Raising Awareness on World Autism Day
As the global community marked World Autism Day, the Cyprus Autism Society highlighted the increasing prevalence of autism among children. Tasoula Georgiadou, the society’s president, emphasized the lack of precise data for the island nation. Despite the absence of official records, estimates suggest that one in every 58 births results in a child with autism—a figure Georgiadou describes as “huge.”
The society currently extends its support to 600 families, yet Georgiadou believes there are many more who remain underserved. The organization faces significant challenges, as their day and treatment centers have reached capacity, leading to the creation of waiting lists. The lack of privately owned spaces forces the society to rent approximately ten buildings, incurring substantial costs.
Georgiadou touched upon the difficulties encountered by parents of children with autism, noting the immense mental strength and support required to maintain a healthy family environment. She underscored the necessity for a robust support framework from the moment of diagnosis.
In her advocacy for the acceptance and inclusion of children with autism, Georgiadou called for societal change. She insists that a society can only be considered healthy and complete when it embraces all its members.
The society is actively participating in legislative discussions alongside the Cyprus Confederation of Disability Organisations (Kysoa). Georgiadou stressed the importance of involving all organizations that serve people with disabilities in these consultations to ensure that their voices are heard before any legislative changes are finalized.
Commemorative events unfolded across Cyprus, with marches in Nicosia, Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaca. These events are part of a 14-year tradition in Cyprus, contributing to global efforts aimed at increasing public awareness about autism. Under the patronage of the first lady, the marches commenced at 7pm, with routes spanning from notable landmarks to central squares in each city.
Later in the evening, at 8pm, landmarks around the world, including those in Cyprus, were bathed in blue light—the color symbolizing autism—as a sign of solidarity and recognition of those living with autism.
