Children with autism in Barnet were given a chance to “celebrate the positives in their lives” with a charity disco on Friday.

The party was put on by charity Resources for Autism to give its users and their families an opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves.

Held at Mapledown School for children with learning disabilities, in Claremont Road, Cricklewood, the disco formed part of Autism Dance Day, a national venture aimed at raising awareness of the disability.

The charity was assisted by businesses including Nando’s, which provided food, Starbucks, which provided coffee, and others that donated prizes for a raffle.

Fundraiser at Resources for Autism Kerry Kavanagh said the event was not designed as a fundraiser but that about £200 was collected on the day.

She said: “It went really well. Autism-specific events are really important because a lot of our people are completely isolated from mainstream events.

“It is so difficult for them to go to mainstream youth clubs of discos. There is so much negativity in their world – there is often too much focus on what they can’t do rather than what they can – so we wanted to put on something as a celebration of their lives.

“It was a great opportunity for them to do something positive, have some fun and for their parents to relax for a few hours.”