The KU Maria Burgess Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre opened recently on Memorial Avenue.

The organisation previously had a preschool at the site and it was enhanced to also cater for autistic children.

The centre is operating now and provides 30 places for children not on the autism spectrum and 20 for autistic children.

The centre, which its owners, KU Children's Services, say is the only one of its kind in NSW, provides opportunities on a daily basis for inclusion for children with autism and their typically developing peers.

It has 11 staff members trained to work with autistic children and a dedicated indoor and outdoor environment for learning sensory relaxation, as well as large spaces for gross motor experiences and release of energy.

Grace Fava, founder of the Autism Advisory and Support Service, which is next door to the new preschool, said that she was very happy that the centre had opened.

``Finally we're going to have a specialised preschool for autistic children in this area that will allow them to interact with typically developing children,'' Ms Fava said.

``This interaction is important as it aids autistic children's development.

``Finding childcare places for children with autism can be really tough, because there's a great lack of services, especially in the south-west.''

To inquire about enrolment, call the centre on 96028208.