None of us could ever claim to fully understand the way someone with autism sees the world, but we’ll soon be getting a little help thanks to an innovative art exhibition.

Autistic youngsters are being invited to contribute to a display in the gallery of artist Stephen Oliver, in the form of artwork showcasing what the condition means to them.

The project is the brainchild of artist Stephen Oliver and Cllr Mandy Garford, who has children of her own on the autistic spectrum and has worked with other such children as a primary school teacher.

Her aim is to make Dartford more friendly and understanding towards people with the condition, no matter their age, and hopes the art project will be a positive step forward.

“My mission is to make Dartford more autism friendly and I am doing that by raising awareness of autism,” she explained.

“I want to make the community function and feel like a family, embracing everyone within it.

“I have three children on the autistic spectrum and going out and about there are not only challenges for dealing with the children, but also misunderstandings from those around.

“My mission is to make Dartford more autism friendly and I am doing that by raising awareness of autism" Cllr Mandy Garford

“People on the autistic spectrum see, hear, and feel the world differently. It’s an invisible disability.

“Things that are everyday and normal for us can be overwhelming for someone on the spectrum and it can cause a number of different behaviours in children.”

Fifty local schools have been invited to contribute to the exhibition, but it is open to anyone with autism aged between three and 18 regardless of their education situation.

Any type of artwork is acceptable, whether it be a painting, drawing, sculpture, or something else entirely.

Cllr Garford continued: “Some might do a painting or a picture, or some other creation, that’s up to them.

“It’s really an expression of what autism means to them.

“We want Dartford companies, businesses, the people, and the community to understand and embrace autism, which can mean making small adaptations and small changes, both in mindset and in things that are done around the town, just to include those with autism.”

Mr Oliver, whose studio and gallery in The Orchards Shopping Centre will host the exhibition throughout April, added: “The art exhibition is a great way to allow children on the autistic spectrum to express their feelings, raise awareness and allow them to feel part of the community.”

For more information about the exhibition, contact Cllr Garford on mandy4stone@gmail.com, or Stephen Oliver on stephen@stephen-oliver.co.uk.