Audio diary has helped open door on autism
RECORD Woman columnist Clare Johnston is hoping to help show autism up close in a special feature to be heard on BBC Radio Scotland tomorrow.
Clare has been keeping an audio diary of the time spent with her youngest son Sam, 10, who is autistic, which will be aired on The Stephen Jardine Programme.
Also taking part in the feature is Victoria Erasmus and her eightyear-old son Gabriel.
Clare hopes that by allowing listeners into their lives, it will open the eyes of the public to the complexities of the condition which affects social interaction, communication skills, interests and behaviours.
She said: “Everyone I meet now has heard of autism and I think most people know that people with the condition can be affected differently and the impact can be mild, moderate or severe.
“But beyond that, I think it’s really difficult for people to imagine what life is actually like for kids with autism and their families.
“Keeping an audio diary was a really useful way of showing how autism affects Sam in different situations.
“It has captured his anxiety, his difficulty controlling his emotions when he’s upset and how hard he can be on himself.
“It shows how he is limited in what he will eat and also in his interests. He loves cartoons and animation and that’s really what he wants to spend most of his time talking about.
“But it also shows his unique personality and use of language, and his infectious humour which lights up all our lives.
“I just hope that by opening our doors in the way we have, it will help people better understand my son so he can enjoy a brighter future.” ● The Stephen Jardine Programme is on BBC Radio Scotland tomorrow at 9am.