YOUNG people at St James’ CE High School marked World Autism Day by finding out more about the condition through a week-long series of activities.

The Farnworth school’s learning support department staged different events to raise awareness of the condition and inform pupils and staff on matters that surround those with autism spectrum disorder.

The school’s award-winning business Vend-A-Spend supplied ribbons and badges with some wearing a badge with the words “I know someone with autism and I am proud”.

Other activities including the department opening the sensory experience rooms to demonstrate one of the difficulties people with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) face every day.

Hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity are terms used to describe how heightened or weak the sense might be for someone with ASD which can cause increased anxiety, stress and frustration; this can impact on learning, friendships and confidence.

The week ended with afternoon tea which gave staff and pupils the opportunity to meet the staff in leaning support, ask questions about autism and celebrate the week of activities.

Ian Singleton, the school's head of learning support, said: “We believe that all pupils, whatever their additional needs, should be given the opportunity to participate in the whole of school life.

“Sometimes this is difficult due to a number of factors or difficulties such as autism.

“It is therefore important for all pupils to be taught that pupils with autism have specific needs and difficulties and to understand what they can do to help them.”