KINGLASSIE MSP Jenny Gilruth has pledged to support her autistic constituents and make Scotland an
autism-friendly nation.
The Mid Fife & Glenrothes MSP made the pledge at an event held at Holyrood by The National
Autistic Society Scotland.
As part of its ‘Too Much Information’ campaign, the charity is asking people across Scotland
to learn about autism and the small changes they can make to their behaviour to be more
autism-friendly.
Speaking at the event, Jenny Gilruth said: “I have pledged to help my autistic constituents
by communicating clearly and not using jargon. "Politics can often involve all sorts of jargon
and terms unfamiliar to local constituents, and I’m keen to ensure what goes on in Parliament
is accessible for everyone.
“I am pleased to support The National Autistic Society Scotland’s campaign and I hope that
people across Mid Fife & Glenrothes will take time to learn about autism, a condition which
affects around one in 100 people.”
Research has revealed that 66 per cent of autistic people feel socially isolated, and 44 per
cent sometimes don’t go out because they are worried about how others will react to their
autism.
Jenny Paterson, director of The National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “Autistic people and
their families have told us that increased understanding is the single biggest thing that would
improve their lives. That’s why we’re asking people to take time to learn about the small
changes they can make to their behaviour that make a big difference – such as avoiding jargon
and showing patience when others seem stressed or anxious."
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