SAINTS TO SUPPORT WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

On Saturday 2nd April, St Johnstone Football Club will wear Autism Initiatives t-shirts during their warm up ahead of their derby match against Dundee United. This is to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day and the support provided by Autism Initiatives’ Number 3 Perth One Stop Shop.   Number 3 is a person-centred local support service run by Autism Initiatives for those over the age of 16 with an autism spectrum condition (ASC) across Perth & Kinross. Number 3 supports over 220 adults with the condition with a variety of difficulties relating to employment, education, benefits, and relationships, amongst others.   Jill Murdoch, Number 3, Perth One Stop Shop Manager said, “Awareness of autism is vital and on this nationally recognised day for autism awareness, we are delighted that St Johnstone FC agreed to help us celebrate the day.”   One of the One Stop Shop’s regular service users (and avid St Johnstone fan), Neil, explains what Number 3 means to him,   “What I like best about Number 3 is, everything! Taking part in all of the social activities, the friendly and helpful staff, meeting other people and getting information. I have been helped to achieve more confidence and move into my own flat. The support has been fantastic. Number 3 has helped me to understand my autism better and it has also helped my family understand my condition”.   Raising awareness of autism is vital to ensure better understanding and support is available to those living with autism and their families.