On Tuesday the PA brought news of Perth Playhouse attempting to make screenings for people with autism more accessible, changing its programme to offer ‘relaxed screenings’ of current films on a Sunday at 6pm.

The move made Perth mother-of-three Atia Chalmers very happy indeed, as it meant her son Josh could watch ‘Avengers: Endgame’ on his birthday - without having to wait and go to a relaxed screening on the other side of Dundee, on a less convenient day.

But the story brought into sharp relief the problem of finding places where autistic children can feel understood and their behaviour is tolerated without unkind attention. Perth Autism Support has 650 families coping with one or more autistic children in Perth and Kinross.

The PA asked Atia to tell us about places in Perth which she has learned to trust will make her two autistic children Josh (8) and daughter Hana (5) feel welcomed.

“Starting with the cinema, finding an autism-friendly showing is essential for Hana,” Atia explained. “With her autism she has social and sensory difficulties, so if we go and watch a film, I have to be constantly whispering into her ear, to explain what’s happening and prevent her getting anxious as even a U certificate film can be a bit of a sensory overload.

“Ideally I have to watch films first so I know what to expect.

“Perth Playhouse did us an enormous favour by switching their relaxed screening from a Thursday morning when my two were at school to 6pm on a Sunday when it’s perfect to go.

“We use a website www.dimensions-uk.org (‘supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs to live ordinary lives in their local communities’) to help us locate suitable screenings of films for the kids.”

Atia gave an honest insight into sports groups in Perth and Kinross: “The council’s Live Active activities aren’t brilliant [for kids who have autism].

“We went to Wee Kickers and Wee Springers in the Bell’s Centre and while Josh likes a ball, he can’t focus on instructions. I was able to see that they were too busy to beam in on him. Nobody reeled him back in, they were ignoring him.

“I found the complete opposite when he started doing karate. Chris at Perth Shotokan Karate Academy off Arran Road was totally amazing. Now Josh wants to help Chris out with the new recruits, he’s had such a worthwhile experience there.

“A small dance group near where we live is also very good - Rhona at The Dance Bank on Burghmuir Road. Their focus is on making kids happy, not beating everyone in competitions.

“The other big thumbs up for autism families is another private venture, Adventure Circus, which meets in the Perth Gymnastics Club unit at Friarton. Josh was watching Hana doing it and he wanted to try. They made him feel really included and he’s been thriving there.”

Taking an autistic child to a cafe can be a nightmare and Atia has learned to go armed with drawing and colouring stuff to try and keep her kids out of trouble with other customers.

“Picture your average coffee shop,” said Atia. “The last thing they want is kids running round, standing swinging in the doorway, but that is what Josh is prone to do.

“Costa’s at Inveralmond is a good tip for a coffee. My children can be quite noisy, but they are not bothered.

“The Tesco on Crieff Road, staff there recognise my children and know what to expect. They are really kind and nice.

“M&S in the High Street seem particularly autism aware. My children often want to hide in amongst the clothes rails. When they’ve done that in the past, staff there have gently returned them to me. I’ve explained my kids are on the autism spectrum and ‘don’t do shopping’ and in M&S I’ve never felt judged or ‘bad’.”

Another Perthshire mum, Jane Carmichael from Aberfeldy, also has some pointers to help families with autistic children. Her son Dylan is 12.

“We found an excellent place to take Dylan,” said Jane. “Active Kids in Stanley. He really loves it there, the activities are great and we have plenty of space to let off steam.

“Two places in Aberfeldy that have been good and I should definitely mention is the Breadalbane Bakery and The Birks cinema. They go out of their way to help Dylan and his needs, the staff at both places are so kind.

“Horsecross Arts in Perth includes children from Perth Autism Support in its Youth Theatre Group and Dylan has benefited tremendously from going there these past three years. The Youth Theatre Group is one of the highlights of his week.”

A spokesperoon on behalf of Live Active Leisure said: "Live Active Leisure is committed to providing an inclusive programme and environment for everyone in the communities they serve and we look to ensure that all ages and abilities are made to feel welcome and enjoy a positive experience.

"Whilst we can't comment on individual cases, we are always open to parents and carers contacting us with any concerns they may have or with ideas for improvement."