A CARDIGAN mum of four is looking to raise awareness of autism among adults.

Cathie Long worked as a mental health social worker with Ceredigion County Council until April 2015 and is now an independent social worker, trainer and consultant specialising in assessing children and adults who are on the autism spectrum.

The 53-year-old now works all over the country, having recently been awarded her Master of Arts Autism at the University of South Wales, where she was also awarded 'The Professional Learning Award Outstanding Achievement (Autism)'.

“My research dissertation considered the care and support needs of older adults on the autism spectrum,” said Cathie.

“This is an area of autism which is just starting to be recognised. The numbers of people being diagnosed on the autism spectrum are increasing and yet there is a paucity services to meet their needs.

“Some of the themes which emerged from my research were people on the autism spectrum not feeling understood by professionals, feeling isolated but not knowing how to relate to others in social situations, poor experiences from mental health services, sensory issues and housing problems.

“We need to get the debate about autism into the community arena because it's needed."