World Autism Awareness Week 2018 promotes greater awareness of the condition

Posted: 29/03/2018

Each year, The National Autistic Society (NAS) encourages the public to take part in World Autism Awareness Week in which schools, workplaces and individuals, their families and friends all over the UK participate in activities to raise money and awareness. This year, the week spans from 26 March to 2 April. 

Why is World Autism Awareness Week important? 

Pioneered by the NAS, the week aims to draw attention to the 700,000 people living with autism in the UK, both to educate those unaware of the condition, and help make the world a less intimidating place for those who are affected by it.

Sadly, autism is a widely misunderstood condition and can make life very difficult for both sufferers and their families who provide support. There are established links between birth injury or trauma at birth and autism, increasing the risk of the condition fivefold. Meconium aspiration occurs when a foetus is under stress and not getting enough oxygen, then inhales waste products inside the womb. This condition increases the likelihood that the child will later develop autism seven times.

Autism alters the senses, meaning that autistic people see, hear and feel the world in a different, often more intense way to other people. They can find social situations difficult and may struggle to filter out the sounds, smells, sights and information they experience, which can leave them feeling overwhelmed, particularly in busy, public places.

Greater awareness of the condition will encourage a more supportive environment for people with autism. It is therefore vital to raise funds to enable the continued running of campaigns like ‘Too Much Information’, which demonstrates the impact that unexpected changes can have on people with autism, as well as facilitating training and sharing knowledge with professionals working with autistic people. 

How can you get involved? 

There are lots of ways to get involved in World Autism Awareness Week, including:

• joining NAS on a Night Walk;
• taking part in NAS’ new virtual challenge event, 7k for 700k where you can run, swim, cycle or walk 7km during the week to raise money;
• embracing and promoting work or school-based initiatives, as well as virtual events.

If you, a family member or a friend have any concerns regarding care provided to a mother or baby during childbirth, the Penningtons Manches Cooper team can provide initial advice and an informal, no obligation chat to discuss concerns and our experience of similar scenarios. Please contact us on freephone 0800 3289545 or email on clinnegspecialist@penningtonslaw.com.

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