A MOTHER with an autistic son who set up her own charity is supporting a scheme to help young people with special needs feel confident on public transport.

Bridget Aberdeen, 51, of Bournemead Avenue, Northolt, is the founder of the Sunshine Foundation charity, which is getting behind Ealing Mencap's independent travel scheme as part of Learning Disability Week.

The mother-of-two said her 19-year-old son Daniel, who was diagnosed with autism before his second birthday, would not be able to go to college in Uxbridge without the support of the programme.

She said: "Ealing Mencap does a wonderful job helping young people in school and college, teaching them how to travel independently and safely. They accompany young men and women from home to school, showing them how to cross the road.

"My son went to Springhallow School and was trained by Ealing Mencap. It's made a tremendous difference to his independence and now he can travel across London on his own. He goes to college in Uxbridge and goes there to and fro by himself. He would've had some reservations but because of his training it allows him that confidence to do so."

Daniel's autism led Mrs Aberdeen, a former administrator, to volunteer at special needs schools in the borough. She is now a teaching assistant at John Chilton School, in Compton Crescent, Northolt.

She added: "My son is not physically disabled but I understand from the parents' point of view and the difficulties they go through.

"Some are not fortunate enough to have support from family, some are by themselves. And working in a special needs school I can see from a professional perspective as well."

Mrs Aberdeen set up the Sunshine Foundation 10 years ago after visiting a run-down special needs school in Grenada.

Over the years, the charity has raised around £15,000 for the school and UK charities.

Last week she held its first car boot sale in Sainsbury's car park, in Ladbroke Grove, raising £70, and hopes to run another soon. * Learning Disability Week starts on Monday.

For more information visit www.thesunshinefoundation.co.uk.