Families pledge to be non-verbal on World Autism Day
“We invited people to be part of this meaningful activation that tangibly demonstrates that speaking is not the only form of communication."
ACTION in Autism committed to acknowledging World Autism Day on 2 April by asking people to make their pledge to be non-verbal for two hours between 10am to 12pm. A picnic at Durban Botanic Gardens was organised as part of the celebration on Sunday.
Chairperson of the organisation, Liza Aziz said:
“We invited people to be part of this meaningful activation that tangibly demonstrates that speaking is not the only form of communication. In this way we are able to honoured those who experience their worlds and means of communication in a different way to most.”
To respect, acknowledge and accept difference, the public was asked to join the organisation and thousands of people with autism, and pledge to use an alternative means of communication – signs, gestures, pointing, typing or drawing – during this time.
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.
Action in Autism, which does not receive any funding from government, invites all people who would like to support the organisation through cash or kind or through volunteering time to contact 031 207 4858 or email info@actioninautism.org.za.
A fundraiser will be held on 22 April at 7pm at St John’s Hall. Tickets are R80 and are available from the offices.
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