Autism gala day is first in UK

The event at the end of July was only supposed to be a small gathering of local families in a south Edinburgh church hall.

But the word has spread so quickly that people from as far away as London are joining the celebration in Moredun.

Organiser Sharon Ruderham, who has two teenage children with the condition, said the day would be an opportunity for hundreds of autistic youngsters to mix together without prejudice, and for parents to relax in the knowledge they were surrounded by people in a similar position to their own.

She said: "We haven't even done any advertising, it's all been word-of-mouth.

"I have no idea how many people to expect, but there's a huge amount of interest."

She added that it was a chance for people with autism to raise awareness and cash for their own cause.

"So often people have events to raise money for autism and it's a case of them doing something for you, but you're not allowed anything to do with it," she said.

"But this will allow people with autism to take centre stage, and prove that there is talent and inspiration right across the autism spectrum."

The free event will be based at the Tron Kirk in Moredun on July 30, beginning at 1pm.

Mrs Ruderham's daughter Samantha, 17, a distinguished singer, will be performing, while poetry will be read out by sufferers.

Art and photographic exhibitions will be unveiled, and support groups will be on hand offering information.

But organisers are also keen that the day resembles a normal gala day as closely as possible. Mrs Ruderham added: "Every community has its own gala day to celebrate its achievements of that year.

"We are a community as well, so why should we not do this? It means parents can relax and not worry if their child has a meltdown, no-one else will be judging them, assuming it is bad behaviour or bad parenting.

"I can't believe the level of interest we have had. We've even been contacted by people in Canada.

"People are already inquiring about next year - we haven't even had this year's even yet."

Entertainment will be laid on for children and adults, with reflexology and other therapies for parents. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic.