DR Joan Curtis, founder of Mansfield Autism Statewide Services (MASS) 52 years ago has last week retired from the board, at the age of 90.

The first camp for autistic kids and their families was held in Mansfield in 1968 and was only supposed to be a one off.

Next came the travelling teachers in 1970 and then the first school was offered in Mansfield in 1976.