BULLIED by their classmates as children, shunned by neighbours as parents, and refused work as adults, the lives of thousands of Scots are being devastated by ignorance about autism..
New research reveals that people with the condition are seven times more likely to be caught up in the criminal-justice system - as suspects, rather than criminals - because of poor understanding of the way autism can cause unusual behaviour.
About one in 100 Scots is affected by autism - a total of around 50,000.
Today's study paints a damning picture of our nation's attitude to those most in need of support and uncovers the shocking maltreatment of those battling the disorder, which affects how people communicate and socialise.
Damaging myths still persist that people with autism are a danger to the public, while mothers of autistic children are forced into virtual hiding by constant public criticism of their parenting skills.
According to the survey, 59 per cent of Scots wrongly believe there is a cure for autism. One-third think it affects only children. Almost two-fifths wrongly believe most autistic people have special abilities such as the character played by Dustin Hoffman in the film Rain Man. And when confronted with typical autistic traits, only one in eight people would think that person had a disability, with the rest most likely to think they were drunk, on drugs or just "odd".
The National Autistic Society Scotland is today launching a new campaign - backed by The Scotsman - aimed at changing attitudes and
raising money to help those affected.
Think Differently - Act Positively is attempting to tackle the persisting misconceptions about the condition.
Carol Evans, national director of NAS Scotland, said: "This lack of knowledge devastates lives. One woman diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome described being forced to leave her local darts team, because rumours were spread that she was danger to the public.
"One mum of a child with autism described having to constantly explain to people what was wrong with her child, on planes, in shops, or even at the bus stop.
"The misinformed and judgmental attitudes of complete strangers made this woman a virtual recluse. This is unacceptable when one in every 100 people in Scotland has a form of autism."
Ms Evans said the new research had highlighted the need for greater understanding of autism. "We want to change perceptions of this complex and lifelong disability," she added.
"We know that without understanding the signs and characteristics of this condition, the public can mistake the behaviour of people with autism for being naughty, anti-social or 'weird', and presume the person with autism is dangerous or a threat.
"This campaign aims to dispel those myths and educate people about the reality, as the effect negative public attitudes have on parents is soul-destroying."
Ms Evans warned that many parents are forced to battle for appropriate educational support for their children, with many youngsters left in limbo for months while they are tormented daily by other pupils. She said: "Bullying is a problem. Often, they cannot fathom why other children cannot relate to them. One 16-year-old boy with Asperger's syndrome developed a phobia of going to school. As soon as he got there, he couldn't get out of the car and would have a panic attack.
"If his fellow pupils had had a better understanding of autism, this young man might have been able to access education - which is his fundamental right."
Statistics also show that only 13 per cent of autistic adults in Scotland have a full-time job.
Ms Evans said: "For some, lack of understanding from employers or employees can prevent them fulfilling their potential and making an active contribution to the economy.
"One man found it impossible to hold down a job due to bullying by workmates. His condition meant he wanted to complete his work as quickly as possible, without taking a tea break. This irritated the other workers, but without any training in autism, how would they know better?
"Unless there is increased awareness, people with autism will continue to be discriminated against in the workplace."
The number of people being diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders is soaring - with a 623 per cent rise in the number of such pupils in Scottish secondary schools in just six years.
However, little is known about the causes of this lifelong developmental disorder. Some medical professionals have speculated that the triple measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination is one potential factor but no definitive proof has been found. Other experts believe the increased incidence is linked directly to growing awareness.
However, teachers still receive little training on the condition and many people are only diagnosed as adults.
Dr Evelyn McGregor, a lecturer in child development at Edinburgh University who co-authored a study on autism in 2001, said: "Many more children are entering schools with very mild indications of autism. This can create certain difficulties because they are not obviously autistic and cannot read social situations.
"They are easily misunderstood and can easily misunderstand the behaviour of others. Their behaviour can be interpreted as rude when really they are just very open.
"Autism is not a simple thing to diagnose, and mild autism is quite complicated - people need special training."
Your hopes for your child are just thrown into a melting pot
AS PHIL Astley watched his baby twins play, he knew there was a difference between them.
Andrew would fill his toy dumper truck with stones and then empty them one by one. Although it was perhaps not particularly unusual behaviour for a young boy, Andrew would spend hours repeating the task.
Meanwhile, twin sister Lauren was engaging her teddy bears in role play, with pretend tea parties.
And when Phil's wife Doreen pointed to a toy, Lauren would look at it, while Andrew would simply gaze at the end of her finger.
"They were all classic signs of autism, we later discovered," Mr Astley said.
Andrew was diagnosed as having Asperger's syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism, at the age of two.
Mr Astley, 40, from Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, said: "Between nine and 12 months there was something slightly different about Andrew.
"It is probably because we had Lauren to compare Andrew to, that we were made more acutely aware of the situation than we would have been."
The family said being able to meet the parents of other autistic youngsters - their twins are now aged five - and being referred to the National Autistic Society Scotland's advocacy service were a great help.
Mr Astley, who works as a records manager at Aberdeen University, said: "It is quite a lonely time when you have been handed the diagnosis.
"Your hopes and aspirations for your child are thrown into a melting pot and it was a real help to speak to people who have experience and knowledge of the education system [relating to autism].
"With Andrew and Lauren being our first children, through school we are at the bottom of a very steep learning curve.
"Andrew seems to be developing but we know that he is going to face difficulties socialising."
How you can help
Click here to make a donationYOU can help the National Autistic Society with its bid to raise £7 million in five years.
Why not challenge yourself to raise £1,000?
You can raise the money however you wish, perhaps with sponsored events, jumble sales or even car- boot sales, and there's no time limit.
Sign up as an individual or with a group of friends and help NAS Scotland to support even more people living with autism.
The charity is appealing specifically to The Scotsman readers for their help.
As well as raising money yourself, you can sign up to a petition calling on the government to act.
Just £1,000 could allow NAS Scotland to train a volunteer with the Advocacy for Education Service on education law, rights and entitlements.
That person could offer four hours of support to parents each week, helping to empower them to obtain the best education for their child.
All the money raised by Scotsman readers will help fund such NAS Scotland services and programmes.
If you make a donation, you know that your help will make a positive difference to even more people living with autism.
THE CONDITION
50,000 Scots are estimated to be on the autism spectrum
200,000 Family members and friends are affected by the disorder
50% Of autistic pupils are bullied at school
59% Of people don’t realise there is no cure
38% Wrongly believe people with autism have special abilities in maths or art, as in the film Rain Man
Autism is a spectrum disorder meaning it can vary from very light symptoms, allowing people to lead a relatively normal life, to being a severely disabling condition.
Asberger syndrome is a high- function form of autism where those affected struggle with social interaction.
Symptoms vary but most sufferers find bright lights and noise distressing. Those with the condition tend to avoid making eye contact, and struggle to understand figurative and metaphorical language, making our everyday social interactions a daily battle.
The National Autistic Society Scotland was established in 1996 has 1,300 members and a network of nine branches across the country.
