Autism Awareness Week kicked off in Barking and Dagenham with a flag flying ceremony outside Barking Town Hall this morning.

Steve Dixon and supporters from the Sycamore Trust were joined by local councillors and members of the community for the event which launched the week.

Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health Integration, said: “I am really proud that we are supporting Autism Awareness Week, and long may it continue.

“As a council we will continue to provide support and work with organisations dedicated to working to meet the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support as well as increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder.”

Steve Dixon, from the Sycamore Trust, said: “We’d like to thank the council for their wonderful support.  Autism Awareness Week is our chance to be in the spotlight and it’s vitally important that we raise awareness of this important issue.  Autism is a hidden disability and as such is often overlooked, so events like this are a great way to raise our profile as well as important revenue, all of which is spent on local services for local people.

“it was great to see the week launched this week outside the Town Hall! Look out for our #DareToBeDifferent campaign this Friday.”

Dare to be Different and wear something different to work or school on Friday 5 April and embrace the opportunity to see the world differently. For details of how to take part, visit the Sycamore Trust website.