About World Autism Awareness Day
The United Nations declared April 2nd World Autism Awareness Day, to increase and develop world knowledge of autism. By bringing together autism organisations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join us in our effort to make this possible.
In the UK In the UK
we must persuade governments to recognise autism as distinct from other conditions, deserving urgent strategic planning, policy development, and dedicated resource allocation. One in a hundred people have autism yet the services and support available to them and their carers are woefully inadequate. All too often autism is not properly understood as a distinct condition and the needs of people affected by autism are not recognised.
The impact of this on individuals can be devastating and it also has a wide social impact. Research suggests that autism costs the UK £28 billion pounds a year. We believe that investing in supporting people to make a full contribution to society and to realise their full potential can significantly reduce this figure. We want everyone to STAND UP FOR AUTISM and call upon governments in each of the devolved nations of the UK 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.
Resources and Downloads
World Autism Awareness Day posters
We have 2 posters for you to download to help publicise World Autism Awareness Day. Click here.
World Autism Awareness Day logos
jpg (56k) eps ( 1228kb) small 2010 logo jpg (38kb)
'Pass it on' Campaign Leaflet
The Together Trust, Autism Initiatives UK, Wirral Autistic Society and Families Connected have launched a campaign designed to raise awareness of autism in the North West. The ‘Pass It On’ campaign, which is being backed by Coronation Street star, Sue Nicholls, aims to spread the word about the disorder to local people as part of World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April).
To increase understanding, they’ve produced a leaflet designed to inform readers on the facts about autism and encouraged everyone to share the literature with everyone they know. To make sharing as easy as possible, the leaflet has been produced in both a hard copy and electronic format, and can be downloaded from any of the featured charities websites. The leaflet explains the differences faced by people with autism and the support services provided by the four charities:
Did you know....
- Autism affects as many as 1 in 100 people in the UK
- Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
- Autism does not discriminate by geography, class, or ethnicity