support that begins early, at a stage where the right help can change everything for a child and their family.

The Early Years service, based in Bromley, provides one-to-one sessions for autistic children aged 18 months to 5 years, with a strong focus on communication, emotional development, and parent confidence. It is the only programme of its kind that goes beyond a drop-off. Parents don’t just attend—they participate.

At Early Years, nothing happens in isolation. Families are supported as a whole. Parents receive practical strategies from professionals who understand their child and who understand them. It is a space where parents feel seen as people navigating a complex journey, not just as carers. Alongside expert guidance, they find a peer network, emotional support, and often lifelong friendships.

Jade says what they gained was simple: “Knowledge. So much knowledge, in so many different aspects.”

Since its launch in 2018, the service has been entirely funded by voluntary donations and grants. As funding landscapes shift, BeyondAutism is working to secure its future so that children like Freddie can continue to access high-quality, relationship-based support from the very beginning.

Tracie Coultas-Pitman, CEO of BeyondAutism, said:

“Every child deserves to feel included from the start. Our Early Years programme doesn’t just meet needs – it sees the whole family. This campaign is about protecting that access and making sure no child misses the chance to begin their journey with confidence, understanding and inclusion.”

The £30,000 appeal is the first step toward securing the total funding needed for Early Years over the 2025/2026 academic year, which is expected to be around £300,000. The campaign message is clear: inclusion should not wait. The earlier families feel included, the stronger the outcomes emotionally, socially and educationally.

Funds raised will go directly toward delivering specialist sessions, resources, and support for families currently on the waiting list.

To learn more about BeyondAutism Early Years including a video with parents, visit: https://www.beyondautism.org.uk/our-services/early-years/

To donate, visit: https://bit.ly/EarlyYears-BA