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Brookdale Care News
World Autism Awareness Day
Posted: 2010-02-04 | Author: Autism News
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) aims to increase people's awareness about autism, especially the special needs and support required to enable people with autism to live a full and productive life (e.g. living independently, managing personal budgets, gaining supported and mainstream employment etc). The day often features educational events for teachers, health care workers and parents, as well as exhibitions showcasing work created by children with autism.
WAAD in the UK
Charities supporting WAAD are calling for governments across the world 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 (www.autistic.org).
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 (National Audit Office). 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 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. (www.autistic.org)
The publication of the Adult Autism Strategy on 22nd February will hopefully provide a real framework to how local authorities should support individuals with ASC throughout their life. We will be publishing a copy of the strategy on the website for you to download.
We will be updating the Brookdale website with more information on how Brookdale Care is supporting World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd.