Island parents have been participating in activities as part of World Autism Awareness Month.
It comes as a National Autistic Society survey discovered 79% of autistic people and 70% of parents feel socially isolated.
About half of people living with autism sometimes do not go out because they are worried how people will react, says the report.
Local voluntary organisation group Autism Eileanan Siar aims to try and tackle these issues by providing a local support group.
Raising awareness of autism
1 May 2016
Children with additional needs and their families are also welcomed, said Annemarie Mackay of the group. And it is not just for children but is also open to adults with autism, she added.
Ms Mackay said: "We try and do activities with the children every month so they get out and about."
At present, the group is testing out autism friendly play sessions at the Lewis Sports Centre which helps children get used to the noise and surroundings.
The youngsters also enjoy fortnightly swim sessions at the Grianan pool in Stornoway.
Sessions at softplay and in the sports centre helps "burn off the children's energy and it is good to meet other parents," said Elinor Macdonald, one of the mothers who attends the events.
She said: "This is a great group -
One bonus is "we don't feel so isolated as a family. We get feedback about other families' experiences and feel part of something."
The National Autistic Society report highlights: "Around 700,000 people in the UK are autistic. But no two people experience autism in exactly the same way.
"Some people find it difficult to say what they need, and how they feel while others find it hard to understand people, how they expect you to behave.
The report explained: "Being autistic means having a brain that’s wired differently. And that can make someone see, hear and feel the world in a different way to other people. Sometimes everything is overwhelming."
Autism Eileanan Siar support group normally meets on the second Monday of the month at Newton Community Association rooms on Seaforth Road in Stornoway. The meetings start at 12 noon and normally last around two hours.
A Facebook page is available at Autism Eileanan Siar while the group can be contacted at autism.eilean.siar@gmail.com.