AN AUTISTIC boy's mother hopes an American trip will give him a better life.

Three-year-old Harry Dobson, of Faringdon Avenue, Petts Wood, gets distressed by everyday events such as getting dressed, going to the shops or getting into a lift.

He cries when his routine is even slightly changed and bites his hands when he is scared by what is happening.

His mother Paula wants to raise £6,000 so she can take him to the Autism Treatment Centre of America in Sheffield, Massachusetts, for a week in its Son-Rise programme.

It uses interactive play and conversation to help autistic youngsters communicate.

Mrs Dobson took him to a introductory week-long course of the programme in a Fulham hotel in January.

Now the 38-year-old says she knows more about how to motivate her son and to help him get less stressed by the world.

She said: "Autistic children do not make eye contact and they do not do imaginary play.

"It is all about copying what the child does until they give you the green light and you can move the play onto different areas.

"If I'm working on language I could be trying to get him to say Teletubby'."

The mother-of-two will spend the week at the Son Rise programme watching the therapists working with him so she can use their techniques when they get home.

Mrs Dobson added: "There's no saying what he will accomplish if he has the intensive therapy.

"I believe the programme will help Harry reach his full potential."

She is planning a variety of fundraising events including fairs and jumble sales. Call 020 8467 3533 if you can help.

FACTS ABOUT DISABILITY

AUTISM is a life-long developmental disability which affects a person's social and communication skills.

Many autistic children seem indifferent to other people and do not interact with others.

They also seem to prefer being alone and either resist attention or do not show much affection.

An autistic child may be unable to predict or understand other people's actions or intentions.

Children with autism are often alienated during their school years so may invent imaginary worlds or scenarios.

They generally prefer consistent routines and surroundings and may react negatively to any changes.

Signs of autism include oversensitivity or underreactivity to touch, movement, sights, or sounds; physical clumsiness or carelessness; a tendency to be easily distracted and impulsive physical or verbal behavior.