The Judith Trust is thrilled to be supporting this years World Autism Awareness Week. We run projects and fund research into learning disabilities and mental ill health, promoting inclusion for all those within the community. We have recently entrusted JLGB with our Inclusion Campaign to help those children and teenagers within our UK community to take part in activities with other children, some of whom may have autism.
This week, 26th March- 2nd April 2018, is World Autism Awareness Week. The National Autistic Society has said:
‘We encourage the public to take part in World Autism Awareness Week – a full seven days where schools, workplaces and individuals, their families and friends all over the UK are taking part in activities to raise money and awareness for The National Autistic Society.
We’ve come a long way in raising autism awareness but there’s still more to be done until everyone understands autism.’
For more about how you can get involved: please see here: http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/world-autism-awareness-week.aspx
The Charity Action for Children has commented in their article: ‘ How do you Support an autistic child with their mental health?’ :
‘It is estimated that one in every 100 people in the UK are on the autism spectrum. As autism is a hidden disability and affects everyone differently it can cause frustration and emotional distress along with social and communication difficulties.
As a result of these heightened feelings your child may experience or show mental health symptoms. It has been shown that autistic people are more susceptible to certain mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder.
If your child is autistic, it’s important to be aware of, and look out for, any potential mood or behavioural changes. For example, if your child appears withdrawn from activities they normally enjoy, distant or low on energy – it may be that they are finding it difficult to communicate their feelings.
Statistics show that approximately 40% of those on the spectrum have an anxiety disorder as a result of autism-related factors, including social interaction, communication difficulties and biological differences in the brain. If these feelings persist, it can lead to depression.
As communication can be more challenging for autistic children, they may struggle to express themselves. In some cases, you may feel it beneficial to get in touch with a professional.
Counselling can be a helpful step in supporting both yourself and your child’