On April 2, 2008, organizations all around the world celebrated the inaugural World Autism Awareness Day. If your autism organization is planning an event for April 2, 2009 and would like to be recognized in this year's list, please click here. We welcome pictures and media from your event as well! 

Australia
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Description of event: We are a non for profit Autism Awareness organisation. Our mission is to increase awareness of Autism and see that the Government assists families by paying for effective evidence based early intervention for children with ASD. The new government is listening but we aren’t across the line – this is where we need all the help we can get. The previous Howard government pledged $190m to Autism which the Rudd government agreed to honour. The Government is formulating their autism policy as we speak with the view to announce a package around World Autism Awareness Day (2nd April).
   We've launched a national campaign called 1000hours (see www.1000hours.com.au) We are urging people and organisations from across the country (and around the world) to join us in support of our policy that every Australian child should have access to 1000hrs a year of effective early intervention. The campaign is intended to reach the thousands of children around Australia who have Autism and are receiving minimal (if any) early intervention. Wealth should not determine access to good quality early intervention!
Contact: Nicole Rogerson, Autism Awareness, www.1000hours.com.au , www.autismawareness.com.au

Argentina
Date: Thuesday, April 1, 2008
Location: Castex 3293 - (1425) Buenos Aires - Argentina.
Description of event: The Institute of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology (INECO), is a state of the art specialist centre for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive and behavioral disorders. We are committed to raising awareness about autism, a topic that does not receive enough attention in our country. Our involvement in the campaign involves promoting activities inspired by the World Autism Awareness Day (April 2nd) by offering a free information session conference to the community.
Contact: info@neurologiacognitiva.org / www.neurologiacognitiva.org / (+54-11) 4807-4748 / Castex 3293 - (1425) Buenos Aires - Argentina.

Bahrain
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Description of event: The Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioral and Communication Difficulties will launch their first booklet about autism. It includes general information, drawings by children with autism, pictures, and parents' thoughts. Throughout the month, a local television talk show will host parents of children with autism and discuss their experiences, their needs and what the future holds. We will host an awareness booth during the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on April 4, 5 and 6. This event hosts people from all over the region and will hopefully give us a good opportunity to raise more awareness. Throughout the month, parents associated with our society will conduct weekly visits to local schools to spread awareness among students.
Contact: autism@batelco.com.bh

Bangladesh
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Bangladesh
Description of event: There will be a Special Supplement in leading newspapers with messages from the President and Advisors about autism. Additionally, other activities to take place include: 
a. Round table discussion;
b. movie and documentary shows;
c. art and crafts exhibition;
d. children cultural programme, rally, concert;
e. TV discussion highlighting the day;
We are also coordinating with other organizations like Action Aid, Handicap International, National Forum of Organizations Working with Disability, etc in spreading awareness about World Autism Awareness Day.
Contact: Action for Autism, actionforautism@gmail.com  

Bosnia and Herzigovina
Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008, 11.00-14.00
Description of event: The Association of Parents of Children and Persons on the Autism Spectrum are helping inaugurate the World Autism Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There will be a press conference at 11.00 at the Old Town City Hall, where the parent representatives will be joined by the University Clinic Sarajevo doctors, government representatives and representatives of the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Press Conference will be followed by a street action from 11.30-14.00 in front of the Sarajevo Cathedral. Some 50 parents, family, friends and volunteers will help raise awareness on autism spectrum and advocate for adequate treatment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The main message is - adequate treatment for persons on the autism spectrum.
Contact: Brian Rimpilainen, brimpilainen1201@rogers.com

