Today, Monday, April 2, marks the 5th annual World Autism Awareness Day. In fact the entire month of April is observed as Autism Awareness month around the world. Every year, autism organizations celebrate the day with events and activities to raise awareness and spread the word about the developmental disorder and even raise funds to help children afflicted with autism. The important thing is that the society should accept those with autism, treat them with respect and not isolate them or their families. Continued research to find new ways to educate and improve the lives of individuals with autism and even nurture their talents and creativity would make a huge difference. Visit the World Autism Awareness Day page on Facebook and post your comments .
What is Autism?
Autism Society of America describes Autism as a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today. Autism can be addressed through therapy. Children do not "outgrow" autism, early diagnosis and intervention lead to improvement in the children.
Some signs of autism to look for in children:
* Lack of or delay in spoken language
* Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
* Little or no eye contact
* Lack of interest in peer relationships
* Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
* Persistent fixation on parts of objects
* Lack of or delay in spoken language
* Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
* Little or no eye contact
* Lack of interest in peer relationships
* Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
* Persistent fixation on parts of objects
The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) issued Autism Awareness stamps on 2 April 2012 in recognition of World Autism Day. The design and artwork for the stamps was submitted by talented artists with autism.
 |
| Image Credit : http://unstamps.un.org/ |
Autism Speaks is celebrating World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 with the theme, ‘Light It Up Blue’ to help shine a light on autism. It's a global initiative to help raise awareness about autism. Iconic landmarks around the world will be light up in blue to support Autism Awareness. You can view photos of the 'Light it up Blue photo contest' on World Autism Awareness Day Facebook page .
Here is a beautiful excerpt from UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon’s speech on World Autism Awareness Day, ‘The annual observance of World Autism Awareness Day is meant to spur action and draw attention to the unacceptable discrimination, abuse and isolation experienced by people with autism and their loved ones. As highlighted by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, people with autism are equal citizens who should enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms”.
To read the entire speech, visit UN wesbite
Here is a beautiful excerpt from UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon’s speech on World Autism Awareness Day, ‘The annual observance of World Autism Awareness Day is meant to spur action and draw attention to the unacceptable discrimination, abuse and isolation experienced by people with autism and their loved ones. As highlighted by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, people with autism are equal citizens who should enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms”.
To read the entire speech, visit UN wesbite
No comments:
Post a Comment