A MOTHER has written a book about learning to cope with autism, after her eldest daughter was diagnosed with the condition - at the age of 19.

Valerie Smith's book, called The Face Of An Angel, tells of her family's frustrations at trying to get a diagnosis for Jennifer.

It also features anecdotes that aim to offer comfort to other families with autistic children.

The proceeds from the book will go to the County Durham Autistic Support Group, in Spennymoor.

Autism is a condition that affects how a person interacts and communicates with others and sufferers tend to live in a world of their own.

Although there are no specific medical tests to diagnose the condition, most parents are made aware of a problem when their child reaches three or four-years-old - or when they start at a nursery or school.

Mrs Smith, 60, of Caedmon Crescent, Darlington, said: "We had suspected that she was autistic for many years, but it wasn't until she was 19 that a doctor confirmed it."

Now at 24, Jennifer has a part-time office job with Darlington Borough Council's learning services team.

Copies of The Face Of An Angel are available, at £2 each, from Bennet House, Horsemarket, Darlington, on Monday mornings, and from County Durham Autistic Support Group on (01388) 819880.