Pledge to be silent

ACTION in Autism has committed to acknowledging World Autism Day on 2 April by asking people to make their pledge to be non-verbal for one hour from 10am to 11am.

People with autism experience difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction. Over 50 per cent of people with autism struggle with verbal communication and spoken language. For people who cannot express their basic needs or experiences in a way that the rest of the world understands, life can be isolating and extremely lonely.

To respect, acknowledge and accept difference, the organisation is asking the public to join the thousands of people with autism, and pledge to use an alternative means of communication – signs, gestures, pointing, typing or drawing – during this time on 2 April.

“Speaking is not the only form of communication. Honour those who are different from you and experience their world. Our organisation does not receive any funding from government, so we would like to encourage people to us either in cash, kind or through volunteering time,” said Liza Aziz, Chairperson of Action in Autism.

Action in Autism will host a fundraiser on 30 April at 7pm at St John’s Hall. Tickets are R70 and are available from the offices.

For more information about Action in Autism and the support to parents and families provided by the organisation, contact 031 207 4858 or email: info@actioninautism.org.za.