A MAN with Asperger syndrome was rewarded by the First Minister for helping people with autism.

National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland volunteer Callum McCrosson, from Kirkintilloch, received the prestigious Saltire Award from Alex Salmond at the Scottish Parliament.

The 25-year-old has devoted more than 500 hours to mentoring young people with autism, and helping give them vital confidence and skills to access job and education opportunities.

From the age of 13, the former Kirkintilloch High School pupil went through the misery of his condition being misdiagnosed as anxiety and depression.

Callum, who was finally diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in November 2011, credits the leading autism charity's recruitment service, NAS Prospects, with supporting him to make a positive difference through volunteering.

NAS Prospects is the only recruitment service in Scotland that specialises in helping people with autism into sustained, long-term employment.

Jim Doherty, adviser with NAS Prospects said: "When we first met Callum, he had only recently received his diagnosis.

"He was spending a lot of time at home, struggling with his condition.

"Callum's transformation into a confident, inspiring young man, and what he's achieving for himself and others is fantastic. He's hugely popular with his clients and NAS staff."

Callum said: "When I was finally diagnosed with Asperger syndrome my confidence was at an all all-time low.

"NAS Prospects supported me and helped build my coping strategies.

"I really thrived and was delighted when they asked if I would like to volunteer for the service. It's great to feel I'm doing good. I can really help people who have experienced the same challenges as me.

"I am getting the right support now and I am at the point now where I want to help other people who have been through similar experiences to mine."

An estimated 50,000 Scots have autism and more than 200 are thought to live in Kirkintilloch.

Autism, of which Asperger is a form, is a developmental disability suffered by an estimated 50,000 Scots.

ewan.fergus@eveningtimes.co.uk