A LEISURE centre has become one of the first businesses in the region to sign up to an autism charter aimed at creating more inclusive communities.

Today, (Thursday, April 2) World Autism Awareness Day, The Louisa Centre in Stanley, County Durham, joined forces with the North East Autism Society to make the leisure venue more autism friendly.

In England, 500,000 people with autism risk being excluded from their own communities because they are misunderstood.

The Autism Charter, produced by people with the neurodevelopmental disorder, aims to show businesses and organisations how minor adjustments and a better understanding of the condition can help those affected feel welcome.

Funded by the Department of Health, the charter is being delivered by Autism Alliance UK, a network of specialist autism charities including the North East Autism Society.

Kerrie Highcock, family development officer at the society, said: “We are trying to get businesses and community venues to sign up to the charter and help create an autism friendly environment.

“People affected by autism often avoid public places like leisure centres for fear of being misunderstood.

“The families we work with have experienced being ‘tutted’ at or told to control their children, as people do not understand. Some barely leave the house because it is too difficult to make it a positive experience.

“Like World Autism Day, the charter aims to raise awareness of autism and create more welcoming and inclusive communities.”

By signing the charter, The Louisa Centre is committing to undergo staff training in autism awareness and to respond proactively to suggestions on how to create a more autism friendly environment.

Other pledges include creating an environment where people feel comfortable disclosing their condition; understanding the different ways people with autism communicate and responding appropriately; ensuring key staff are aware of the likely causes of challenging behaviour and meltdowns and able to communicate with someone in distress; and establishing a clear process for staff to disclose their autism and a supportive working environment.

Karen Wheatley, facilities manager at the Louisa Centre, said: “The fantastic facilities at The Louisa Centre are accessible to all members of the community and our staff work hard to ensure everyone feels welcome.

“We are looking forward to working in partnership with the North East Autism Society to further understand how to create an environment in which those with autism and their families are comfortable.”

To find out more about the charter and how to sign up contact Kerrie Highcock on kerrie.highcock@ne-as.org.uk or 07825585313.