The Iran Autism Association held an “Autism Walk” event on May 5, 2023, around an artificial lake in Tehran, Shohaday-e Khalij-e Fars, to raise awareness about autism. The event was held on the occasion of Autism Awareness Month and aimed to show support for individuals with autism and their families.
Around 200 people participated in the event, walking with individuals with autism and their families while wearing covers with the symbols of autism. They also distributed awareness-raising brochures and talked to people about autism to spread awareness.
In addition, without a doubt, parents of individuals with autism run for meeting their children’s needs all the time, taking their child to rehabilitation sessions two or three times a week, visiting the doctor regularly, and struggling with different difficulties and challenges. These conditions cause them to sometimes feel exhausted, but they do not have the opportunity to rest. However, they always try without receiving any award. Through this event, we also wanted to show parents that we understand and appreciate their efforts. Symbolically, the gold medal was presented to them while other participants received silver one.
The event was also attended by some officials, including lake complex managers, district 22 municipality officials, and the deputy of health officials of Tehran municipality.
The Iran Autism Association plans to continue this action each season in different cities in Iran and show that individuals with autism see, feel, and understand the world differently, and we should accept these differences in order to have an inclusive society.
ic@irautism.org
No.8, Mojahed Kabir Street, East Laleh Boulevard, South Sattari Highway, Tehran, Iran.