I READ Martin Walker's letter (November 19) and asked my mum if I could write to you. My brother is seven and has autism.

He doesn't talk, and doesn't know how to play like me. We all love him very much and we know it must be horrible for him because he can not understand language. He uses pictures to tell us what he wants but this doesn't always work and then he gets upset and can hurt himself.

He doesn't understand or like it when people he doesn't know like my friends come into the house. New things and places frighten him. We can't go outdoors without a grown-up being with him all the time and he can't be left on his own, even in the toilet, because he leaves all the taps on and floods the bathroom. It is hard for mum to look after us all and keep him from getting into mischief.

When we went to see the Re:d Centre it was wonderful. Everyone was so kind and they understood my brother. They even had the pictures he uses to communicate stuck on the walls. I met other children with brothers and sisters who had disabilities and special-needs.

My brother loves the Re:d Centre and the green buses. Mum says the social opportunities at Re:d Centre are growing my brother. For me being able to talk to other children like me is good too.

My brother doesn't have anything else like the Re:d Centre. Please don't take his short weekend break away from him.

JAMES (aged 9)