PARENTS whose children have autism are rallying to expand a valuable service in Sutherland Shire.
It comes after the announcement that the lease at South East Sydney School, Kirrawee, will end at the end of 2017.
The school is part of Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), a non-profit organisation that operates the world's largest network of autism-specific schools.
It offers early behavioural intervention programs, family services and professional development workshops.
The Kirrawee site caters for 30 children who undertake individualised learning programs.
About 50 children are now on the waiting list.
The school is working with Aspect and the Department of Education to either find a suitable site to build a new school at a cost of up to $5 million, or renovate an existing building for about $2 million.
A new site would enable long-term enrolment growth, create more jobs for support staff, and increase educational outreach services and therapies to assist children in mainstream schools.
School principal Rowena Perritt said Aspect would rely on the community to fund the construction of a new school.
"If we are fortunate to secure a lease with existing buildings, the cost of renovation would be much lower," she said.
A petition launched by parents has been signed by more than 500 people.
So far $26,000 has been raised through community support and donations but it is hoped government aid will be forthcoming.
"While this figure is admirable, it could be run 100 times over and still not raise the funds required to relocate the school," said parent Mark Gregory, whose two children attend Aspect.
"It provides such a great environment for the kids.
"We could possibly have three family members go through Aspect, so for us it's super important to have the opportunity for there to be placements for kids up to year 10 — they could do that with a bigger school."