A WOMAN is organising a fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for autism after experiencing first hand some of the struggles faced by the families of those living with the condition.

Margaret Curdy is aiming to bring the fun back to Saturday nights in Ochiltree with her brand new club night which she will be hosting at the Community Hub on October 23, with all proceeds going to National Autistic Society.

It is hoped that the dance will shed a light on the experiences of people with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) and give way to more support being offered to young people who may be going through other difficulties as a result.

Margaret said: “The condition is most frequently diagnosed in boys.

“However, young teenage girls living with ASD seem to be more susceptible to developing an eating disorder. Sometimes this is simply caused by a sensory inability to recognise that they are actually hungry.

“For others, it has become a coping strategy for managing general anxiety levels. However, people with ASD can also be very high functioning and extremely intelligent.

“The relationship of ASD to eating disorders is a relatively recent discovery and needs more research and funding to make a breakthrough.”

She continued: “People don’t realise when you have an autistic child how difficult it is... I don’t think enough time, effort and money is spent on it and people don’t realise the fear and anxiety and everything that goes with it.”

Residents can get behind the cause by attending the club night this weekend which will play host to classic dance hits all the way from the Cavern to Ibiza, as well as original R&B, Soul, Motown, Authentic Disco, Funk & Club Classics.

People are invited to bring their own bottle and some great prizes will be on offer.

The event will be held from 7.30-11pm and tickets are £8. Contact Kirsty at the Hub on 01290 558314 for more details.