More than 100 people gathered for a conference to promote support for young people with autism and their families.

The 10th annual Making a Difference conference was held in the Holiday Inn in Eastern Avenue, Ilford, last Wednesday.

Parents and teachers from across the borough joined representatives from Redbridge council and voluntary groups for the conference which took ‘Looking Beyond Diagnosis’ as its theme.

Guests heard presentations from speakers including Robyn Steward, who has Asperger’s Syndrome and provided an insight into the support needs of youngsters with Autism.

Sue Blows, head teacher of Hatton School & Special Needs Centre in Roding Lane South, Woodford Green, said: “These events have brought in some excellent speakers who have explored many topics that have given inspiration and practical strategies that have been put into practice locally.

“They have also consistently given a forum to our young people and their parents to tell personal stories to give us an insight into how it really feels for them.”