A NEW centre set up to help autistic children and their families has come under attack from cruel vandals.

Reach for Autism volunteers were devastated to discover that patio doors had been smashed at their Ratho Street premises.

The hard-working group have spent thousands of pounds turning the building into a specialist centre for people with autism.

They are now stepping up security to try and prevent any more incidents.

Since opening earlier this year Reach for Autism has claimed awards for its work helping dozens of families every week.

Director Margaret McGowan said: “We have put our heart and soul into getting this place set up and making it perfect.

“It is devastating to come in and find that someone has just taken a brick and thrown it at our patio doors.” The charity hopes to organise a couple of fundraisers in the run-up to Christmas to help cover the cost of the repairs.

But the doors to the centre’s Sunshine room, used as a quiet space, are out of bounds until the damage can be repaired.

Margaret said: “If it had been some of the other rooms we would have had to cancel groups and classes.

“People rely on us and this vandalism just makes you so angry.” Reach for Autism had just celebrated a hugely successful Christmas fete at the weekend, raising £2,000 for its work.

The centre has a soft play facility, sensory room and an art and crafts area as well as a training suite.

They run drop-ins and classes as well as setting up various groups within the centre.

Examples of their work include play sessions for autistic children and their siblings and dedicated support groups for dads.

Founder Vicki McCarthy recently won a national Real Hero award for her work setting up the centre.

She was inspired to act by her 15-year-old daughter Kira, who is on the autistic spectrum.

Vicki campaigned for the centre and now the group is leading the way in changing attitudes towards people with the condition.

Reach for Autism would like to thank Pat Leslie from Grenville Builders for coming to their aid in the immediate aftermath of the vandal attack.