Mumble Report post Posted April 1, 2008 (edited) Apparently it's World Autism Day tomorrow, Wednesday the 2nd April (I'm hoping this isn't an April Fool from today). Does anyone know anything about this, what it involves, who's behind it and the angle it is approaching from? OK - I found a link: World Autism Day erm ... so it would seem we're (as in UK) not doing a lot. Will be interesting to see what's on the news tomorrow. Edited April 1, 2008 by Mumble Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alexandra Report post Posted April 1, 2008 Yes its true, read it on the National Autistic society website. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted April 1, 2008 I wasn't aware of this at all, Mumble. Here's what the NAS site has to say about it: http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=15995 K x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hev Report post Posted April 1, 2008 no i hadent heard a thing about it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted April 1, 2008 Blimey. Theres not much hope if none of us lot knew is there? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted April 1, 2008 I thought it was always in June?? Bid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kathryn Report post Posted April 1, 2008 I thought it was always in June?? Bid I thought so too - isn't there usually a picnic or fun day in London? K x Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baddad Report post Posted April 1, 2008 (edited) I had it in my head as June too Ben and I have a few badges kicking about from previous years (yay! Badge It... keep meaning to buy the new one that does biggun's and rectangles too!) so we can wear them tomorrow, but too late for t-shirts now BD Edited April 1, 2008 by baddad Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zaman Report post Posted April 2, 2008 This was on my local branch newsletter: Today - Wednesday 2nd April - has been declared World Autism Day by the United Nations. Look out for coverage in the media. In particular, those of you who have cable or satelite TV, the US news channel CNN is planning a full day of autism coverage, and we hope to see our very own Josh Muggleton interviewed at around 4.00 p.m. Also, in the programme 'We have autism', to be shown at 5pm, CNN looks at some of the families living with the condition that affects an estimated 35 million worldwide. CNN reporters interviewed two clients from the NAS Prospects employment service . For more information about CNN's coverage, go to http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/news/autism/ If you don't have CNN on your TV, you can try watching online at at http://edition.cnn.com/video/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheNeil Report post Posted April 2, 2008 Is it? Err...well done the NAS for keeping everyone informed (given that Emily and I are both fully paid up members, it'd be nice for them to tell us these things) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted April 2, 2008 I've just listened to Prime Minister's Questions - Someone from the shadow cabinet brought up that it was Autism Day and Harriet Harman responded. She began by saying that there were three main things that needed addressing, and went through these. And, true, they were all very important. BUT ... they were all about children, all related to children, and all seemed to assume that autism is something that only children have. This sort of message is very damaging to any campaign to improve adult services. It simply seems that autistic adults don't exist and it makes me very sad that on Autism Awareness Day we are effectively, not even silenced, but invisible. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baddad Report post Posted April 2, 2008 Good point, Mumble... I'm wearing my badge today (actually APD, but it'll do at a push) and Ben took in three spares to school for his mates and teecha! It's not a good enough excuse, but i suspect the main focus is on kids because the main focus is on early intervention. That (early intervention) is as it should be, but not the only consideration. Hopefully, on the plus side, all that early intervention will provide us with many more socially aware and better enabled adults in 10-15 years time, and then we can really make the b*****'s eyes water! BD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pearl Report post Posted April 2, 2008 Isnt the June one a different one, Autistic Pride? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baddad Report post Posted April 2, 2008 Isnt the June one a different one, Autistic Pride? Yep - that's what i meant with APD badges above... so a timely rminder to get Tshirts printed for June! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cat Report post Posted April 2, 2008 (edited) Hi Guys Not been around for ages for personal reasons - mega concerns with my eldest none autistic sons health. For those interested who have SKY CNN ch 506 are doing in-depth coverage of today?s global event during the next 24 hours and all week. Autism Speaks appear to be spear heading most of the global events for this day. This PM the All Party Group for Autism (APPGA) are holding a special meeting with three guest speakers Anne McGuire MP, Minister for Disability Issues Isabel Bayonaras, President, World Autism Organisation Eileen Hopkins, International Development Director, Autism Speaks I really wanted to be at this meeting but circumstances have not allowed that to happen. I will however be writing and voicing my HUGE concerns about the participation and rising status of Autism Speaks in the UK whose co-founder spoke to a