World Autism Awareness Day Highlights Inclusive Easter

Today is World Autism Awareness Day, a time dedicated to promoting understanding, inclusion, and support for people on the autism spectrum. As the Easter season is upon us, families are being reminded that children with autism can also take part in the celebrations, whether in public spaces or within the comfort of their own homes. President of the Hopkins Voice for Autism, Alice Nunez Noralez, says with a little preparation and flexibility, Easter activities can be adapted to ensure every child feels safe, included, and able to enjoy the holiday.

 

Alice Nunez Noralez, President, Hopkins Voice for Autism

“Parents, our babies are beautiful. They are a blessing from God. So we always have to try our best to cater to them to the best of our ability. I know that some of these areas may not be suitable for them, but we still have to bring them out and have them see what is really going on out here, because they live in the real world and at some point they are going to grow up to be adults and have to live among people within society. So, even if you have to take them for ten minutes, or five minutes or fifteen minutes just to get that exposure. So, have them come out. Bring align their noise cancelation headphones. Their favorite blanket, their favorite toy so that whenever you see or feel they have gotten enough, you can always run to that and have them use whatever it is that you take along. And you can always exit and go do something else. If for some reason they don’t want to be where public is, you can always do things at home, do Easter egg hunting at home, where you hide eggs in the yard, full your tubs, pool. Do these activities at home.”

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.