(London, UK) A major conference on autism was organised in London by Rita Beaumont to mark Autism Awareness Week in the United Kingdom. The London Conference was held at the Bridge Community Venue in South Woodford, London on Saturday 6th October - this was the only London Conference in Autism Awareness Week.
Autism Awareness Week was organised by the National Autism Alliance from 1st October to 7th October. The London Conference was organised by Rita Beaumont and aimed at parents, carers, volunteers and professionals who are concerned for the people who have autism and who want to promote positive action. The presentations included: autism in Redbridge; what is autism? the way forward; making a difference and raising awareness; communication and social interaction; and personal perspectives on autism. There was a choice of seminars on becoming autism friendly and in for the long haul. Speakers addressed a packed audience at the Bridge Community Venue. The conference was deemed a real success by the participants who came from all over London.
Rita Beaumont expressed the need to continue to raise awareness of the issues evolving around autism and Asperger's Syndrome not only in Redbridge but across the United Kingdom. Sue Blows, Headteacher of Hatton School shared the history of autism and looked into what autism was all about. Lee Scott MP who has been championing the cause of autism in the House of Commons revealed his plan of action and has pledged to take the issues of autism and Asperger's Syndrome further when parliament is reconvened later this month. Ivan Corea of the Autism Awareness Campaign UK urged the participants to make a difference by getting involved in campaigning. 'It is only through activism and campaigning that we could change government policy,' he said. Campaigners are calling for a national strategy on autism and a 10 year plan of action. The parents group STARR based in Redbridge shared their personal stories of courage with conference participants.
The 'Autism Action' film released by the Autism Awareness Campaign UK was shown to the audience. Councillor Chris Cummins , Sue Blows, Lee Scott MP, Ivan Corea, Maggie Widdecombe,Valda Casey and parents from STARR addressed the conference chaired by Rita Beaumont.
The song for autism, 'Open Every Door' by Birmingham based musician Rozagy who has Asperger's Syndrome was a real success and copies of the CD were sold raising funds for Professor Simon Baron Cohen's Autism Research Centre at Cambridge University. There were displays by Newham Books and other organisations.
Autism Awareness Week was from 1st October to 7th October - it was an initiative of the Autism Alliance in the UK.