Members of the local autism community helped to hoist the Infinity flag for autism awareness outside the council headquarters to mark Autism Acceptance Week.

This is the fourth year in a row that the council’s commitment to a truly neuro-inclusive Scotland has been honoured by displaying Autism’s Infinity symbol, making South Lanarkshire one of only three local authorities to do so this week.

Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, said: “Autism Acceptance Week is a valuable opportunity to celebrate the growing acceptance, recognition and awareness of those on the autism spectrum – and South Lanarkshire Council is proud to fly the Infinity flag.”

“The autistic community is part of our diverse South Lanarkshire community, not separate from it.

“That’s why it was so good to see the flag hoisted by members and relatives of our autistic community, all of whom are active in and supported by our local Autism Resources Coordination Hub (ARCH).”

ARCH coordinator Ramon Hutchingson added: “This event has now become an established and keenly anticipated date in our yearly calendar of events, representing an autism-positive South Lanarkshire.

“It lasts for one week but we hope it’s effect lasts all year in helping the wider communities to think a little more about what life is like for autistic people and in reminding autistic people themselves how valued they are.”

Since 2016, ARCH has been supporting the Autism community from its premises in Burnbank, Hamilton alongside two local autism charities: Supporting Autism in Lanarkshire (SAIL) and Champions of Autism Spectrum Together (COAST).

Anyone who would like to know more about ARCH, SAIL or COAST can phone on 0344 225 1111,  go online to the SAIL and COAST Facebook pages or visit the South Lanarkshire Council Autism page.