Autism Association 2022 Annual Report

World Autism Month

April was World Autism Month. The month included World Autism Week from the 28 th of March to the 3 rd of April and World Autism Day on the 2 nd of April. Each year, World Autism Month is dedicated to sharing information and spreading awareness and understanding of Autism to create a more inclusive environment for individuals with Autism and their families. We are a community of many unique individuals, and the strengths, achievements and individuality of each person should be celebrated. By taking the time to listen and get to know the people who make up the rich tapestry of our community, our community as a whole is the better for it. With this focus in mind, our message this year was — Listen. Understand. Empower. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, this year, we hosted a contact-free digital campaign. We engaged with the community by sharing a range of social media posts and videos, resources for schools and promoting initiatives hosted by the wider community. Light Up the Spectrum On Saturday 2 nd of April, Western Australia celebrated World Autism Day. This year, we organised 16 of our most well-known buildings and landmarks across regional and metro areas to light up Western Australia in a spectrum of colour. We chose the spectrum of colour to represent the diversity of our community where each person has something to contribute and is valued. We invited the community to join us in igniting change for Autism by following the trail map to visit their closest landmarks and share their photos with the hashtag #LightUpTheSpectrum and our customised GIFs.

Metropolitan locations • Optus Stadium • Council House • Trafalgar Bridge • The Bell Tower • Matagarup Bridge • Mount Street Bridge • Sky Ribbon Bridge • The Northbridge Tunnel • Joondalup Drive Bridge

Regional locations • Brockman Street City Centre – Manjimup • Council Building – Busselton • Community Centre and Library – Kalgoorlie Boulder

• Queens Park Theatre – Geraldton • Koombana Footbridge – Bunbury • Council Chambers – Esperance • Town Hall – Albany

Listen. Understand. Empower. ignite

See the video here! https://youtu.be/GxGGdpyHbD4

Autism Association of Western Australia - Annual Report 2022 46