‘Relate To Autism’ Working To Develop Worldwide Autism Programs

Autism is a global issue. However very little international research or program development has focused on families outside the western world. Relate To Autism intends to change that. It is currently working to develop programs for children with autism that are culturally sensitive and easily accessible to parents globally.

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders. It is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with the condition, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism, according to the advocacy group Autism Speaks.

Recently, for Autism Awareness day, Relate to Autism launched its first ever "World Autism Views Project." This short, online, survey was available in over 20 languages and was designed to gather information about the general public's beliefs and opinions. The point was to provide an avenue for people to say what they really think about autism—a vital step towards increasing awareness of this condition.
See the results on the Relate to Autism website, where people from different nations, ethnicities, religions and languages shared what they believe about autism. The results will help to promote autism awareness globally, and inform the work of researchers designing culturally-sensitive autism programs.

relatetoautism.com/world_autism_view