Last updated at 12:10, Thursday, 15 November 2012

THE recognised symbol for disability is the image of the person in a wheelchair.

ACTIVITIES: The Asperger Youth Group, run by the Autistic Society in partnership with Leonard Cheshire Youth Ability, meets every week and holds extra activities for teenagers during school holidays

But there are lots of disabilities which are less obvious and less understood by the general public, including autism.

Autism is a lifelong condition.

Individuals with autism share three main areas of difficulty: social communication; social interaction; and social imagination. Many struggle with the additional challenges of sensory difficulties.

But it is hard to create awareness of autism as people with the condition do not ‘look’ disabled.

The condition will affect people in very different ways.

Some are able to live relatively everyday lives; others will require a lifetime of specialist support.

As a result of the behaviour often displayed by children and young people, many families find it difficult to take their child out to access sports, leisure activities and services.

This can lead to feelings of isolation from friends, family and the community.

In Furness, thanks to the activities developed by Barrow Borough Sports Council, Wildcats Wheelchair Sports Club and the Park Leisure Centre, there is now a wide range of more appropriate activities.

These are very welcomed and very successful, thanks to some amazing staff and volunteers.

The Furness Branch of the National Autistic Society also organises a number of autism specific activities.

These include family swimming sessions, bowling, trips out and recently some great holiday activity sessions with Lakes Leisure Ulverston.

For older children with Asperger syndrome (a form of autism), there is an Asperger Youth Group. This is run by the Autistic Society in partnership with Leonard Cheshire Youth Ability.

It’s held every Monday in term time at Burlington House, Barrow, from 6pm to 7.30pm, for 10 to 13-year-olds, and 7.30pm to 9pm for 14 to 19-year-olds.

There are also extra activities during school holidays.

For families, the local Autistic Society offers a regular newsletter, books and resources for families to borrow and parent support groups.

For more information visit www.furnessnas.org or Facebook National Autistic Society – Furness Branch.

Alternatively contact Jackie by email at jackie@furnessnas.org or ring 07825995173.

First published at 16:20, Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk