Marigold Foundation launches autism awareness campaign

Chairperson of the Marigold Foundation Michelle Muscat has launched a campaign to run throughout the month of April to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders.

“Malta will be joining the Europe-wide project ‘Autism speaks’ for the third year," she said, adding that the foundation would be joining in the international event to light up important buildings in blue in honour of World Autism Day, celebrated on 2 April  .

“Autism affects many people and children around the world and it is important for us to understand how,” she said.

Speaker of the House Anglu Farrugia said that he felt that activities were an essential part of democracy and engaging NGOs in these activities was essential to voicing the concerns and issues that truly affect the public. 

He added that parliament aimed to discuss a bill to raise awareness about autism after Easter recess.

The bill, entitled ‘Persons with Autism spectrum Empowerment Act',  will create a council featuring three representatives from NGOs among others, to ensure that people with autism receive the right treatment and employment conditions. The draft is one of the first of its kind. 

The council would also be responsible for creating a national plan to take stock of the local situation and see what needs to change.

He added that an exhibition featuring works created by children with autism would also be set up between 2 and 8 April at the House of Representatives in Valletta.

Muscat further urged parents and their children to participate in an event to be held after the parliament is lit up on 1 April, encouraging parents whose children were affected by autism to join the Autism Parents Association and participate in their events. 

“The Autism Parents Association is now part of Autism Europe, and this means that we are party to a lot of information that helps parents who are new to this reality.” 

Muscat added that the association, which had received some backing from the Marigold Foundation, would also participate in Autism Europe’s 'Pass on the Baton' event, aimed at raising more awarness and sharing information.