Autism charity celebrates 10th birthday

The group held a parade to mark its anniversary in Sheffield

A charity that champions autistic children and their families is celebrating a decade of support.

Sparkle Sheffield was founded by Liesje Dusauzay in 2014, after her son was diagnosed with autism and she realised she had no idea where to get support and advice.

The charity celebrated its birthday with a parade through Sheffield, followed by a party for members.

Ms Dusauzay said the group would not have survived without the army of volunteers who were their “heart and soul”.

“They are the driving force behind everything we do," she said.

"We are a community united by our experiences, determined to make a difference."

The charity’s first parent group meeting took place on 2 September 2014, with just three people, one of whom remains a trustee today.

A friendly Minion was among those present at the parade on Sunday

Since then, the charity has transformed a box at Sheffield Arena into a sensory room and helped to introduce autism-friendly shopping environments.

The charity received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2022.

The charity has ambitious plans for the future and is looking to set up a similar support group in Birmingham.

Next month, it is hoping to launch pop-up hubs, offering a range of activities and support, across Sheffield.

Ms Dusauzay said she did not have time to reflect on the past 10 years, but instead dealt in the “here and now”

“I don’t think about it. We just do," she added. "We think of an idea and just do it and don’t always think about the consequences.”

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