CARDIFF, Wales: The United Nations declared April 2nd World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), to increase and develop world knowledge of autism. By bringing together autism organisations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join us in our effort to make this possible.

This UN Resolution is one of only three official specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day Resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges.

There are lots of different activities happening all around the UK and some of these are featured on the WAAD website - http://www.waad.org.uk    So if you are planning to do something for WAAD, please upload your details and let the world know. 

There will also be a UK-wide 'World Autism Awareness Day Survey' launched on April 2 by the UK's leading autism charities. Details on this will follow in due course.

This year for WAAD, Autism Cymru will be joining forces with Holly's Ball to celebrate WAAD at the Millennium Stadium on April 2:  http://hollysball.co.uk    This event has been organised to help raise autism awareness in Wales, to celebrate WAAD and to raise funds for both Autism Cymru and The National Autistic Society Cymru.    The event is supported by Real Radio Wales and is sponsored by Coca Cola, Bluestone Wales, Princes Gate Water, The Autism Directory.  among many others. Entertainment by Bryden String Quartet, The band 'Chaser' and Award Winning Magician Stuart Watkins who will be bringing with him Melanie Walters & Steffan Rhodri (AKA Gwen West & Dave Coaches from Gavin & Stacey). The evening will be compared by comedian Frank Honeybone.    There will also be a raffle and a fantastic auction, with all funds raised going towards the autism agenda in Wales. If you are interested in bidding for any of the items on offers, please log on to the Holly's Ball Facebook page to view all the items: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Hollys-Ball-Raising-Autism-Awareness-Codi-Ymwybyddiaeth-Awtistiaeth/104109142985727

Also Tune in to Real Radio - Wales national radio station on April 1 and 2 as they are kindly covering autism, World Autism Awareness Day and Holly's Ball on the news.

On a final note, Autism Cymru's 4th International Autism Conference will be taking place at the City Hall, Cardiff on June 21 and 22. 2011 – with one of our main headline speakers being Temple Grandin:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-1368868/Temple-Grandin-Autistic-woman-leading-animal-behaviour-expert.html

It is an unmissable event – please do not hesitate to contact me for further details on our fantastic line up and how to book!

So have a happy World Autism Awareness Day and do something special to help raise awareness.

Best wishes,

Jennie Thomas

Event Manager/Rheolwr Digwyddiadau

Autism Cymru/Awtistiaeth Cymru

C/O Thomas Simon Solicitors

62 Newport Road/62 Heol Casnewydd

Cardiff/Caerdydd

CF24 0DF

Tels:              02920 463263      

                      07966 453957      

e-mail:     jennie@autismcymru.org