AUTISM AWARENESS stanger AUTISM AWARENESS FEATURE WEEKLY FEATURE 6 April 2016
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Lighting up blue for autism
Netcare Alberlito Hospital lit up blue. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
JYOTHI LALDAS
N
ETCARE Alberlito Hospital, the King Shaka International Airport and Lifestyle Shopping Centre joined the Connect Special Needs and Au tism Forum of the Imbalito Hope College to light up blue to show support for World Autism Day 2016. This year marks the 7th annual “light it up
blue” autism awareness campaign where more than 3000 iconic buildings and land marks in over 50 countries on six conti nents turn their lights blue for world au tism awareness. The Connect Special Needs and Autism Forum has been at the forefront of raising awareness for autism over the past dec ade. “We need to do more so that parents and the society as a whole get to know
more about autism. We are very grateful to our community partners for their ongo ing support and getting the message out there,” said Nirasha Dhaniram, psycholo gist and director of Connect Special Needs. Lifestyle Centre manager Mark Pearse, Netcare Alberlito Hospital manager Sara Nayaga and ACSA representatives Colin Naidoo and Terence Delomoney said that the Connect Forum and Imbalito Hope
College are doing great work in raising awareness about autism and they fully supported the cause. It is important to note that one in 68 in the US and one in 88 in South Africa, at least 300 000, have autism. Autism is prevalent four to five times more in boys than in girls. The United Nations declared 2
April World Autism Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life with those with autism. For more information on special needs and autism treatments and education contact Nirasha Dhaniram on 032 5860200 or visit www.connectspecial needs. co.za or facebook Imbalito Hope College.
Connect Special Needs representatives at the airport. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The Netcare Alberlito team with Nirasha Dhaniram (Director Connect Special Needs and Imbalito Hope College). PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Promoting autism awareness at the King Shaka International Airport. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
At Lifestyle Centre even the children got involved in raising awareness. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Airport staff and law enforcement show their support for autism awareness. PHOTO: SUPPLIED