leading American Magazine and said 'We're now playing catch-up as we try to stem the tide and ultimately eradicate autism for the sake of future generations. If we continue our current trajectory, we'll get there in my lifetime.' Now while I am the first to agree that living with autism is not easy I am most unhappy at the choice of words used but this group and even Americans are now beginning to ask questions. There are many reasons why I am personally unhappy with this group one being that people in the UK appear to have no understanding as to what Autism Speaks are really about. I did manage to speak to one of the members of the APPGA in person on Monday and they were totally unaware of the mounting concerns about this group in the US. Yes autism is darn difficult to live with but if the aim is to wipe it out - which would mean identifying the gene responsible - what will happen to all of those people who will continue to live with autism. Will their needs ever be taken seriously or will they just be allowed to die out literally. I half expect my returning post to be moderated - however this is based on the vast amount I have now read about this group (I can supply links) and believe that people in the UK needs to know that Autism Speaks is a global organisation so if we sign up to them here we sign up to their roots which are firmly planted in America. Autism Speaks who take the lion's share of donations given in America and Canada in the name of research and give very little back to those already living with autism. They also are well known for not wanting to engage with the adult autistic population in America or Canada who perceive autism to be a plague. Cat Edited April 2, 2008 by Cat Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted April 2, 2008 I share your concerns about Autism Speaks, Cat Really sorry to hear about your DS, and hope he's improving <'> Bid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted April 2, 2008 Can someone help me to understand what today is supposed to be about then? Clearly 'autism speaks' and 'autism pride' are two very different entities. From what I can gather, one of the concerns today is about early diagnosis and intervention, particularly in less developed countries (I think). How does that fit with autism speaks' agenda? What is the stated objective/intended outcome of today? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sesley Report post Posted April 2, 2008 I suppose its a good thig to keep in the public attention, and you are right its a shame its about children, and not enough is done for teenagers and adults,the joe public are still very ignorant about autism and don't understand enough about it,i do wish this would bring on more specialist teachers in schools ,collages and universitys.it would make such a difference is teachers new what they were doing for people on the spectrum. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sarahponari Report post Posted April 2, 2008 i thought that program on CNN is at 4pm not 5pm...? I looked on CNN last night and it was advertising it for 1600 hrs Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cat Report post Posted April 2, 2008 Hi Mumble Hope the following helps. World Autism Awareness Day has nothing to do with Autistic Pride Day it is something that was adopted by the UN - but Autism Speaks appear to have hi-jacked it. It is not just about children it's about anyone and everyone who has an autistic spectrum disorder. I am un-happy with some the wording used about this day this is particular. World Autism Awareness Day will shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. I am more worried by the fact that Autism Speaks has the ear of some of the most powerful world's governments and while getting autism onto the political agenda is needed it also needs to be for the right reasons. That is why I am so concerned about this group now having a direct line to our government via the APPGA. While the NAS may not have always appeared to bat for everyone they have never pedalled the eradication of autism. There are many autism specific charities who are now struggling because most of the funds raised are going to Autism Speaks. About World Autism Awareness Day On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, supported the campaign for a World Autism Awareness Day through the current 62nd UN General Assembly Session, garnering consensus support from all United Nations Member States. This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges. World Autism Awareness Day will shine a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities will help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and will impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD will celebrate the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and will be a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe. By bringing together autism organizations 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lorryw Report post Posted April 2, 2008 It drive me crazy that autism is thought to only affect children. I suppose historically many of those with autism in the past were simply put into long term mental care institutions as children. I clearly remember when my son was diagnosed we were told that only 2 other autistic youngsters had been identified in the past 10 years. Both had been placed in institutional care (which shocked me to the core). The problem is we havent replaced that care with anything. We care for our son 24/7, we would far rather provide him with home and board and have his days filled with outside activities and enable us to return to work etc. We are working on it but the lack of available services and reluctance to invest in anything has made things very difficult. Its almost as though the powers that be want to return to the old days. