Event Proposal: Raising Awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorder

This report outlines a proposal for an autism awareness event, emphasizing the need to improve societal understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The report begins by defining autism, detailing its various characteristics, and highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and public awareness. The justification section explains the rationale behind the event, emphasizing the prevalence of misconceptions and the benefits of early intervention. The proposed methodology includes surveys to assess the current level of knowledge and the effectiveness of the event. The report also discusses the use of crowd funding as a financial strategy. A detailed timeline for the event is presented using a Gantt chart, which helps visualize the project's milestones and deadlines. The report concludes with a bibliography of relevant research materials.

EVENT TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR AUTISM

Table of contents
Aim/ problem statement 3
Justification 3
Method 5
Timetable 6
Bibliography 8

Aim/ problem statement
Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autism is a permanent developmental condition that can be
characterised by a broad range of symptoms like repetitive behaviour, challenges with social
skills, nonverbal communication and speech impediment. Autism can be categorised into many
sub types and each Autistic person has a different set of strengths and challenges. There are a
number of physical and environmental factor that contribute to the development of autism, which
is often accompanied with other medical issues like Gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, sleep
disturbances etc. an estimated 1 in 59 children are diagnosed with Autism1. Sensory issues such
as aversion to certain lights, sounds and other sensations are also common in people with autism.
Early signs of autism usually manifest by the age of 2 or 32. The event to raise awareness for
autism aims to deepen the society’s understanding and knowledge of the subject and improve the
lives of people affected by the autism spectrum. Through this event we aim to
● Understand the different causes and types of autism
● Understand the early signs and autism
● Understand the different methods of diagnosing autism
● Enhance the overall understanding of autism in society
We believe that event can enhance the lives of people affected and accelerate the development of
a spectrum of solutions for a better tomorrow.
Justification
Autism refers to range of developmental inefficiencies like troubles with social interaction,
restricted behaviour, cognitive deficiencies, and repetitive behaviour. It manifests differently in
different individuals and is thus referred to as a spectrum disorder. While some symptoms are
more prominent than others and are clear indicators of the disorder, often symptoms are mild and
go undiagnosed until adulthood. It is necessary to increase awareness and create a chance for the
affected, to come forward, even at a later stage of life3. The Objective Of this event will be to
create a sense of mutual understanding of this delicate and complex issue by using helpdesks,
1 Alok Sharma, 'PET - CT Scan Shows Decreased Severity Of Autism After Autologous Cellular
Therapy: A Case Report' (2016) 06 Autism-Open Access.
2 'Communicating Concern About Early Signs Of Autism To Parents' (2015) 17 The AMA Journal of
Ethic.
3 'International Society For Autism Research News' (2015) 8 Autism Research.

presentations and discussions with a panel of qualified medical experts who can elaborate on the
subject and clear doubts and biases that may be prevalent in the crowd.it'll be platform for
interaction between people affected by autism. Autism does not have a specific cause but early
diagnosis can ensure significantly improved outcomes. Increased awareness increases the
chances of early diagnosis4. The project intends to increase public awareness of ASD. areas for
targeted education can be identified which help in improving the lives of families affected by
autism. Autism has been identified as a relatively common disorder that affects up to 10/1000
children worldwide. Some symptoms of autism are impaired social interaction , difficulty with
communication and other stereotyped activities. Early recognition is necessary in order to
implement multidisciplinary treatment5. In order to deliver theses services without any delays
enhanced public awareness is needed. Different presentations on treatment will be organised
with q and a sessions. Surveys will be organised to assess the outcome. There is a considerable
amount of misconceptions and lack of knowledge on the subject in our are and this event will
give us a chance to examine the situation and identify ways to improve the condition. Although
there is some amount of knowledge that may be present in some members of the public, the
knowledge is weak and often lead to misconceptions6. Focused discussions will improve the
chances of dealing with these misconceptions face to face and finding a mutual solution. In
present day autism is considered as a separate disability different intellectual disability which is
assigned to anyone with an IQ of or below 70. ASD rate are higher in society then intellectual
society lack of awareness increases chances of speculation and leads to biases that ultimately
affect the families affected in a negative way. The event will focus on eliminating such biases
and create a better environment for those who are affected by autism7.
To increase knowledge and involve public support we have selected crowd funding as our source
of finance. Crowd funding is a method by which an initiator without any prerequisite financing
contacts a large or small number of people for he purpose of obtaining finance from these
4 'International Society For Autism Research News Www.Autism-Insar.Org' (2017) 10 Autism Research.
5 Paula Fitzpatrick and others, 'Evaluating The Importance Of Social Motor Synchronization And Motor
Skill For Understanding Autism' (2017) 10 Autism Research.
6 Sonia Young, 'Exercise Effects In Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Short Review' (2016)
6 Autism-Open Access.
7 Anthony Bailey, 'Autism Treatment Research' (2014) 7 Autism Research.

