Silent pledges for Autism

ACTION in Autism, an NPO established to act as lobbyist, support and a fundraising body for parents of children diagnosed with Autism, held an event at Durban Botanic Gardens today to acknowledge Autism Awareness Day.

Lisa Aziz,  chairperson of Action in Autism, said when two people send a message of any kind to each other with or without words, they are communicating. “Autistic people all have something important to say, but they can’t always express themselves as well or as easily as people around them,” she said.

To show acknowledgement and respect for such difference, Action in Autism invited the public to join them and thousands of non-verbal people by making a pledge to be non-verbal for two hours today. Participants used only signs, gestures, pointing, typing or drawing to communicate during this time.

Action in Autism does not receive any funding from government and relies on sponsorship and the support of the community to continue its early intervention, support and advocacy work. Anyone wanting to contribute to the organisation through cash, kind or through volunteering time, the organisation would be most thankful.

For more about Action in Autism and the support to parents and families provided by the organisation, contact 031 563 3039 or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

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