A HELENSBURGH support group has praised MSP Jackie Baillie’s pledge to support people in the local area with autism and make Scotland an autism-friendly nation

Ms Baillie made the promise at the launch of the National Autistic Society Scotland’s Too Much Information campaign at Holyrood.

Romy Fagan, from the Helensburgh and Lomond Autism/Aspergers Society, believes Ms Baillie’s pledge is a great start on the road to communicating effectively with individuals living with ASD and welcomes her support.

She said: “It’s very hard to say what life is like for individuals with autism because it effects people differently. Many individuals with autism find social situations and communication very difficult.

"This may not always mean they are non verbal but in some cases communicating in what is classed as a socially appropriate manner can be difficult. Individuals with autism need understanding and acceptance from their community not judgement.”

Ms Baillie, a former health minister, said: “I have pledged to help my autistic constituents by communicating clearly and not using jargon.

“I am pleased to support the National Autistic Society Scotland’s campaign and I hope that people across Helensburgh and Lomond, Dumbarton, and the Vale of Leven, and will take time to learn about autism, a condition which affects around one in 100 people.”

Autistic individuals make up over 700,000 people in the UK. In the area Helensburgh and Lomond Autism has 140 members but that does not reflect the amount of people diagnosed locally or those living without a diagnosis.

The National Autistic Society Scotland also welcomed Ms Baillie’s support.

Jenny Paterson, director of The National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “Autistic people and their families have told us that increased understanding is the single biggest thing that would improve their lives. “That’s why we’re asking people to take time to learn about the small changes they can make to their behaviour that make a big difference – such as avoiding jargon and showing patience when others seem stressed or anxious.“I am grateful to Jackie Baillie for joining us at Scottish Parliament to show her commitment to making our nation autism-friendly.”

For more information visit www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/tmi.aspx