A new initiative is helping to give people a vivid glimpse into the life of an autistic child.
The National Autistic Society Scotland (Nass) will tour the north-east with a virtual reality installation which is designed to help people experience the world through the eyes of a youngster living with the condition.
The roadshow, which will run concurrently with World Autism Awareness Week, starts at Aberdeen Airport later today.
Aberdeen Donside MSP Mark McDonald, whose son is autistic, helped to bring the event to the area.
Last night he urged residents to come along to one of the events this week.
He said: “One of the most challenging aspects of trying to help an autistic person is understanding how they see, hear and experience their surroundings.
“Most of us aren’t bothered by background noise or peripheral lights, but for some people on the autistic spectrum it really doesn’t take much to trigger a terrifying flood of anxiety and unease in their environment.
“This virtual reality experience is great example of how technology can be used in a positive way to help us understand each other better and respond with compassion to people who may need a bit of extra support.”
The new technology transports users to a busy shopping centre from the perspective of a child who is struggling in the face of sensory overload, glaring lights, loud music and stares from other shoppers.
The roadshow will visit Union Square and the adjacent train station, the Beach Leisure Centre and the Linx Arena in Aberdeen.
There will also be events in Garioch Leisure Centre and Inverurie train station and Tesco’s Banchory and Turriff shops.
For more information visit www.autism.org.uk
