A TOTAL of 150 people will be able to attend a free two-hour autism awareness course as part of a scheme to raise awareness about the condition and ensure early diagnosis.

A partnership between the City of York Council and Living Autism will provide free training for professionals as well as families, carers and members of the public.

The training will include information about the causes and symptoms of autism, how to behave and interact with autistic people as well as a video session to experience how autistic people hear and see the world.

The scheme also provides for 50 people to become autism awareness champions after a two day training course in a bid to increase support for autistic people in York.

The £25,000 project was secured thanks to a grant from the national health department. The four training sessions will run between May 8 and June 17 at the Priory Street centre.

Gary Brittain, Adults Commissioning & Contracts Manager at City of York Council said: “We hope that this training will improve the lives of all those touched by autism in York, as well as their families, friends and carers.

"It will address the main issues and concerns facing the autistic community, such as diagnosis and early intervention and support and will positively contribute to people’s own circumstances, organisations and working practices.”.

It is thought that 1 in 100 of the UK population is autistic, which amounts to about 700,000 individuals. In 2013, there were thought to be almost 1,300 adults in York who have autism or Aspergers, some of whom might not have been diagnosed.

To see the times of training courses and book a place, contact City of York Council’s Workforce Development Unit on 01904 553017 or email wdu@york.gov.uk or visit www.yorkworkforcedeveleopment.org.uk