Autism – A Different Way of Thinking

Media Release
29 March 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM AUTISM NZ

Autism – A Different Way of Thinking

Friday 2 April, has been designated World Autism Awareness Day by the United Nations General Assembly and Autism New Zealand is using the day to help New Zealanders better understand this often confusing condition.

Community activities are planned to raise awareness and selected bookshops throughout the country will have displays relating to autism and several schools are undertaking fundraising and awareness days on 1 April to help to raise the profile of autism in New Zealand.

While Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of this country’s most prevalent childhood disabilities, most people know very little about the disorder and its affect on families, says Autism NZ Chief Executive Alison Molloy.

“Autism affects over 40,000 New Zealand families and 50 million families worldwide. It is also the fastest growing serious development disability in the world as diagnosis is now starting to be carried out more effectively than in the past.”

Typically children are diagnosed between 2-5 years of age although many are not diagnosed until later in life, if at all. The autism spectrum includes several distinct diagnoses, i.e. mild, classic and high-functioning autism, pervasive developmental disorder or Asperger's syndrome as well as a whole range of different symptoms. The ability to “think differently” can mean that while a person with ASD can seem unusual, distant or even angry they can also come up with ideas and make achievements of the very highest calibre.

“In fact a world without Autism would be a lesser world and we must support those with ASD to make the most of their ability,” says Alison Molloy. “Many with ASD have made very significant contributions to the world we live in, particularly in the fields of science, maths, music, the arts and computing. With diagnosis and support, those with Autism can make a wonderful contribution to our community.”

Many people with ASD have difficulty with social relations, can become anxious about changes in routines and have challenging or difficult behaviours. They can be non verbal, unable to ready body language or facial expressions, repeat words and phrases without understanding and be withdrawn and unresponsive.

Autism New Zealand provides support, resources, education and information to people with autism spectrum disorders, their family, caregivers and professionals working with them. They maintain contact with many associations around the world and constantly source the latest materials for our membership. With fifteen branches around the country (many run by volunteer committees), each branch offers various levels of support, including holiday programmes, music therapy, social skills programmes, coffee mornings, regular meetings and pre-school support.

Autism Spectrum Disorders are ‘life-long’ and although there is no cure, with support and understanding, people on the spectrum who ‘think differently’ can lead fulfilling, rewarding lives.

For further information and support or to find the details of your local branch, contact Autism New Zealand Inc Ph 0800 AUTISM (0800 288 476) or visit www.autismnz.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media