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Autism Sunday

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Autism Sunday
The International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome
DateSecond Sunday in February
2024 dateFebruary 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 this historic 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 Sunday,was held at St.Paul's Cathedral, London in 2002 Autism Awareness Year, UK

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 in 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).

Lee Scott (UK Politician) MP (Patron of the UK Autism Foundation) who has championed the cause of autism and Asperger's Syndrome in the House of Commons, praised the work of the Autism Awareness Campaign UK. Writing on the ePolitix website he noted: 'Charika and Ivan are doing a first rate job of raising awareness of the difficulties faced by parents of autistic children and I am giving my wholehearted support to their campaign marking Autism Sunday.' 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 (British politician) 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 and Asperger's Syndrome

Autism Awareness Ribbon

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] Organisers estimate there are 60 million people with autism around the world.[1] Many suffer without proper public services in education, health,specialist speech therapy and respite care in several parts of the world, particularly in Africa and Asia. Autism is now one of the most serious education and health issues facing many nations, the problems have even been recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in New York. United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, paid tribute to the courage of children with autism and their families, who strive every day 'to confront the disability with a powerful combination of determination, creativity and hope.' Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page).

Prayers for Autism

Churches around the world are now using prayers written by parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome who are living in their own communities. Prayers written by the late Vernon Corea, the BBC's Ethnic Minorities Advisor are also being used in church services. His grandson was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.Cite error: The <ref> tag has too many names (see the help page).

See also

References

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