The ROM Marks World Autism Awareness Day

Posted: April 2, 2013 - 15:15 , by royal
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April 2, 2013 is an historic day for the Canadian Autism community: for the first time, Canada is officially marking World Autism Awareness Day. Essential to reducing stigma, raising awareness and improving support structures, World Autism Awareness Day also serves as a message to individuals and families affected by autism that their struggles matter to all Canadians, that they are not alone.

In Ontario, an estimated 100,000 individuals live with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurological condition which affects the way the brain functions, resulting in difficulties with communication and social interaction, and unusual patterns of behaviour, activities and interests. Yet most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism. That’s why World Autism Awareness Day is so important.

The ROM supports this important initiative and reaffirms the Museum’s commitment to work with all our community partners to foster an inclusive and accessible society that promotes diversity and ensures opportunities for all to realize their full potential. The ROM recognizes the diversity of our visitors and is committed to removing barriers to participation, extending the reach of the ROM to the greatest possible diversity of visitors.