World Autism Day Celebrations In Full Swing!

A press release from Autism West Midlands:

Autism West Midlands has announced a full calendar of activities to mark World Autism Day next month with a series of fun and exciting events designed to engage the autism community, raise funds and increase much needed awareness for the condition.

The festivities kick off at 6.30pm on April 1 with the Spectrum Spectacular. Held at the The Nautical Club on Bishopgate Street, Birmingham, the night is a lively celebration of autistic talents that recognises creative gifts and offers rare insight into the exceptional minds of people living on the spectrum. Attendees can expect to enjoy a variety of music recitals, creative writing, arts and crafts presentations and other performances. Tickets are available for pre-purchase at a cost of £3 for general admission and £2 for people with autism. Attendees are reminded that The Nautical Club is an 18+venue so the night is reserved for adult enjoyment only.

World Autism Day itself will be celebrated with a Family Fun Evening held at the Autism West Midlands headquarters in Edgbaston. The event is completely free to attend and offers a wide range of entertaining activities including party games, a sensory room, lego, board games, arts and crafts and even a disco. The evening runs in two slots from 4pm-6pm and 6pm-8pm, making it a great event for kids of all ages!

The fun doesn’t end on April 2, Autism West Midlands planning a flash mob for the coming Saturday. April 5 will see the Library of Birmingham descended on by a mob of purple clad supporters, flaunting the eye-catching colour in support of the autism cause. The event has already gained the support of 100 attendees, a number that is expected to continually grow as the date draws closer.

In addition to the one-off celebratory events, World Autism Day will see the launch of several Autism West Midlands initiated projects that are set to have a hugely beneficial impact on the autism community.

Ultraviolet Voices, the non-fiction book exploring the struggles and day-to-day difficulties of living as a woman on the autism spectrum, will be published on the 2^nd April as part of the awareness event. With contributions from 15 autistic women as well as autism expert, Dr Juli Crocombe and neuroscientist, Dr Elisabeth Hurley, Ultraviolet Voices is a resounding, insightful and touching publication that is a must read for anyone wanting to enhance their understanding of the autism experience.

World Autism Day will also see the launch of the UK’s first ever autism social networking site, Connect. Managed and monitored by Autism West Midlands, the site offers a unique chance for members of the autism community to interact, unite and receive the support of others. Anyone associated with the condition is encouraged to join, the site providing a wonderful social opportunity for people with autism as well as their family, friends and carers.

To learn more about the Spectrum Spectacular or to purchase a ticket visit: http://shop.autismwestmidlands.org.uk/products/spectrum-spectacular

To learn more about the Family Fun Evening and to make a free booking visit: http://www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk/events/index.php?page=event&event_id=925515 .

To learn more about the Flashmob or to register as an attendee visit: http://www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk/aware/content/935555/flashmob/

To find out more about Autism West Midlands and how they provide much needed help and support to the autism community visit: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutismWM

Twitter: https://twitter.com/autismwestmids

About Autism West Midlands: Autism West Midlands is a UK based charity dedicated to providing all people on the autism spectrum with the specialist care and support they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.

About Autism Awareness Month: World Autism Awareness Day occurs on 2nd April. It has been held every year since 9 September 1989. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution “62/139. World Autism Awareness Day,” adopted on 18 December 2007, proposed by Qatar, and supported by all member states.

Press contact: Sarah Francis

Email: sarahf@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Tel: 0121 4507582 / 07545461180