Today, the 2nd April, is World Autism Awareness Day.
Maybe you already knew that Autism is a Spectrum Condition, characterised by a 'triad of impairments':
- Difficulty with social communication
- Difficulty with social interaction
- Difficulty with social imagination;
Maybe you already knew that around 88,000 school aged children in the UK have been diagnosed with ASD (autistic spectrum disorder) and that the vast majority attend mainstream schools;
Maybe you know, or work with, or are someone on the autistic spectrum;
Today is World Autism Awareness Day, as established by resolution 62/139 of the United Nations on December 18th 2007. The aim? Simply to raise awareness, to raise the profile of a developmental disorder which could go un-noticed, under-appreciated and un-provided-for. The aim is also to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention.
Today I'll set you a challenge. Turn those 'maybe's into 'yes's. Spread the awareness - turn your facebook blue, find out a little more about the work of heroes in the area such as Uta Frith and Simon Baron-Cohen...or simply be a little more aware of autism.
Check out The Independent's Autism day supplement: http://np.netpublicator.com/netpublication/n72246359
Read up on the National Autistic Society website: http://www.autism.org.uk/about-autism/autism-and-asperger-syndrome-an-introduction/what-is-autism.aspx
Or visit the site for the awareness day: http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/world-autism-awareness-day/world-autism-awareness-day-materials
to find out more.
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