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted April 2, 2008 Thanks cat autism epidemic Yeuch I've just looked up epidemic: "Widespread outbreak of a disease, or a large number of cases of a disease in a single community or relatively small area. Disease may spread from person to person, and/or by the exposure of many persons to a single source, such as a water supply." Ok, so I accept it can also mean something increasing more than would be expected, but most people, and most definitions, refer to a contagious disease. *goes off to hide in small mountain hut with red cross painted on door so as to warn others not to come too close or drink water I may have come into contact with* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted April 2, 2008 (edited) Produces bell from beneath foetid robes with a flourish... 'Unclean! Unclean!' Bid Edited April 2, 2008 by bid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bid Report post Posted April 2, 2008 (edited) 'We're now playing catch-up as we try to stem the tide and ultimately eradicate autism for the sake of future generations. If we continue our current trajectory, we'll get there in my lifetime.' Extremely nasty whiff of eugenics in this emotive language... Scary, scary stuff Bid Edited April 2, 2008 by bid Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baddad Report post Posted April 2, 2008 Hiya! Blimey - I must read newspapers properly in future! Still, it's a good thing now Ben and I did sport our APD badges rather than making up new ones, as that implies support for the intended principles of the day (awareness raising/celebration) rather than the negative associations Cat advises with Autism Speaks... Looking at the main quote(?) In Cats post, there are a couple of 'poor language' slips - including the words 'epidemic' & 'global health crisis' but I think they were probably meant differently from looking at the whole... Let's face it, it is a 'Global Health Crisis' in the sense that nobody has a clue how to respond to the rising numbers of diagnoses, and 'epidemic' does have the other meaning associated with that dramatic rise in incidence... Cat - re 'moderation' - I haven't had a chance to look fully at your post, but don't see anything inherently 'wrong' with it(?). Certainly it wouldn't be edited for the 'general' content, but if individuals and/or specific accusations were made that would need editing out for different reasons. I haven't got time to look now, though! BD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted April 2, 2008 Produces bell from beneath foetid robes with a flourish... 'Unclean! Unclean!' Bid You can't be unclean Bid....you clinicially well dressed I didn't even know that there was an Autism Awareness Day or similar Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted April 2, 2008 What does foetid mean?..............this forum is getting far too clevererer for me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted April 2, 2008 What does foetid mean?..............this forum is getting far too clevererer for me Smelly. Well worse than smelly, actually. I think of it as 'bin-stink' Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss Report post Posted April 2, 2008 Thankyou Mumble Youngest DD has just asked "How come your writing thankyou mumble, click on the bunny, click on the bunny" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MichelleW Report post Posted April 2, 2008 Well, I've been watching CNN, and the subject of adults has been raised several times, and has shown a couple of AS/autistic adults. I think the constant coverage is good - just a shame the other terrestial channels didn't do the same. What I like was the "global" aspect. And how services are different in different countries, but it goes to show that it is global and therefore not triggered by specific environmental factors. I didn't realise it was Autism Awareness day today - otherwise I would have stuck posters all over my car and house windows! I guess I could just make every day an autism awarenes day!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted April 2, 2008 Well, I've been watching CNN, and the subject of adults has been raised several times, and has shown a couple of AS/autistic adults. I think the constant coverage is good - just a shame the other terrestial channels didn't do the same. But we don't all have CNN. All I've seen is Prime Minister's questions and that was only children focussed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sesley Report post Posted April 2, 2008 erm iwas on you tube to see if they had posted the This Morning clip yet,but instead i came across this scene, now i am not out to offend anyone i found it amusing ,so if you are annoyed at me for laughing at this i'm sorry here goes Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted April 2, 2008 erm iwas on you tube to see if they had posted the This Morning clip yet,but instead i came across this scene, now i am not out to offend anyone i found it amusing ,so if you are annoyed at me for laughing at this i'm sorry here goes I hadn't realised how bad that woman's acting was before!!!! That's why he dumped you!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
purplehaze Report post Posted April 2, 2008 Hi I have just caught this thread. My local autism society sent me a e-bulletin and it said autism awareness week 2008 is 10th-16th May??????? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
