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Jack, aged four, turns to kiss his mother and says 'Bye, Mum'. This seemingly simple act fills both Mum and the pre-school centre staff with immense pride and joy.
A year ago, when Jack first started attending the Puzzle Centre, a specialist early intervention centre for two- to five-year-olds with autism and other communication needs, he was non-verbal and was becoming increasingly frustrated at not being able to communicate or understand what was expected in social situations. Staff at the mainstream nursery he attended were finding it difficult to meet his needs and manage his behaviour. He was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and his paediatrician recommended he attend the Puzzle Centre in Middle Claydon, near Buckingham.
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