People’s attitudes toward autism are being challenged on World Autism Awareness Day today.
Support charity As I Am has released its “Same Chance Report” showing nearly 60% of people aren’t comfortable interacting with someone who avoids eye contact.
Almost half of those surveyed also say they’d be uncomfortable seeing an adult pacing or rocking back and fourth in public.
Founder and CEO of As I Am, Adam Harris, says better education is needed, noting; “It’s necessary now for our community to change not the individual and that requires actually proactively educating people, the reality is awareness is only the starting point, while the report notes that almost everyone in Ireland is aware of autism, it also finds that that relationship piece is really important; if you know someone who’s autistic you’re likely to be more understanding”.
Kilkenny Castle has a sensory tour from 9:30am this morning.
Meanwhile, tomorrow a new group will launch at Ossory Youth;
Stay tuned for more on The KCLR Daily (10am to 1pm).
