Autism is a condition which causes children to withdraw from those around them and can permanently affect their ability to interact. This week is Autism Awareness Week and health reporter Victoria Owen looks at an Oxfordshire charity that is dedicated to helping autistic children and is drastically improving family life for some . . .

Wendy Williams lies on the floor and pours over a pile of children's books, eagerly picking out colourful characters on each page.

The autistic eight-year-old's excitement is a far cry from her behaviour three years ago, when she would not speak, pick up books or interact with anyone.

She is one of four UK children in every 10,000 who suffer from autism, a disorder that leaves youngsters completely insular and frightened of change.

Sue and WendyMany find it difficult to integrate socially and are transfixed with the need for routine.

Wendy, however, is lucky enough to go to the Chinnor Unit at St Nicholas First School, in Marston, Oxford.

Before joining she could not even say "mummy". Now she will talk willingly and sits down in a group and concentrates in a class situation.

Her parents, Sue and Chris, of Foxwell Drive, Marston, were distraught by their younger daughter's earlier behaviour. Now the Chinnor Unit has transformed their lives.

Mrs Williams said: "Wendy used to have very little speech, she had no interest in books, she couldn't hold a pen - so she didn't draw or write - and she didn't interact with anyone, not even her older sister. Tiffany.

"It was difficult for her to go out at all and she was very aggressive, biting and lashing out because she was so frightened to do things. I used to feel very alone, because no-one seemed to have the same problem."

Wendy is one of 90 youngsters supported by five Chinnor Units in Oxfordshire, set up by county charity Children in Touch - the brainchild of Dr Mercy Heatley.

In 1973, the psychiatrist was alerted to a young boy who was expelled from St Andrew's School, Chinnor, because his autism made him disruptive.

After being assigned a home teacher, the child was allowed back to the school accompanied by his new tutor.

Another autistic pupil was also enrolled at the school and Dr Heatley had the makings of a special integrated unit for autistic children. Children in Touch was founded and is now one of the most innovative autism organisations in the UK.

As well as St Andrew's and St Nicholas, the charity funds units at Oxford's Cherwell School, Marston Middle School and Lord Williams's School, in Thame, where each child is taught by one of the 80 dedicated teachers - often on a one-to-one basis. They learn basic numeracy, literacy and communication skills, as well as simple tasks that many autistic youngsters find difficult, such as shopping and cooking.

Dr Heatley said: "The children are treated in special units and then go into ordinary classes accompanied by an adult if it's appropriate. It makes a great difference to the children because they don't feel isolated any more.

"The units are quite unconventional and we are happy to try new techniques, which the National Autism Society doesn't do. We observe the children and build a programme around them.

"Families actually move into Oxfordshire to take advantage of our facilities."

Dr Heatley, a trustee of Children in Touch, said the charity costs £60,000 to fund every year. The money is spent on the five units and a resource at Hill End Residential and Field Study Centre, in Farmoor. The teachers take the youngsters on trips - including skiing - to help conquer their social fears.

Dr Heatley said: "The teachers are so dedicated and are fascinated by the enigma surrounding autism. It's very difficult because the children are very demanding. But to continue, we need £60,000 a year."

Mrs Williams is just one mother who believes the funding is well worth every penny.

She said: "The change in Wendy is amazing and I just don't feel so alone any more. She can speak and read and that has helped the whole family. We couldn't do it on our own."