A group based in Barrow are fighting to open the public's eyes for Autism Awareness Week.

Autus Cumbria are getting involved with a number of events and activities to mark the national week of education and celebration.

The local not-for-profit organisation focuses its efforts on supporting autistic children and adults, with the team hopeful that the further attention the week will bring will encourage more people to learn about the condition.

Caleb Staples, one of the people behind Autus Cumbria, said: "To us, autism doesn't disable a person, society does, which is why national weeks such as this are so important.

"If you don't have a personal link to the condition or personal experience of being around someone with autism, then it's not really going to cross your mind and, as a result, your knowledge will be limited."

According to the National Autistic Society (NAS), autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. 

More than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. 

Autus Cumbria help people in the area in various ways, such as social groups in Walney, Barrow and Kendal.

Caleb added: "Away from the 'fun' stuff we do, our role is to provide support and advice for parents who may be struggling to both understand and communicate with their children.

"We also offer training for businesses, doctors and other organisations so that they have a more in-depth knowledge of autism, which should hopefully give people the tools to deal with specific issues they might have been unaware of."

Some of the events Autus Cumbria is getting involved with this week include a NAS event in Barrow and the relaunch of Barrow Library's measures to help autistic people.

"The NAS talk is about people coming together to learn about local efforts and hear from local people who are living with the autism.

"The library is updating is reading lists for autistic patrons, as well as revamping its sensory room and its sharing of 'sensory bags' which help people cope in a social setting."

More information about the week's events across Furness will be shared via Autus Cumbria's social pages.