Gong marks World Autism Awareness Day

On World Autism Awareness Day all Euronext exchange locations open trading to mark the United Nations' World Autism Awareness Day. In Amsterdam the gong is sounded by Marjanka Hoogeweg and her Autism Assistance Dog, Creb (pronounce Sherp) together with representatives of the Dutch Autism Association, the Autism Fund and De Droomboom Foundation.

Autism was once considered to be a rare condition, but today it affects around 3.3 million people in the European Union, 190.000 in the Netherlands. Many find that autism limits their possibilities in life. The United Nations’ World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 aims to help rectify this situation by raising awareness of autism internationally among policy makers and the general public. Autism is a neurophysiological disorder that affects the brain. If there is no cure for autism, early intervention and lifelong support can enable people with autism to live up to their full potential. Notwithstanding the UN Convention for Persons with Disabilities, many people with autism still lack basic access to accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, education, employment and social inclusion.

De Nederlandse Vereniging voor Autisme (NVA) is the Dutch leading autism advocacy organization for all people with autism disorder and their families. De Droombroom Foundation is a treatment center for children between two and eight years of age who have been diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder and related learning disorders.

For more information: www.autismeweek.nl, www.autisme.nl, www.stichtingdedroomboom.nl

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