A charity that supports thousands of children with autism and their families is to close after operating for almost 50 years.

Autism Family Support Oxfordshire (AFSO) was officially established in 2002 as a charity to support families in the county although it can trace its roots back as an organisation to the 1970s.

In a statement it said that “after careful consideration, the board of trustees have made the difficult decision to begin the process of dissolving AFSO as a registered charity, due to a significant fundraising deficit that has made it impossible to sustain its mission”.

The charity is to formally close at the end of March “unless a funder, organisation or benefactor steps forward with significant support to secure the continuation of services”.

The charity’s statement adds: “This decision has not been taken lightly and comes in light of longstanding financial challenges.

“Over a significant period of time, the trustees and leadership team have sought to secure the organisation’s funding and future - including funding applications, income generation, appeals, and cost reduction options.

“Despite these efforts the charity faces a significant funding deficit beyond 31 March 2026.

“The decision to begin the closure process reflects our strong commitment to closing the charity responsibly and with care towards our staff, families, and creditors.

“Our focus between now and 31 March is on supporting staff and families as sensitively as possible through this transition.”

According to the Charity Register the charity's spending for the financial year ending £187,210, while it spent £186,810 that year.

The previous financial year its £219,940 spending outstripped its income which was £188,440.

---