IN this edition of nostalgia, we are looking back at some memories those in Cumbria have created in aid of Autism Acceptance Week.

Autism Acceptance Week, was previously known as Autism Awareness Week and it takes place in April each year. In 2024, Autism Acceptance Week runs from April 2 to April 8. April is also Autism Acceptance Month.

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a lifelong condition that can affect a person's social skills, such as communication and the way they interact with other people. It is estimated that there are around 700,000 Autistic people in the UK.

The aim of Autism Acceptance Week is to help more people understand what autism is, as well as the ways it can affect life for Autistic people.

Autism Acceptance Week is often an opportunity to raise awareness and acceptance of autism both in and outside of schools, and many more organisations are now involved in this week.

The first ever Autism Acceptance Week (then called Autism Awareness Week) dates back to the April 2 2007, when the first World Autism Acceptance Day happened.

The original concept was to educate people about Autism Spectrum Condition and celebrating the achievements of Autistic people which continues to be the focus of events today.

Some of the pictures in this collection show how schools and organisations got involved in the week; Darlington Manor in Whitehaven hosted a charity fundraising day and Adrienne Gill and her son Kieran, with Carlisle Autism Parents Support Group, held a walking charity event.

Jemma Swales is pictured who helped parents, Stephen and Bettina Evans who were trying to raise awareness of autism and help Millom become the UKs first autism friendly town.