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This picture is free to use - Leading autism charity The National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland today launched its Count Me In campaign, encouraging the estimated 50,000 Scots with autism to stand up and be counted for the very first time in this year's census. Last year National Autistic Society successfully lobbied the Scottish government to include in the census an explicit autism question. NAS Scotland believes this is a crucial step towards identifying and supporting adults and children with autism, enabling them to access the right support at the right time, and fulfil their potential. Although an estimated 1 in every 100 Scots has autism, at present only 7,500 with the life-long condition have been recognised by local authorities and health boards. Supporting Count Me In is Scottish actress Laura Fraser, who visited a Glasgow school today (March 23rd) to highlight the campaign. Laura Fraser commented, "I was shocked to discover that over 70% of children with autism in Scotland also have a mental health problem, often due to the lack of proper support. Providing the right support at the right time can make the difference between a child with autism that experiences isolation and related mental health problems and a happy, healthy child. I am encouraging everyone with autism and their families to say, Count Me In on March 27th" - Laura is the star of Hollywood films including 'A Knight's Tale', 'Vanilla Sky' and TV dramas 'Casanova', 'Single Father (both with David Tennant) and 'Lip Service' - this picture shows Laura enjoying her visit with Connor-John Walker and Peggy-Ann Rogers (both 6) - Picture by Donald MacLeod - 23.03.11 - 07702 319 738 - www.donald-macleod.com - clanmacleod@btinternet.com
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