Staff and coaches are given special training.
Colchester United's staff and Football in the Community coaches got the lowdown on Autism on Monday, as the club continues to work towards providing a great experience for its local community.
The U's teamed up with Autism Anglia to learn about Autism and how it can affect children and adults alike.
Alan Bicknell, Director of Operations at Autism Anglia, took the staff and coaches through a training and awareness session to help them better understand how to look after children and adults that come into contact with the club at the stadium or via schools coaching.
Alan said: "Autism Anglia have developed a really strong partnership with Col U and I cannot thank them enough for how supportive they have been to our charity and the level of understanding they have shown regarding the needs of people with autism.
The club seem determined to make all the services they provide more 'autism friendly'.
"I am really impressed with the positive way the club is approaching this and am delighted that they will be one of the first clubs in the country to be awarded the 'Autism Charter'.
The club seem determined to make all the services they provide more 'autism friendly'.
"I am really impressed with the positive way the club is approaching this and am delighted that they will be one of the first clubs in the country to be awarded the 'Autism Charter'.
The Autism awareness training is just the latest way in which the club is trying to broaden its reach and support in the local community, and the U’s have plenty more planned for the coming months.
U's Media Manager and Supporters Liaison Officer Matt Hudson said: "The staff and coaches thoroughly enjoyed today’s session and it certainly opened our eyes to the challenges faced by those with Autism.
"The club has given itself a strong foundation with its work for families last season and this is the next step for us to ensure we can provide a great welcome for everyone."