A plea for help from more than 100 families of autistic children in Cairns has sparked an Autism Queensland campaign to open a regional centre for excellence here.

In the lead-up to the first regional symposium on autism spectrum disorders in Cairns on May 8-9, the state body has asked for corporate sponsors to get behind its plans for the centre.

It says there is a critical need for targeted, intensive and specialist early intervention programs and services to help children with ASD in the Far North.

Bentley Park mum Natalie Bird, whose son Mitchell, 5, is autistic, said her family had considered selling up and moving south out of despair at the limited support services here.

“There’s not a lot of help here, I don’t mean to offend local doctors but they don’t have the expertise and there are no real places where you can go for information,” Ms Bird said.

“There’s no cure for autism but the earlier specialists can work with our kids, the more chances they have of living functional, independent lives.”

Businesses and people interested in getting behind the campaign can contact Autism Queensland on 3273 0071 or email juliei@autismqld.com.au