Page 8 - PR Mag Apr18

Go Blue for Autism

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day.

It’s also the start of Autism Awareness Month in

Australia and Autism Queensland’s annual

Go Blue for Autism campaign.

Autism. An often misunderstood condition. When someone has ASD, it means that their brains are wired or limited speech, and others having extensive vocabularies. Autism Queensland’s annual Go Blue for Autism campaign is
differently to other people. But, as we know, no two brains are Although people with ASD can find it difficult to talk to people when the public is called upon to help raise awareness, and funds
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the name for a number of the same and this certainly still applies to individuals who are and make friends, they still have the same emotions as anybody to help us support people living with ASD and their families,
neurodevelopmental disorders. The symptoms cover a wide on the spectrum. else and love to have friends, even if it’s harder for them by holding an event or attending one being held in their local
range, hence the term, ‘spectrum’. than most. community.
So, how you can tell someone is autistic by looking at them?
Not all is as it appears with those affected by the You can’t. People with ASD also like things to happen the same way. They There is also a great range of merchandise available for purchase
neurodevelopmental disorder. That ‘naughty’ child throwing a might take the same route to school or the shops, or line up from the eShop for individuals and businesses. (Schools
tantrum at the store may not be throwing a tantrum because People with ASD can find it much harder to interact socially their toys in a particular order. If something is out of place or if and community groups can apply to sell Go Blue for Autism
they were told “no” by their parent. That child may have just and to communicate effectively with others. As they often have routines change without warning, they can get upset or worried. merchandise on consignment (approval conditions apply) when
been completely overwhelmed. Too many different noises, difficulty understanding what other people are feeling and they register their event. To make a puchase or register your
incredibly bright lights, a situation that is very different to any what interests others, they might say the wrong thing. They They may also be bothered by sudden loud sounds, bright event, head to www.goblueforautism.com.au
situation they’ve ever experienced. might talk for a long time about a topic they really like, as they lights or unexpected touch, that does not bother others. They
are unaware that the topic is of little interest to others. One of may become upset if someone hugs them or talks too quickly or In 2018, all funds raised through Go Blue for Autism will help
ASD is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that affects my children, who is on the spectrum, can sit and talk for hours loudly. They often have intense interests in particular topics and Autism Queensland provide education, therapy and support
a person’s ability to communicate, interact with others and on end about the Titanic. may be extremely knowledgeable about their special interest services for children and adults living with autism. To learn
cope in everyday situations. Tasks such as getting ready in the areas. They can also have an amazing memory for detail. more about the vital work Autism Queensland provides, visit
mornings, may seem very daunting, whereas for other people They may not use gestures and body language in the way that www.autismqld.com.au/
it’s usually not an issue. Every person with ASD is different other people do. For example they may not use eye contact The cause of autism is not fully understood, but structured early
to another and has their own way of seeing the world, which and may not smile. However, their ability to communicate can intervention, therapy and education delivered by professionals
makes them interesting and unique. vary tremendously, with some people with Autism having no with expertise in ASD can make a significant difference
in their lives.

April 2018 www.pineriversqld.com.au 9