RAISING awareness of and building a greater understanding of autism was the aim of an event recently held in the Borders.

Last week Borders Additional Needs Group (BANG) and Scottish Borders Health and Social Care Partnership held an event with Scottish Autism in St Boswells.

At the Buccleuch Arms on Wednesday (September 21) the event – Autism Acceptance: Perspectives on Identity, Anxiety and Quality of Life – hoped to shed light on the needs of people with autism.

The event was chaired by Scottish Autism's deputy chief executive Charlene Tait.

Ms Tait said: "This was a fantastic event, and it was great to see such a large attendance with a mix of autistic individuals, family members and professionals.

"We are grateful for the continued partnership with Borders Additional Needs Group, and thank Scottish Borders Health & Social Care Partnership for supporting the event, which helped contribute to the success."

Presentations at the event were made by two autistic speakers – Dean Beadle and George Watts.

Their presentations focused on their lived experiences and the concepts of Autistic Identity, Autistic Quality of Life, Anxiety and Autistic Joy.

Ms Tait added: "Dean and George were able to provide the attendees with a great deal of food for thought on identity, anxiety and quality of life, framed through their own personal experiences.

"I hope that this event will help ensure a greater understanding and acceptance of autistic people's needs within Scottish Borders, and Scottish Autism will continue to work with our partners towards achieving that goal."

In attendance at the event were people with autism, their families and professionals from education, health and social work in the Borders.