Autism World Awareness Day is coming. This is a huge one-day undertaking by Autism Speaks, and information is available on a separate website dedicated to the event.
In the United States, plans include an event at the United Nations and a variety of promotions, marches, fundraisers and happenings across the country. Activities are also planned in the UK, Canada, India and Australia, with smaller happenings in Bahrain and China.
According to the website:
World Autism Awareness Day will shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities will help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and will impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD will celebrate the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and will be a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.It's good to know that the intention of the program organizers is not only to raise awareness but also to celebrate people with autism. So far, however, the only program described as highlighting the work of people on the spectrum is an art show planned for Sydney, Australia.
Were you aware of Autism World Awareness Day? Are you planning an event? Do you know of other World Awareness Day programs outside of Sydney that will feature the achievements of folks on the spectrum? Let us know!
We heard about it, but we’ve received no invites to talk anywhere. An interesting thing happened right as our People magazine article was about to come out. Our reporter told us that Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks, who was quoted in our story… She told our reporter that they, Autism Speaks, wanted to ‘help’ our family.
That was all that ever came of it. Our reporter repeatedly left our info with her, Suzanne, and they never got back to us. We weren’t LOOKING for help but it was ‘offered’, but it looks like NOT in good faith.
I’ve been giving Autism Speaks the benefit of doubt but I’m disappointed every time.
Just a quick clarification – World Autism Awareness Day is the result of a UN resolution, not an Autism Speaks event (though they are definitely planning to make the most of it).
was about to make the same point re. the UN! We are having an awareness raising day on Mar 30 in Loughborough where Wendy Lawson is coming to speak. Hope to get lots of interest!!
Shrewsbury event in the uk
I’m mum to two girls who both have the condition. I’m staging an event in my local town in order to raise awareness of the condition both in the town square and the three shopping centres who have agreed to my idea of a late night shopping evening for Autistic people their families and carers to shop . A daunting task for many because of the usual crowds.
Th manager of the centre has contacted other shopping centres across the uk to see if anyone else would condider doing this as well.I was recently in contact with an American Autism charity who liked my idea of late night opening so much that they are planning to try and do this across America.
I’m also comissioning a short film to be shown on the day in local cinemas showing photo’s of my girls and with statistics of the condition and its prevalence in the uk. It will also feature the photographs of an Autistic man who lives locally and who’s beautiful images of Shropshire will be featured in the Shropshire tourist board literature.
The Frames who recently won an oscar for best song have very kindly agreed to our using the winning song Falling slowly as the sound track to the film.
I wondered if you might be interested in this story
This will furthur awareness to a huge audience. I don’t represent any charity I’m just a mum.
Many Thanks
Nicky Clark.
The United Nations WAAD events includes an art exhibition “Don’t ‘dis’ the ability” featuring artworks by individuals with autism from around the world. At least 14 artists will be featured. Also, the Manhattan Children’s Center is hosting the same exhibition (plus more) April 9-10 and the exhibition is open to the general public. The art curator for these events is Dr. Rosa C. Martinez. The UN events were planned by Autism Speaks in collaboration with specific Missions of the United Nations. For more information , please visit http://www.RCMAutismNotebook.com
I am a radio presenter/produce for the BBC World Service, (Arabic Service) based in London. I prepared a series about Autism, for that I visited Kuwait, Yemen, Lebanon, interviewd parents carers, and children with autism, the series will start today (2 april 2008) at 13:00gmt and will last for 3 days, in a live Programme BBCXTRA. to listen to it visit http://www.bbcarabic.com/xtra.
liliane