AN autism awareness training day held at the Charter Hall on March 11 was a huge success, with more than 120 employers, residents and local councillors gathering to improve their knowledge of autism and understanding of the condition.

The event was organised by West Devon Borough Councillor Mike Davies in his capacity as a trustee of Okehampton United Charity (OUC). He was contacted six months ago by a local family who had been waiting for two and a half years for an autism assessment for their child.

After looking into the issue, which included meeting with the Minister for Disabilities, the Chief Executive for the National Autistic Society and various autism charities, Cllr Davies persuaded OUC to fund the event.

He said: ’In trying to help the local family who contacted me, I have become ensconced in some of the issues surrounding autism and there is definitely a general lack of awareness of the condition and how it affects a person’s ability to communicate with others. I’m delighted today was so successful and am particularly grateful to Heather Parks from Community links and to Allenton Fisher and Karen Percival from OUC for making today happen.’

The session was launched by Central Devon MP Mel Stride and the training was given by Monika Davis, the special educational needs co-ordinator from Okehampton Primary School, who has particular expertise in autism.

Mr Stride said: ’Around one per cent of the UK population are autistic, but only about two-thirds of children and one in ten adults with autism have a diagnosis. Today’s training sessions were very well delivered by Monika and I’ve no doubt this will be the first of many events like this to improve awareness and understanding of autism in and around Okehampton.’

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people communicate and interact with others. People with autism frequently experience a range of cognitive, learning, language, medical, emotional and behavioural problems. These can include a need for routine and difficulty understanding other people, their intentions, feelings and perspectives.