The European organisation of Speech and Language Therapists (CPLOL) will be celebrating European Day of Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) on 6 March 2019. The aim of this annual event is to raise awareness of communication and swallowing disorders, and the role of speech and language therapists. The theme for 2019's day is Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). On this day, speech and language therapists across Europe will join together to organise workshops, training sessions, media coverage and conferences to publicise ASD and the role of SLT. The Association of Speech-Language Pathologists (Malta), also joins the rest of the European countries to celebrate this day.

Michèle Kaufmann-Meyer, President of CPLOL, said: "CPLOL is delighted to be supporting the SLT community in raising the profile of work with clients with ASD. Hundreds of events will be taking place across Europe on this day to highlight this important work and the difference that SLTs can make to individuals living with this condition."

Autism or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition which can impact on all aspects of a child's or adult's life. It is known as a "spectrum" disorder, because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. Although every person with ASD is different, children and adults with autism tend to find it difficult to perceive the world as other people do, have difficulties interacting socially and communicating, and find it hard to understand their own and other people's feelings. People with ASD may have difficulty understanding, speaking, reading and writing.

Speech and language therapists are specialists in assessing and managing communication and swallowing difficulties. As part of a team of professionals, speech and language therapists can contribute to a diagnosis of ASD. They can help children and adults living with ASD to develop their communication and social skills, in order to help them to live the lives they want to lead. In view of this ASLP invites you all to: Pledge Blue - to increase a global understanding and acceptance of people with autism Share Blue - share stories and experiences and participate in events Wear Blue - throughout the month of April

ASLP started its events for this day on 1 March with dance and movement therapy taster sessions for children with ASD as well as other communication difficulties. In April, which is Autism awareness month, ASLP will also be organising a seminar on ASD in relation to the role of the Speech Language Pathologist as well as produce a video clip related to this topic.