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Announcements » World Autism Awareness Day 2nd April 2009
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World Autism Awareness Day 2nd April 2009

As you may know the 2nd April marks World Autism Awareness Day.  The United Nations has declared April 2nd World Autism Awareness Day.   This is to increase and develop world knowledge of autism by bringing together autism organisations around the world.
  

In the UKthe government must be persuaded to recognise autism as distinct from other conditions, which means urgent strategic planning, policy development and dedicated resource allocation.

Research indicates that autism costs the UK£28 billion a year and therefore if investment was made into supporting people to make a full contribution to society and to realise their full potential, this figure could be significantly reduced. 

 

Governments in each of the devolved nations of the UKneed to take action to ensure: 

 

·         Individuals with autism are not unfairly discriminated against and their rights as people with disabilities as well as citizens are promoted. 

 

  • That action is taken to remove barriers to access and address the communication and sensory needs of people with autism – including raising public awareness.  

 

  • The numbers of people with autism are counted to ensure equality of provision of, and access to, services and support.  

 

  • Adequate research funds are made available to increase understanding of autism and develop appropriate interventions and support.  

 

  • That resources are made available to support those living with autism and to ensure those working with people with autism are appropriately trained.

The facts:

 

  • Autistic spectrum disorders affects as many as 1 in 100 children  
  • More children will be diagnosed on the autism spectrum this year, than with diabetes, cancers and AIDS combined.
  • Boys are four times more likely than girls to have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder
  • Autism does not discriminate by geography, class or ethnicity 

To mark this event we want to lend our skills to those families in need of support.  We want to offer all families across the UK access to free telephone or email consultations to discuss their child's needs.  

 

You do not need to have secured a diagnosis, please feel free to discuss in confidence any concerns you have about your child. 

 

We also want to lend our support to teenagers and young adults.  So please do feel free to consult with us about your older child or a student/adult you work with. 

 

Dont forget you can also access the following support groups   

 

http://www.autismspeaks.org.uk/waad/about_waad.html