Marking World Autism Awareness Week 2021

A SERIES of events have been planned to mark World Autism Day in the local area tomorrow (Friday).

World Autism Week 2021 is taking place all of this week, with the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh to be lit up blue for the event.

The Cedar Foundation supports people living with disability, autism and brain injury.

Roisin Bowden, Right4U project officer at the Cedar Foundation in Omagh, said it was important to highlight the work being done for adults and children living with autism.

“It has been fantastic to have the support of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in celebrating Autism Awareness Day and to highlight the work of the Cedar Foundation for adults and children living with autism in the area,” Roisin said.

“We are delighted that our ‘Right4U’ Western area service users can get involved in their local community to assist us in raising the awareness too,” she added.

One person who has been receiving support from the Cedar Foundation said the last year has proved to be particularly difficult for them.

“Being autistic I struggle with change so I have found the year difficult from not being able to see members of my family to wearing masks which has made it harder to interact with people when I have had to,” the person said.

“This has led to me feeling depressed, I have been lucky though with services like Cedar being available has been helped me cope throughout the pandemic.”

Another person said the foundation has helped them to source employment.

“I’m looking for a permanent job and they are advising me on how to fill in the application forms effectively.”

“Also, I pop into the online group and chat with other people with similar issues which is good for the mind and soul.

“We are also kept regularly informed about any issues regarding autism such as job opportunities, social events and mental wellbeing.”