Commemorating World Autism Awareness Day 2023 – Transformation: Toward a Neuro-Inclusive World for All
The Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ASTT) observes World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday, 4 April 2023. This year, ASTT focuses on the role of sensory integration and processing in learning and behaviour, as it relates to autistic children and adults. This focus aligns with the United Nations (UN) call to action for “Transformation: Toward a Neuro-Inclusive World for All”.
In a world where autistic people continue to face discrimination and other challenges, it is the mission of ASTT to advocate for neuro-inclusive, safe and sensory-friendly spaces that enable learning and full participation in society. Neuro-inclusion is a perspective that accepts, supports, includes and advocates for autistic rights, rather than perpetuate narratives of curing or converting autistic people. Sensory-friendly spaces are environments that support sensory processing, self-regulation and calming. These spaces are often essential for autistic people to focus and enhance their learning, working or social experiences. It is the view of ASTT that greater access to sensory-friendly spaces complements on-going work toward a neuro-inclusive world for all through reducing barriers and improving the quality of life for autistic people.
To learn more about the sensory issues affecting autistic people and how you can create sensory-friendly spaces, ASTT invites you to our virtual observance of World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday, 4 April from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. AST, with feature speakers Dr. Raquel Martinez and Ms. Kesha Mohammed, Occupational Therapists.
Please register via https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Vv07e8nrO5AAS-UPRdSsyG_KFQn4hrvzEFe2zQ_oD_c/viewform?ts=6420c4a9&edit_requested=true or call 225-6808 / 684-4010 for further details.
The United Nations observes Sunday, 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day and will stream a virtual event on the day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST via the UN’s YouTube and Twitter channels, and on UN WebTV. This event, in collaboration with the Institute of Neurodiversity, will feature discussion on how the transformation in the narrative around neurodiversity can continue to be furthered in order to overcome barriers and improve the lives of autistic people.
ASTT extends our gratitude to all that support this work: partnering organizations, government agencies, donors, and volunteers. Donations can be made to Republic Bank Ltd. # 340 005 630 201.
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Instagram: @autisticsocietyoftt
Website: autismtt.org