Brunei Darussalam
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008, and throughout the month of April
Location: Bandar Seri Begawan
Description of event: SMARTER Brunei “Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources” will be celebrating World Autism Awareness Day with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education to show the collaboration of NGO and government agencies in combating autism. The events will be officiated by the Minister of Health and this will be the launching pad for our Road Show for Awareness in Brunei. The entire month of April will be dedicated to autism with four major road shows in shopping malls and schools, and the culminating events of our Annual SMARTER Challenge with the seven-hill challenge to climb seven different hills in one day. The symbolic purpose of this challenge is that the seven hills represent the seven days of the week that we have to face the world with our child with autism; these challenges need to be overcome every day, as the definition of autism is a lifelong delayed developmental process. It also means we have to revisit these hills every day and climb over them again and again. In order for us to acknowledge any person to be an independent individual they must at least achieve a level of competency in these seven life skills. This is our core program where we focus on Competency Based Training on Independent Living Skill, and the seven life skills that they need to be competent in are:
1. Personal Management Skill
2. Home Management Skill
3. Leisure (Spiritual) Management Skill
4. Academic Management Skill
5. Vocational Management Skill
6. Employment Management Skill
7. Family Management Skill
Contact: smarterbrunei@gmail.com

Canada
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Multiple locations
Description of event: Autism Speaks Canada is celebrating World Autism Awareness Day with efforts involving national media to bring attention to this historic day. Federal and provincial government representatives are being encouraged to wear the Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin and officially recognize April 2 in the House of Commons and provincial legislatures. Autism Speaks Canada is planning a number of awareness events throughout April, including an awareness night with the Toronto Rock Lacrosse Team (April 12, Toronto, Ontario) and an autism-friendly movie day in partnership with Today's Parent Magazine and Movies for Mommies (April 27, Rainbow Cinema - Promenade Mall – Thornhill, Ontario)
Contact: Autism Speaks Canada, 1-888-262-6227, autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Waterloo County, Ontario
Description of event: Autism Ontario Waterloo County Chapter is sponsoring our first "Mind Over Laughter" fundraiser to raise money for social skills programming in the region.
Contact: jean_aso@sympatico.ca

China
Date: Sunday, March 23, 2008
Location: Nanjing Brain Hospital
Description of event: The Five Project, Inc., in cooperation with the Nanjing Brain Hospital and its affiliate Nanjing Child Mental Health Research Center, will host a celebration of WAAD on Sunday, March 23, where families of children and adults with autism will come together in the community to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day. Brief remarks will be made about autism and WAAD, followed by an opportunity to informally share information and collect materials related to autism.
Contact: Helen McCabe, +011-86-15050550653, thefiveproject@yahoo.com

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: 798 Factory
Description of event: The Beijing Association of Rehabilitation for Autistic Children (BARAC) will hold an art exhibition with artwork by children with autism on April 2 to celebrate WAAD.  They have collected and decorated decades of paintings from children with autism, and they come from all walks of China.  Some state officers and many people from different areas will attend the exhibition.  The exhibition will be held in a very famous place that is usually used for artificial exhibitions: the 798 Factory, which was once used as a military factory and is now used as work studios for artists.  The exhibition will be on display for two days, with an opening ceremony on April 2 and 2 p.m., where some high state officers will speak, followed by the exhibition.  The exhibition will be covered by by local and national media.  The first day of the exhibition will be open to all; the second day is primarily for people who have a child or relative with autism.  The topic of the exhibition will be called "Autistic or Artistic?"
Contact: stoneg1201@yahoo.cn

Ghana
Date: Wednesday, April 2 and Sunday, April 27, 2008
Location: Autism Awareness Care and Training Centre, Accra, Ghana
Description of event: AACT will celebrate World Autism Awareness Day with a public education campaign on the radio and in newspapers, a street exhibition of artwork, house-to-house visitations, mini street jamborees, and an open day at AACT.  A grand jubilee is planned for Sunday, April 27, when children and families will celebrate.
Contact: aact@ghana.com

