“I didn’t know what to do or where to turn [when Riley was diagnosed],” Mrs Griffiths said

“If it wasn’t for the internet, I really don’t know where we’d be today.”

Her search led to several ways to deal with their son’s disorder.

“All of a sudden we were on the right track to seek information about services within our community,” she said.

“We came across services offered by Autism Spectrum Australia and we felt it was the right fit. Many of their special services are funded by the local Greater Charitable Foundation, so it was a nice all-round fit.” 

The foundation has ­supported the Hunter Aspect School in Thornton to the tune of nearly $500,000, which includes a donation of $55,000 this year. 

The school is dedicated to helping children with autism.

“If we don’t have funding, the kids just do it tough,” Mrs Griffiths said.

“I’m very grateful to everyone concerned because they’ve given Riley the opportunity to develop.

“Riley had a limited vocabulary when he started. 

“[But] his sentence structure has improved dramatically [since attending the school].”