An autism expo will be held this week in Barrow to highlight support available in South Cumbria.
It takes place on Thursday, April 16, at the Bridge on Portland Walk.
The event, which runs from 10am to 5.30pm, will highlight the opportunities and support available for autistic people in the South Cumbria area.
Over 20 organisations, from both the professional and not-for-profit sectors, will provide information about disability rights in the workplace, employment support, athletic opportunities, guidance for children and young people, advice, autism outreach programmes and more.
Westmorland and Furness Libraries and Archives are showcasing Autism Acceptance Month resources and local occupational therapist Hanna Munro will demonstrate quick fix sensory strategies that help regulate mood.
Visitors will have the opportunity to try out different sensory regulation aids that help autistic children and adults, and the Expo is screening a film of lived-experience interviews.
At the centre of the event is the conference that will be held on the first floor of the Bridge.
During the day, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the Healthwatch and Furness branch of the National Autistic Society’s Adult Diagnostic Pathway research, Burnout and Shutdown in Adolescence, Autism Informed Therapeutic Practice, and the Westmorland and Furness Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.
There will also be two panel discussions – a conversation between someone diagnosed as a child and someone diagnosed later in life, the second a panel of local autistic artists discussing the ways their experiences were reflected in their work.
The Furness Autism Expo is open to all.
Organisers said “We hope that when an autistic person walks in, they see an aspect of their experience reflected back to them.
“Families, carers a\and loved ones will leave armed with knowledge of what is available in our area. Professionals, councillors, educators and health care providers will come away with a greater understanding of the autistic people they represent and support.
“We don’t expect anyone to walk away knowing everything there is to know about autism. We hope they learn of all the brilliant organisations right here in the Furness who can help them learn more.”