Hong Kong
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Cheung Kung Hai Lecture Theatre 1, William MW Mong Block, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Description of event: The Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong will be organizing the first World Autism Awareness Day in Hong Kong on April 2, 2008. The theme of the event will be "Early Diagnosis, Early Intervention". Parents of autistic children who have participated in our autism research projects and representatives from local schools serving autistic children are invited to join. Latest information on autism and research results will be presented and participants will be encouraged to share their experience in the event.
Contact: Stella Hui, University of Hong Kong, enquiry@autism123.hk

Date: April 19, 2008, 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Location: The University of Hong Kong, Wang Gungwu Theatre
Description of event: In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, “Enhancing Learning for Children with High Functioning Autism/Asperger's Disorder in a Mainstream Educating Setting.” An Inclusive Education has been promoted in Hong Kong for over 10 years. Parents and frontline workers remained motivated to facilitate children on the Autism Spectrum to integrate into the mainstream classroom. However, their efforts were often met with mixed outcomes. This may largely be attributed to a tradition that focused on vigorously training the child to fit into a mainstream classroom rather than setting up an environment that would promote success. The current seminar aims to impart knowledge on participants and to open up to a new paradigm in viewing Inclusion such that our children on the Autism Spectrum could duly ‘access the curriculum’. Topics include
1. Latest Education and Intervention Trends Related to Autism Spectrum Disorders
2. Classroom Strategies to Promote Success
3. Strategies to Enhance Life Skills and Leisure Skills
4. Sharing: Tried Strategies in the Local Setting.
Contact: Karen Wong Tel: 28992993 or Email: info@step-hk.com

India
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: New Delhi and other locations
Description of event: The Autism Awareness Jamboree (AAJ, which means “today” in several Indian languages) will host activities that include the following:  
1. Meeting with Head of State and prominent political leaders:  At New Delhi we are taking a group of our children and their parents to meet with Ms Pratibha Patil, The President of India, Ms Sonia Gandhi, Chair Person, UPA, and Ms Shiela Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi State and apprise them about autism, current activities by parent organisations and the help sought from the Government. Similar meetings are planned at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and other major cities.
2. Art Carnival:  This is an art competition being organised for school children (from mainstream as well as special schools) to create and encourage awareness, bonding and inclusion. At Kolkata an art exhibition of paintings by special children is being organised.
3. Free Consultations: A free clinic is being organised to provide consultations to parents by getting the services of Paediatrician, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Special educators, Music Therapist, Social Workers at one sitting.
4. Banners Display. We have prepared a set of three awareness banners, which will be displayed at heavy traffic zones to create awareness with the general public. Leaflets will also be made available.
5. Press coverage. We are giving press release to both print and electronic media for wide publicity.
Contact: Merry Barua, +011-91-11-40540991, actionforautism@gmail.com

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: The Mind Research Foundation, 179/88, New Fairlands, Salem, Tamilnadu State
Description of event: The Mind Research Foundation is organizing an awareness program and forming a parents association in Salem District and Dharmapuri District, headed by the District Collecter.  There will also be a rally.
Contact: 91-98-9481-9995

Ireland
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008, 12 p.m.
Location: 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Description of event: On Wednesday, April 2, the Irish Society for Autism will mark World Autism Awareness Day by re-launching the European Charter of Rights for People with Autism in the European Commission Representation at 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 at 12 noon. Speakers will include former MEP Mary Banotti, Senator Ivor Callely and Martin Territt, Director of the European Commission Representation in Ireland. There will also be a photo-call with an Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Pat Mathews Executive Director of ISA and Martin Territt, European Commission at Government Buildings on April 2 at 1:45 p.m.
Contact: Tara Matthews, Unity Building, 16/17 Lower O’Connell Street, Dublin 1, tel: 44 01 87 44 684, email: autism@isa.iol.ie

Kuwait
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Al-Rawda, Kuwait
Description of event: This year we will celebrate the fruits of our past years' work & continue doing our aim of awareness. This year we made contact with Ministry of Education to present workshops - lectures in many schools in the country about Autism - Walkathon for Autism "Your Steps are Important" - Workshops for Parents - Interviews in Media - Autism Sports contest where all Gulf countries share & contribute. Hope this gives you a glance of our Awareness Day Events, we welcome cooperation with every one in the world for autism as our motto say "Let's work together for the better future of children with special needs all over the world".
Contact: Dr. Samira Al-Saad, Kuwait Center for Autism, www.q8autism.com 
Please click here to see pictures from the Kuwait Center for Autism Celebration of WAAD

Namibia
Date: Saturday, April 5
Location: Auas Valley Shopping Centre, Windhoek
Description of event: Autism Namibia will flight a biodegradable balloon with a thought, prayer or good wish as a fundraiser on Saturday, April 5, at 12h00. A donation of N$5,00 will be asked for in order to participate. We ask that you write down your silent prayer or good wish for someone on a small piece of paper, to be handed in at any Waltons outlet, or send a list with names and wishes/ prayers / thoughts and proof of the deposit slip. Get family, friends, co-workers, schools and companies interested in joining and/or assisting. The strips of paper will be put into balloons to be released on 5 April. All donations welcome!
The aim of this project is to raise awareness and funds to be able to train Namibian parents, teachers, therapists and other interested professionals in teaching and educating Namibian Children with specialised needs, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This will empower those trained and will assist towards optimizing the current state of affairs within the education system. With approximately 1 in 158 persons being on the Autism Spectrum, every school with 600 learners will have at least two children affected by ASD. Inform yourself, support us and assist in assuring that these children will receive the appropriate help.
Come join us and watch!
Contact: Petra Dillman, autnam@iway.na

Nigeria
Date: 2nd April 2008
Time: 10:00am
Location: Kano Hall, Congress Arena, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja
Description of Event: National Workshop in Nigeria’s capital to create awareness via specialized lectures, movies, exhibitions and signing of the Nigerian Autism Proclamation. Guest of Honour at this workshop is the wife of the President of Nigeria HAJIA TURAI YAR’ ADUA. During this national workshop the DEFEAT AUTISM IN NIGERIA (DAIN) initiative will be launched. The Defeat Autism In Nigeria effort is a joint initiative of all autism resource persons in Nigeria i.e. Autism Associates Lagos; Hope House School Abuja; HMS School Lekki, Lagos; OLG Health Foundation and Autism Centre; Patrick Speech and Language Centre Lagos and Zamarr Institute Abuja. Subsequent awareness events will be held in the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. DAIN aims to do the following:
· Ensure that autism is formally declared a threat to the life of the Nigerian child and future security of the Nigerian Nation.
· Appropriate medical guidelines are in place such that mandatory autism screening is done for every predisposed Nigerian child before his/her second birthday
· Ensure that Federal and State Ministries of Health’s provide Autism Care facilities while the National Assembly appropriates sufficient funding to support these facilities.
· Funding for NGOs providing National Autism Support is made available and a national autism research centre for excellence is required by law.
· Importation of Biomedical Autism Care supplements are duty/tax free
· Appropriate federal and state bodies are mandated to have an Autism Awareness Week every year in Nigeria for the next ten years.
Contact: Defeat Autism in Nigeria (DAIN) - Chidi and Doris Izuwah chidi_izuwah@yahoo.co.uk; or dorisizuwah@yahoo.com
Please click here to view images from the DAIN Celebration of WAAD.

Pakistan
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad
Description of event: The Pakistan Autism Meetup Group will conduct the following events:
1. Television interviews: Pakistani autistic savant Qazi Fazli Azeem and parents of autistic children will be interviewed live on AAJ TV on the Kiran & George Show, and on "Breakfast with Dawn" on the DAWN News channel in Pakistan.
2. Press coverage: Publication of a supplement in two major daily newspapers (The Nation in English, and Nawa-e-Waqt in Urdu) on WAAD, articles on what is happening in Pakistan in terms of parents' efforts and government support needed.  Autistic savant Qazi Fazli Azeem's interview will also be published in the newspaper supplements.
3. Workshop: A workshop for teachers of special needs schools in the province of Punjab on teaching methodologies for autistic students, in collaboration with the Department of Special Education of the Government of Punjab.  A similar workshop is planned in the city of Karachi in collaboration with the Government of Sindh.
4. Banner display: Posters will be printed and distributed for display in important places, such as educational institutions, in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
5. Rallies: Parent support group rallies are planned in Lahore and Karachi
6. Awareness program for pediatricians: The launch of the Ramaq Centre Pediatricians Awareness Program on Autism
Contact: Autism Pakistan, Qazi Azeem, azeem@autismpakistan.org, www.autismpakistan.org

Portugal
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Locations throughout Portugal
Description of event: The Portuguese Association for Developmental Disorders and Autism (Sao Miguel and Santa Maria) will disclose the World Day of Awareness of Autism through the distribution of leaflets on Autism (prepared by the APPDA - Sao Miguel and Santa Maria) and the Charter of Rights of the Person Autista in Schools of Victoria, E / B dos Arrifes and Secondary Sunday Rebelo (schools of the District of Ponta Delgada), Health Centre of Ponta Delgada and External Consultations of Pediatrics, Hospital of the Divine Holy Spirit.
Contact: Portuguese Association for Developmental Disorders and Autism (APPDA Norte)
Email: geral@appda-norte.org.pt; Website: http://appda-norte.org.pt/
Please click here to view a brochure about autism created in honor of World Autism Awareness Day. (Click for English translation)

Qatar
Date: Wednesday, April 2 to Thursday, April 10, 2008
Location: Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs
Description of event: April 2 and 3, there will be a sport festival at the Qatar Sports Club under the patronage of the Qatar National Olympic committee, with 12 autistic children from each GCC country taking part in various activities.  An art exhibition, to open at the Landmark Mall on April 3, will showcase artwork by children with autism.  The entire week will be dedicated to an awareness-raising campaign aimed at creating a better understanding of the disorder, especiallly its early warning signs and benefits of early intervention. 
Contact: Dr. Eddie Denning, eddiedenning@hotmail.com

Russia
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Perm, Russia
Description of event: Perm Autistic Society is a non-profit organization, founded in October 2003. We exist to champion the rights and interests of children with autism and to ensure that their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs. We are constantly looking for partners and any interested parties abroad to share experiences. We plan the following activities, devoted to World Autism Awareness Day:
1. Publication of information at Perm Regional School for Children with Disabilities about educational and feature video films and literature on autism available at Perm Autistic Society.
2. Sending a proposal to Perm branch of All-Russian state radio and television broadcaster to inform the audience about World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, 2008, through a demonstration of documentary and feature films on autism.
3. Sending a letter to the local general court, Ministry of Education, City Department on Family and Childhood, and Perm Regional School for Children, requesting organization of regular further training of teachers of children with autism.
Contact: Julia Korelina, Perm Autistic Society, permautisticsoc@mail.ru, www.autistic-society.narod.ru

South Africa
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Ku De Ta, Floor, 112 Bloemhof Building, Edward Street, CT
Description of event: The Billionaire$ Ball at Ku De Ta, in support of Autism Western Cape Charity. Cover charge is R60-00 (this is seen as your full contribution – no further donations are anticipated from you on the night), and the doors open at 19:30 for a 20:00 event. DJ Nick E Louder will be featured, along with support DJs Mr. Wilko and DJ Nic-O. The Billionaire$ Ball, a fundraising initiative for the non-profit organization, Autism Western Cape is being held at the hugely renowned Ku De Ta venue. Featuring House music and funky Electro with the infamous DJ Nick E Louder and the resident DJ’s, Mr Wilko and Nic-O from Up 2 Scratch, we promise a top evening out with fantastic music and sheer entertainment.
Says DJ Nick E Louder: “This is a great opportunity for the nightlife entertainment industry to get actively involved and create awareness; there is not enough information out there for people to understand autism. More events like these will help put it in the public eye and hopefully raise funds to benefit autistic people and further their education in order to live a normal life in today’s society. We want to get as many people together as possible for this great party and do everything we can on World Autism day in the best positive way.” Says Gerhard Pieterse, Executive Director of Autism Western Cape: “The current internationally acknowledged statistics are that 1 in 158 people are affected by autism, however latest UK research indicates 1 in 86. From this we can extrapolate that more than 500,000 people in SA are on the autistic spectrum. Events such as these are hugely beneficial both in raising awareness and contributing vital funds.”
So have a classy and funky evening out AND contribute to this very worthy cause by buying your ticket.
Contact: +27 21-910 2002, allas_kdt@yahoo.com

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Description of event: The Key School in Johannesburg is celebrating World Autism Awareness Day by having T-shirts printed saying "I know about autism" on the front and "Do you?" on the back which we will be wearing to a conference on that day. The Bridge School from the USA is running an AAC conference in Johannesburg on that day. CNN will also be flighting a short clip of our school on the 2 April.
Contact: keyschool@iafrica.com, website: www.thekeyschool.co.za 

Thailand
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Chiang Mai
Description of event: Thailand releases ground-breaking study on elephant therapy to commemorate UN's inauguration of World Autism Awareness Day. To join in the global effort to increase awareness of autism with the inauguration of the World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), the Thai Elephant-Assisted Therapy Project (TETP) has released the successful findings from their pilot study. The study was conducted by the research team at the Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences of Chiang Mai University, in the north of Thailand. TETP also launched the website www.elephanttherapy.org and www.tetp.org on March 31. The websites will present the latest study on fighting autism with elephant therapy and the project's activities.
Contact: nuntanee@tetp.org, wkhem@tetp.org

United Kingdom
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Multiple locations
Decription of event: Autism Speaks UK is holding an “Authors for Autism Research” character auction on eBay beginning March 23 and ending on April 2. Bidders will be vying to have their name given to a character in a future work by leading UK and US authors. Among the authors participating are RJ Ellory, Ken Follet, Marti Leimbach and Esther Freud. Additionally, Isobel Bayonaras, President of the World Autism Organisation, will be speaking on international developments in autism at the meeting of the “All-Party Parliamentary Group on Autism” at the House of Commons on April 2.
Contact: Autism Speaks United Kingdom, www.autismspeaks.org.uk

United States
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: UN Headquarters - New York, NY
Description of event: The Government of the State of Qatar, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and Autism Speaks, will host a Panel Discussion on the Global Awareness of Autism: Challenges, Responsibilities and Actions. The event will feature remarks from lawmakers, experts, and families touched by autism as well as a panel discussion about the roles of the international community, NGOs, media and family in bringing autism awareness to a global level. Following the event is a private reception for a WAAD Art Exhibition: “Don’t ‘dis’ the ability” – Artworks by Individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Artworks from various autistic and world renowned autistic savant individuals from around the world will be featured at the United Nations from March 29 – April 4, 2008 to showcase the general theme of “raising awareness and changing attitudes” regarding autism spectrum disorders (ASD). By invitation Only
Contact: Autism Speaks
To see the entire UN Webcast coverage of this event, click: Archived Video
Highlights of this event are seen here: WAAD United Nations Panel 2008

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: New York, NY
Description of event: Autism Speaks’ celebration of World Autism Awareness Day will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with the ringing of the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. In the afternoon, and across the country, we will have storytelling events at Barnes & Noble (click to locate a store near you), with celebrities reading to children with autism and their families. In New York that evening, families will have the chance to attend a very special Barnum & Bailey Circus event at Madison Square Garden. This event is autism friendly and there will be a quiet room set aside for families who might need a stimuli free area. 
Contact: Autism Speaks, www.autismspeaks.org
Click here to see images and video from these events

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Belmont movie theater, 376 Trapelo Road, Belmont, MA 02478
Description of event: The LADDERS program in Boston, MA, is organizing a movie screening of "Mozart and Whale," based on the biography of Jerry Newport.  The movie will be followed by a panel discussion that includes: Dr. Margaret Bauman, Child Neurologist, Director of LADDERS; Stephen Shore, Ed.D, author of "Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome;" and Sheldon Wagner, Ph.D, Behavioral Psychologist.  The film will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2.


Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Multiple locations throughout the country
Description of event: In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, chefs from around the country have agreed to help raise awareness and funds for autism by promotions and events on April 2. Please see below websites for more information and to make reservations.
Contact: Beth Irving of Autism Speaks, eirving@autismspeaks.org

Date: Thursday, April 3, 2008
Location: UN Headquarters, New York, NY
Description of event: The Department of Public Information / Non-Governmental Organization  (DPI/NGO) Section invites you to an NGO Briefing on "Understanding and Celebrating Autism" in observance of the 1st World Autism Awareness Day (2 April) on 3 April 2008, from 10:00am - 1:00pm. Featured panelists include:
Dr. Edwin Trevathan, Director, Centres of Disease Control and Prevention
Mrs. Suzanne Wright, Co-founder, Autism Speaks
Mr. Bob Wright, Co-founder, Autism Speaks
Mr. Lee Grossman, President and C.E.O., Autism Society of America
Ms. Valerie Paradis, Co-founder of the Open Center for Autism
Lynda Baquero, News Anchor, WNBC, Chanel 4 will moderate the event.
Contact: NGO/DPI Section

Date: April 9 -10, 2008
Location: The Manhattan Children’s Center, 124 West 95th Street, New York, NY 10025
Description of event: WAAD Art Exhibition: “Don’t ‘dis’ the ability” – Artworks by Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
The concept of WAAD is to expand our understanding of the diversity of people on the autism spectrum while educating the world about the abilities and opportunities to encourage advancement in every human beyond their individual challenges. The participating artists share their contributions with the world as an extension of this message to “train the talent” and to foster independence. As a society our goal is to create awareness while strengthening relationships and expanding opportunities for individuals with developmental challenges to contribute to society educationally, socially, culturally and economically.
Contact: Open to the general public www.manhattanchildrenscenter.org ; www.RCMAutismNotebook.com

Venezuela
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Location: Barinas, Venezuela
Description of event: Alianza de Padres Barineses de Adultos y Niños con Autismo (APABANA) will host a walk for autism, a gathering at the local square, and distribute information around the city.
Contact: Wilmar Palma, yunger11@yahoo.com

Australia
Location: Sydney Maritime Museum
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 6 to 10 p.m.
Description: In Australia, the month of May has long been associated with autism, and in 2008, the May will be “Autism Month.” A variety of events will be taking place May 20 in Sydney: an exhibition, art projects and awards. The exhibition is for works composed by adults with an autism spectrum disorder. The exhibition is aimed at raising awareness of autism spectrum disorders, which affect an estimated 40,000 people in NSW. Autism spectrum disorders are lifelong disabilities that affect the way people communicate and relate to other people and the world around them. Difficulty in social and communication skills can lead to isolation and anxiety, not only for the people with autism but for their families as well. The art projects are aimed at developing fine motor skills, attention span, and pride in accomplishment. The clients are totally involved in the creative process, from selecting the medium, implement and surface, to choosing colours and assisting in any preparation and clean up. Through art the clients also develop social skills such as turn taking, listening, waiting and decision making. The Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions and achievements of extraordinary people and organisations in the autism spectrum community and in the wider community who support Autism Spectrum Australia. The Awards recognise the actions and achievements of people who go far beyond what might be reasonably expected. Through this award program, Autism Spectrum Australia celebrates these people and encourages others to achieve and excel.
Contact: Anthony Perl, aperl@autismspectrum.org.au, www.autismspectrum.org.au