Blue is the colour associated with Autism and April is Autism Awareness  Month. For 2019 Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), was the chosen theme for European Day of Speech and Language Therapy. The Association of Speech-Language Pathologists (ASLP) joined European countries to celebrate this day. The initiative of this European Day of Speech and Language Therapy was set up by CPLOL - the European umbrella organisation for Speech-Language Therapy Associations. The aim of this annual event is to raise awareness of communication and swallowing disorders, and the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs).

ASD is a lifelong condition which can impact on all aspects of an individual'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.

SLPs are specialists in assessing and managing communication and swallowing difficulties. As part of a team of professionals, they 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.

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. Awareness activities continued throughout April, which is Autism awareness month. The Association is concluding these activities with a short seminar on 30 April. The programme includes a short presentation, panel discussion and launch of a short video clip about ASD, which project has been funded by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS). The event will close with a reception. This seminar is open to SLPs, OTs, psychologists, educators, carers and anybody working with individuals with ASD. For further details email [email protected] or call 79427660

ASLP encourages all to:

Pledge Blue - to increase a global understanding and acceptance of people with ASD

Share Blue - share stories and experiences and participate in events

Wear Blue - throughout the month of April 

Celebrate Blue - join us on 30 April