Autism Awareness Month 2016

Background
In 2007, the United Nations declared April 2 as the World Autism Awareness Day, with the goal to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), so they can lead a full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society. To echo the call of the United Nations and spread the message, a wide range of activities are initiated around the date by leading ASD advocacy organisations worldwide. On April 2, landmarks and ironic buildings in the world turn their lights in blue and people wear blue and decorate their places in blue as a gesture to show the support, which develop as a significant campaign to promote the awareness of ASD.

In response to the World Autism Awareness Day, the “JC A-Connect: Jockey Club Autism Support Network” (JC A-Connect) launches the Autism Awareness Month in April, aims to unite the service providers and caregivers from different sectors, raise public’s awareness and understanding on ASD, and eventually strengthen the school, family and community support to enhance social harmony and inclusion. Throughout the month, activities will be organised by six NGO partners, including parent support groups, art workshops, learning classes etc., for students with ASD and their families across the territory. Publicity will be also made in mass media and other on-line platforms in order to promote a positive image of ASD and encourage public to “go blue” to show their support.

Events in Autism Awareness Month (in Chinese)

Reference: (in alphabetical order)

Autism Queensland – Go Blue for Autism (http://www.goblueforautism.com.au/go-blue-for-autism/)
Autism Speaks (http://www.autismspeaks.org/)
Autism Speaks Canada (http://www.autismspeaks.ca/)
Jigsaw Trust – Light it Up Blue Campaign (http://www.lightitupblue.co.uk/)
United Nations – World Autism Awareness Day (http://www.un.org/en/events/autismday/)