A visit by Cumbria's High Sheriff Alan McViety was a culmination to an exciting time for autism charity the Triple A Project.

On Friday they High Sheriff visited the county-wide charity's office in Penrith as they were celebrating an important new project. 

This week has seen the launch by the charity of the Discovery Programme which supports adults newly diagnosed with autism. 

The six-week programme devised and facilitated by autistic staff and volunteers from Triple A is supported and funded by Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust. 

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Nick Rosenthal Triple A CEO said: "The most important element to the programme is that it is facilitated by autistic people this give the attendees great confidence in the experience. Over 400 adults are being diagnosed as autistic in North Cumbria alone each year.

"Many have waited years for the diagnosis. Having a diagnosis can come as a relief, but then people need to learn to understand more about their autism and what it means for them. This is where this programme comes in."

The programme covers a wide range of topic to support the newly diagnosed including: what autism means to them, acceptance of their autism, understanding sensory issues.

Sheila Gregory Triple A chair added: "It's great the High Sheriff has visited as we launch this major initiative for autistic adults in North Cumbria."