THE SUCCESS of this year’s Autism Sunday was highlighted by its worldwide recognition on social networking site Twitter.

Thousands of people wrote short messages – known as tweets – to raise awareness of the event on Sunday which took place at All Saints Church, Inman Row, Woodford Green.

Organiser and founder of the UK Autism Foundation, Ivan Corea, said: “There were tweets from the United States and South Africa and it was wonderful to see everyone coming together.”

He added: “The service went very well and there were lots of parents, grandparents and carers in attendance.

“There were also people who told me they came along after seeing the Ilford Recorder’s preview report last week.

“They said they felt very much a part of what was happening and I think the event really helped to raise awareness of this developmental disability.”

Services to mark the day were held across the country and Mr Corea spoke of his delight at the increasing number of people taking part.

Last week Redbridge Council reassured autism campaigners there would be no cuts to the respite care budget.