It quickly became apparent that there was a local need for an organisation such as ours. In the past there was widespread ignorance of autism but there is now a growing awareness of the particular needs and difficulties faced by people with autism and their families. We offer support, information and advice to all those people and members are available on the phone for anyone with a need to talk to someone who may understand their problems. The local branch of HIAS meets on the last Tuesday of the month, alternating between Wick and Thurso. Anyone with an interest in autism is welcome to join us.
Autism is a disorder of development affecting social and communication skills.
In addition, there is a form of autism known as Asperger Syndrome. This is the question that everyone asks. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most difficult to answer. There is strong evidence that autism can be caused by a variety of physical reasons, all of which affect brain development - it is not due to emotional deprivation or the way you have been bringing up your child. The degree to which people with autism are affected varies enormously.