The mother of a boy who is well on the way to overcoming his autism is appealing for people to help him through the final obstacles.

Eighteen months ago George Stooks, seven, was a child locked in his mind. He could not speak, did not make eye contact and had few social skills.

However, after his mother Jane took him out of full time education and signed him up to the Son-Rise programme, run by the Autism Centre of America, she saw a vast improvement.

These days George has a large vocabulary - he has the reading age of a nine-year-old - and it is hoped he will be able to join a mainstream school within the next two years.

The Son-Rise scheme encourages one-to-one structured play in a specially adapted playroom.

In order for George to get the maximum benefit, the playroom must run six days a week and Mrs Stooks needs people to help.

Mrs Stooks, of Town Well End, Fritwell, near Bicester, said: "George is at a real turning point. We have just come back from two weeks at the centre in America and the main person there says he doesn't see George as an autistic child - just a child with some learning difficulties.

She added: "In the last six months he has become fully verbal. He's sociable with other kids, he loves the play room and loves people now.

"He has got about another 18 months to two years left, maximum."

Mrs Stooks, 40, who paid £60,000 for the treatment, has become an ambassador for the organisation and helps other families in the UK.

She said: "I'm getting my son back. I'm getting a child who was a typical toddler, then lost to autism.

"Now I can do so much more with him."

Anyone interested in volunteering will be fully trained. To find out more call Mrs Stooks on 01869 345452 or 07979 691429.