How do you react when you are in a supermarket and witness a child having a tantrum?

Your first thought might be that it is a badly behaved child. However, there might be another explanation.

Parents of autistic children know that it is not wilful behaviour on their child’s part, but that does not necessarily make the problem any easier to deal with.

Nikki Smith, branch secretary of the Hart and Rushmoor branch of The National Autistic Society, would prefer bystanders to be more understanding.

“Dealing with the behaviour of autistic children can be very difficult for everybody in the family,” said Mrs Smith, of Fleet Road in Farnborough.

Mrs Smith said people were all too willing to assume it was just a naughty child rather than possibly an autistic child.

“Going to the supermarket is one of the most stressful days of the week for many parents,” Mrs Smith said.

“If people would just ignore an autistic child when they’re kicking off it would be much better than giving a negative response,” Mrs Smith explained.

“Autistic children who start to play up don’t understand that you need to get shopping. It can be made more difficult by some of the reactions you get from other shoppers.

“The looks you get when your child is in meltdown in the middle of a supermarket aisle from some people just don’t help at all.

“It is much harder to try to deal with the problem when you’ve got people staring at you and your child.”

Mrs Smith’s two youngest sons, Ian, five, and Rory, three, have autism, but her eldest, Callum, seven, does not.

“Quite a few autistic children have sensory issues and have problems dealing with situations where there are a lot of people,” said Mrs Smith.

“Five minutes into something they can decide that they want to leave and it can be very difficult for the parent to deal with.”

At least families with autistic children now have somewhere to turn for support or to speak to people in a similar situation.

The Hart and Rushmoor branch of The National Autistic Society, set up 13 months ago, has given parents a vital lifeline, with coffee mornings, fun sessions and gaming days.

Organisers now want to establish a group for the brothers and sisters of autistic children.

Volunteers are required to escort children on activities that their siblings with autism might struggle with, such as tenpin bowling or swimming.

Mrs Smith would love to hear from anybody who is prepared to give up their time to help.

“We are hoping to organise a siblings group so that children can have the opportunity to do things others might do away from their brothers and sisters who have autism,” Mrs Smith said.

The Hart and Rushmoor branch was established in March last year after two mums with autistic children felt there was not enough support for them.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability. Human interaction is problematic for autistic people. Those with the condition can struggle to understand and relate to others.

Mrs Smith said: “The branch is trying to establish a group to give a presentation about what it is to have a child with autism and what situations we face.

“Before us I don’t think there was a group dedicated to the people we cater for.

“We get so many parents saying it is a relief for them to know that there are other people in the same situation as them.”

The branch enjoys a range of activities, including a trip on the Mid-Hants Railway Watercress Line from Alresford railway station earlier this month.

Parents and children also meet for frequent play sessions at the Early Years Centre in Moor Road, Farnborough, and for coffee mornings.

Every other Saturday children test their internet and gaming skills with the NAS Gaming Zone sessions at Mayfield Community Centre in Totland Close, Farnborough.

For more information about the Hart and Rushmoor branch of The National Autistic Society visit www.nashandr.org or phone Mrs Smith on 01252 694934.