1st International Event for World Autism Day-April 2, 2008

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The first ever international event for World Autism Day 2 April, 200

Posted by: " " rbolster@... rsbolster

Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:49 pm (PDT)

just wanted to forward some links...you may already know more about

World Autism Day than I do...the truth is I'm just hearing about it

today...

http://www.healthline.com/blogs/health_observances/2008/03/coming-up-

world-autism-day-2-april-2008.html

http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/gashc3899.doc.htm

http://www.autismspeaks.org/press/qatar_un_world_autism_day.php

The first ever international event for autism and Asperger's Syndrome

will be observed with World Autism Day 2 April, 2008. 60 million

people around the world are now diagnosed with autism and many in

Africa and Asia have lack access to public services. People continue

to confuse autism with mental illness and mental retardation.

Children are kept at home without schooling due to lack of

understanding about the autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

HBO is doing a lot to bring both hope and awareness to the problem

with the airing of the documentary film Autism: The Musical. The film

tells the story of some innovative therapy techniques initiated by

the creative mother of an autistic boy. It premieres on HBO at 8 PM

25 March, 2008.

Measuring a child's growth is more than height and weight increases.

At each step along the way, we must check our children to make sure

they are developing in areas of play, communication and interaction.

At 3 months, a baby should be watching faces intently. At 7 months a

baby should respond to its own name. Not responding to one's own name

is a serious communication problem. Talk to your health care provider

about your concerns - early intervention is crucial to improved

outcomes for autistic children. A 1 year old enjoys imitating others

during play. A 2 year old enjoys pretend play. If you know a child

who is not meeting these milestones, urge a referral.