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."