A YOUTH group is putting on a powerful performance to raise awareness about autism.

The show, called In Our World: A Day on the Spectrum, is a series of sketches written and performed by young people in the Reach For Change group who are on the autistic spectrum.

Vicky McCarthy, founder of Reach for Autism, a local support group, said: “It’s very powerful and shows what they are going through.

“They did a show before and the evening performance was sold out.

“It’s a sketch show which is written, performed and produced by the group and highlights the difficulties and challenges of people who are on the autistic spectrum”

The performances also involve  other cast members, including two local police officers Hazel Dean and Kirsty Boyd, plus Paul Brown, the deputy head of Inverclyde Academy, Tesco’s charity champion Lorella Sutherland, Colin Moore, manager of the Holiday Inn Express, a staff member from Morrisons, parents and a few older Reach children and staff.

Vicky said: “The Reach for Change Group aims to change people’s perceptions using their own personal experience to highlight the challenges of living with autism.”

Performances run this Thursday and Friday between 12.30 and 2pm and 7 and 9.30pm.  For more information visit http://beaconartscentre.co.uk/events/