The mother of an autistic child have launched a support group after being approached by a parent in the same situation in a supermarket.

Wendy Martin, from Epsom, was in Sainsbury’s, in Kiln Lane, Epsom, with her son, when she was spotted by Susan Wall who also has a child with autism.

She approached Miss Martin after seeing the autism assistance dog which her son had with him.

The 42-year-old said Mrs Wall asked her whether there were any autism support groups in the area as she had not been able to find any.

She said: "Susan said she moved from an area where there were lots of groups and parents got together regularly to Epsom where there was absolutely nothing. The nearest one is in Guildford.

"I said all I can do is start one up.

"It’s a very lonely journey out there for parents of children with autism and they need some support."

Miss Martin said: "It will be an opportunity to meet and turn up and say ‘I have had the most awful week.

"There can be a lot that children with autism do which you can’t understand.

"Just to have someone say ‘my child does that as well’ means you can look at the triggers behind why they are doing it.

"It’s very cathartic to hear other people’s experiences which are often very similar to yours because you feel isolated, as if there is no one else who understands.

"If my child has a meltdown in a shop everyone looks at you in a terrible way. But it’s not to do with my parenting."

If you are interested in attending or for more information email cometogether4asd@gmail.com.