World Autism Awareness Day – April 2nd

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OLG is very excited to be participating in the 12th Annual World Autism Awareness Day.  Awareness helps to increase understanding and acceptance and fosters worldwide support.Here at Our Lady of Grace we honour our students throughout the many grades that have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

The word Spectrum is used because individuals with ASD have a range of symptoms and no two individuals are alike.  You will often see a puzzle piece that is used to symbolize Autism.  The puzzle pattern reflects the complexity of the autism spectrum. The different colours and shapes represent the diversity of the people and families living with the condition. The brightness of the colours signals hope — hope that through increased awareness of autism, and through early intervention and access to appropriate services/supports, people with autism will lead full lives, able to interact with the world on their own terms.

We will show our support by: 
 
1. Wearing blue or bright colours to show our personality on April 2nd, as well as every staff member and student will be given a blue ribbon to wear as a reminder of our uniqueness and those with ASD.
 
2. Decorating a puzzle piece with a spectrum of colours. Each student will have 1 puzzle piece.  They may put one word on it if they choose that represents them (i.e., caring, creative, respectful, fun, motivated, independent, thoughtful). The puzzle pieces will then be put together in the front foyer. 
     
3. Our Lady of Grace will proudly display the Autism Ontario flag on April 2nd. Through the simple act of raising a flag, this will unite families, schools, communities, government and professionals in recognizing World Autism Awareness Day, and will bring to light to struggles and triumphs of people on the autism spectrum.
 
 
Together we can help our students and community have a greater understanding of those with Autism!