Glasgow to host Scotland's first ever Autism show

This April will see Scotland’s first ever Autism awareness show at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow.

The Vale of Leven Autism and Asperger’s Forum (VOLAAF), a local charity and support group for parents and carers, are organising the event on the 3rd and 4th of April.

Each day will run from 9am to 6pm and include speakers, workshops and activities for children.

Chairperson of VOLAAF, Suzanne Gilies, outlined the agenda and facilities at the event for us:

“We’ll have a sensory room and a quiet space. Throughout the event there will also be speakers and workshops”

1 in 100 people are affected by Autism in Scotland. Through the event, organisers are hoping to attract people who haven’t used their services before, as Suzanne explained;

“Anybody can come to the event, anybody at all. Whether it be kids, adults, parents, carers; everybody’s welcome”

VOLAAF started as a small support group for parents and carers in West Dunbartonshire back in 2011. It has since grown to become an essential local service for not only parents and carers, but also the children, offering them activities and opportunities to socialise.

Suzanne’s son Cameron has autism and told Clyde news:

“I like the centre because its a place where I can generally be myself” and added that he was “excited to meet new people” at the event.