April is World Autism Awareness Month, and a local advocate says education and awareness of autism is as important as ever.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Angela Wilson, President of the Central West Autism & Special Needs Awareness Group, said cancellation of planned events for the month was disappointing ... but they will be back in 2021.
"I do believe we are starting to make some progress with creating awareness in the community. I think the more visible we are, the more conversations are generated and the more the community feels like they have a greater understanding of autism," says Angela.
According to Autism Spectrum Australia, one in 70 Australians have autism. It is a lifelong developmental condition, with all people on the spectrum affected in two main areas: social communication and repetitive patterns of behaviour.
They highlight some of the characteristics of autism as:
- Difficulty understanding non-verbal communication and how to appropriately respond in social interactions
- Trouble developing and maintaining relationships
- Repetitive use of movement, speech or objects
- Easily upset by changes
- Very narrow and intense focus on limited areas of interest
Angela says it's crucial the community educates themselves about autism, because that's what will lead to greater acceptance.
"With this understanding comes acceptance, which is what our main goal is. We desire to see the children and adults with a disability in our community feel like they have a place here, that they belong and have the opportunity to contribute to our society in their own unique way. We want to see their differences celebrated," says Angela.
Keep an eye out for the Champion Post sharing stories of locals on the spectrum throughout the month.
