A LOCAL charity is encouraging people to speak out about their experiences with autism to mark World Autism Awareness Day today.
The Wessex Autistic Society, which has an office in Dorchester, is using the United Nations-backed awareness day to call on local families to share their experiences with others in the community.
Advocacy services manager Karen Wilmshurst said: “Increasing awareness is essential to developing people’s understanding of autism as well as helping to create more employment opportunities and providing access to appropriate support for the thousands of people affected throughout the region.
“As a spectrum condition, autism can affect people in different ways and can often be misunderstood.
“We’d like to encourage local families who are living with autism to share their experience with someone in their community.
“Together we can help to inspire change, inclusion and hope for those who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help.”
For more information on how you can show your support for World Autism Awareness Day visit <&bh"http://www.twas.org.uk">www.twas.org.uk<&eh>.
Anyone in need of support can contact the Wessex Autistic Society’s free Information and Advice Service on 01305 213135 or email advice@twas.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here