The Wessex Autistic Society is encouraging local businesses to Stand Up For Autism to help mark World Autism Awareness Day. WAAD falls on 2nd April, which is a Bank Holiday this year and so activities to mark the day will take place from week 29th March right the way through to the end of April.  The Fundraising team at the local charity are asking local businesses, as well as supporters within local schools and the community, to hold a mufti day and wear something red, to raise awareness and ‘STAND UP FOR AUTISM’.

World Autism Awareness Day aims to increase awareness about people, especially children, with autism.

Autism is a developmental disability that remains with a person for his or her whole life. Autism affects girls and boys of all races and in all geographic regions and has a large impact on children, their families, communities and societies. The prevalence is currently rising in many countries around the world.

On November 1, 2007, the United Nations (UN) called for one day each year to be designated as World Autism Day. On December 18, 2007, the UN General Assembly designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. It was first observed in 2008.

The Wessex Autistic Society is calling on local businesses and the local community to get behind World Autism Awareness Day. Sarah Bohn, Community and Events Fundraiser at The Wessex Autistic Society comments, “By bringing together autism organisations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join us in our effort to make this possible.”

Fundraising posters are available on request to help promote your Stand Up for Autism Mufti day. For further information or assistance call Sarah Bohn on 01202 703597. For further information on The Wessex Autistic Society visit www.twas.org.uk