people. It is a tendency that evolved with the advent of social media and there is no initial
investment needed. For this project as there is limited amount of knowledge and resources that
are available in or locality initial investment would not be possible by any other method.
Crowd funding has a low risk factor and there aren't any obligations to reach the goals. This
advantage is often overlooked. Crowd funding increases exposure. Using crowd funding will
help in the spreading of our idea8. Crowd funding is not only a source for funding but also a
platform to promote the campaign and get more exposure. Crowd funding campaign increases
the chances of finding potential backers. Through crowd funding has been chosen by us as our
method of financing there are some issues that need to be kept in mind before initiating the
campaign. After the campaign has been launched we will have a moral obligation to deliver the
project. Handling an issue like autism requires delicate measures that need to thoroughly
explained. There needs to transparency between the major backers who will be looking forward
the results of their efforts. Autism is a delicate issue and our aim is to make the community
aware of its existence9.
Method
We are using survey as our preferred method of understand the outcome of the event, a detailed
survey with a fixed set of questionnaire will help us identify the areas that need to focused and
areas have been ignored in the past. Survey is the study of a sample of individual units that
represent a larger population. It also includes associated techniques that are used for this purpose
like data collection, construction of the questionnaire and identifying methods that will improve
the accuracy of the responses10. Other methods of data collection would have been impractical n
our situation. Compared to focus group responses can be analysed and understood on a face to
face situation. Individual issues cannot be possible in a focus group as the groups rhetoric govern
the conversation and suppresses individual opinions. Surveys provide a platform for one one
discussions about issues whose solutions can be be identified only if they are discussed.
8 'International Society For Autism Research News Www.Autism-Insar.Org' (2016) 9 Autism Research.
9 Lidan Zheng, Rachel Grove and Valsamma Eapen, 'Spectrum Or Subtypes? A Latent Profile Analysis
Of Restricted And Repetitive Behaviours In Autism' (2018) 57 Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
10 Giacomo Vivanti, 'The Importance Of Distinguishing Propensity Versus Ability To Imitate In ASD
Research And Early Detection' (2014) 45 Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

As autism is a sensitive topic the questionnaire will be drafted in an informal format and the
interactions will be structured as a semi formal interview11. This will nt only provide concrete
data based on the survey but also provide a platform were proper guidance can be provided to
those affected by qualified professionals. Questionnaires will be prepared based on the guidance
provided by medical professionals who have dealt with cases of autism personally. They will
assess the amount of knowledge a person has on autism, what their views are on the subject and
how he addresses it. A survey is the only to achieve concrete numerical data that can be analysed
and used for improvement in future events.
Timetable
As the survey is based on a varied questionnaire, the survey may produce complex observations
which can be identified if plotted on a Gantt chart. A Gantt chart can pictures complex outcomes
and possibilities. As there is a possibility for multiple results we can divide the demography and
derive a percentage on the basis of age groups. By identifying which sections of the demography
require targeted action and help elucidate complexities.Gantt charts are frequently used by
software developers to manage the timeline of there projects.. A milestone can be defined as an
important goal or in a project, such as a kickoff meeting or major deadline. By using a milestone
marker in a project plan one can monitor progress and identify potential delays. These milestones
are marked as a gold diamond chart and tasks can be planned accordingly with the help such
proper markers. This example displays a Gantt chart used by a software development company
implementing the agile approach. Tasks are organized into segments that are based on sprints,
with milestones for sprint planning and deployment. Different proposal dates are identified and
plotted on the chart. This helps the company in identifying approaching deadlines and will also
help them set their priorities and work methodically. The Gant provides a clear timeline for the
company to identify its fastest and slowest sections and plan accordingly so that delays can be
successfully avoided. The Gantt chart also provides a prior commitment to goals as a fixed
timeline always increases efficiency.
11 Paula Fitzpatrick and others, 'Evaluating The Importance Of Social Motor Synchronization And Motor
Skill For Understanding Autism' (2017) 10 Autism Research.

GANTT CHART

Bibliography
Bailey A, 'Autism Treatment Research' (2014) 7 Autism Research
'Communicating Concern About Early Signs Of Autism To Parents' (2015) 17 The AMA Journal
of Ethic
Fitzpatrick P and others, 'Evaluating The Importance Of Social Motor Synchronization And
Motor Skill For Understanding Autism' (2017) 10 Autism Research
'International Society For Autism Research News' (2015) 8 Autism Research
'International Society For Autism Research News Www.Autism-Insar.Org' (2016) 9 Autism
Research
'International Society For Autism Research News Www.Autism-Insar.Org' (2017) 10 Autism
Research
Sharma A, 'PET - CT Scan Shows Decreased Severity Of Autism After Autologous Cellular
Therapy: A Case Report' (2016) 06 Autism-Open Access
Vivanti G, 'The Importance Of Distinguishing Propensity Versus Ability To Imitate In ASD
Research And Early Detection' (2014) 45 Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Young S, 'Exercise Effects In Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Short Review'
(2016) 6 Autism-Open Access
Zheng L, R GroveV Eapen, 'Spectrum Or Subtypes? A Latent Profile Analysis Of Restricted
And Repetitive Behaviours In Autism' (2018) 57 Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders