Autism Sunday

Autism Sunday
Autism Sunday
	The International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome
Date	Second Sunday in February
2024 date	February 11, 2024

Autism Sunday is held annually on the second Sunday of February. It is also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger Syndrome.

Launch

Autism Sunday was first held in 2002 during Autism Awareness Year in the United Kingdom. It was initiated by parents Ivan and Charika Corea, founders of the Autism Awareness Campaign UK.The inspiration behind their idea was their Charin who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and a communication disorder. The organisers urged church leaders and leaders of religious organisations around the world to speak up for autism and Asperger's Syndrome.Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page).

Autism Sunday 2002 Service at St.Paul's Cathedral

The first ever Service for Autism was held in February 2002 at St.Paul's Cathedral in London. Peers from the House of Lords, celebrities, writers, broadcasters, the media, joined children and people at St. Paul's Cathedral to pray for parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Autism Sunday was featured on BBC News and ITV News.It was also mentioned in the Royal Court Pages of the London Times when it was first observed during 2002 Autism Awareness Year in the UK.

Early Day Motion in the House of Commons

History was created in the United Kingdom 2008, when the first ever Early Day Motion on Autism Sunday was tabled in the House of Commons, in the Palace of Westminster. The motion was sponsored by David Drew MP.Seventy One members of parliament of all parties signed EDM 874 on Autism Sunday calling on the Government to work with all faith communities in order to reach out to parents, carers and people with autism and Asperger's in local communities; urges church leaders and community groups of all denominations to engage with people with autism and Asperger's;Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page).

Debate in the House of Commons

Autism Sunday was mentioned in a debate in the House of Commons in Parliament.David Taylor MP mentioned the day and called for action stating that the 'Churches and other religious organisations will be supporting an international day of prayer for those with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Will the Leader of the House take this as a bid for a topical debate on the issue, which affects hundreds of thousands of people throughout the country?The conditions are under-recognised and under-resourced and they badly need a national strategy, a national taskforce and a well resourced plan for the future.' Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page).

In reply the Leader of the Commons, Harriet Harman MP said: 'For many years, families have struggled to support and care for children with autism, often to a great extent on their own and without the proper back-up of integrated services. There is now a great deal more awareness of the difficulties of autism and Asperger’s syndrome, and a recognition of the importance of early diagnosis and integrated services. I congratulate the Churches on picking this for an international day of prayer, and we would like to work with the Churches, local government and the voluntary sector to ensure that families with a family member who develops autism or Asperger’s have the backing that they need in future.' Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page).

International Day of Prayer for Autism

Churches of all denominations around the world now remember the millions of people with autism on Autism Sunday, the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.^[1] Organizers estimate there are 60 million people with autism around the world.^[1]

References

^ ^a ^b "Autism Sunday". 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-02.

External links

[AutismSunday-1] "Autism Sunday". 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-02.

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