Created in 2007 by the UN, World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated this Tuesday, April 2nd. This is a date aimed at raising society’s awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is characterized, among other manifestations, by difficulty in social interaction and the presence of repetitive behaviors. It presents different degrees, classified from mild to severe. To talk about the topic, this Monday’s (1st) edition of “Canal Direto com a Prefeitura” featured the participation of the manager of the Autism Reference Center “Aldo Pavão Júnior”, Karina Maia.
She reported that there are laws in the city that aim to disseminate information to the population about autism and thus reduce discrimination and prejudice that surround people affected by the disorder. “We have had, for a long time in Araraquara, the Municipal Autism and Their Spectrums Week, which is part of the Municipality’s Official Calendar of Events, and also the law that names April 2nd as Municipal Autism Awareness Day”, mentioned.
Karina also spoke about the II Municipal Symposium on Autism Spectrum Disorder, which will be held this Tuesday (2) and Wednesday (3) at Unip, in addition to other actions that will be developed in the city. “Vacancies are closed and there is no registration during the Symposium. The program is wonderful, with excellent professionals, who will talk about various topics involving autism. On Saturday we will have an inclusive cinema at Shopping Lupo and I invite everyone to be present . For autistic people and people with disabilities there is no cost, entry is free. The companion or guardian pays half price. On Sunday we have the traditional walk starting at 8 am in front of the Municipal Palace. We will leave on Rua 9 de Julho to the Children’s Park, with various activities for the whole family”, he highlighted.
The manager spoke about the importance of disseminating more and more information on the topic. “In the past, there wasn’t much talk about autism and diagnoses were made in a different way, with other names for the condition that are not the current ones. Today there is more knowledge, more information, professionals adapting to this new reality, after all, today , for every 36 births, a person is born with autism, so everyone needs to update themselves. I often say that when the umbrella gets big, everyone will fit under there. This breadth of knowledge also promotes diagnoses”, he highlighted.