Praise for autism group

Genuine autism acceptance, respect and support - that’s what East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald wants.

She lodged a parliamentary motion at Westminster backing the work of the East Renfrewshire branch of the National Autistic Society.

The branch has just celebrated its first birthday and is run by a committee of volunteers made up of autistic adults and parents of autistic children.

The volunteers provide monthly information sessions offering support and information to sufferers and their families.

During Autism Awareness Week earlier this month they posted a fact a day about autism in an effort to dispel some myths.

Kirsten said: “The volunteers provide vital community-focused support for autistic people and their families in East Renfrewshire.

“Working through the local NAS branch they can help each other to exercise the choice and control over their own lives most of us take for granted.

“I commend the volunteers for their work during a very difficult first year.”

In response to news of Kirsten’s motion, East Renfrewshire Branch of NAS said: “We adapted and persevered by moving our information sessions online and fundraising where restrictions allowed.

“We have more information sessions organised, another Stepping Stones planned and our adult social group will start as soon as restrictions allow.

“We also have an exciting new project star ting after the summer called The Trummies, which is designed to help children learn to appreciate and value difference within their school community.”