Good day everyone and welcome to our first newsletter of 2008! Time seems to have escaped us (again) as Valentines Day and Easter has already past and we find ourselves almost 4 months into the year. From our side, we have been extremely busy, especially with World Autism Day creeping up on the 2nd April, organizing fundraising events for the year and assisting many families whose children have been diagnosed with Autism. We hope you enjoy the content of our first newsletter of the year...........

On February 28, 2008 the United Nations declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. On this day, a large group of people around the world have committed to do their best to create awareness for this growing social disorder. So what has Autism Western Cape have up its sleeve to mark this event? We are inviting everyone to the Billionaires Ball. Please join us for a supurb night of sexy House music & funky Electro with the infamous DJ Nick E Louder, Mr. Wilko, Nic-O & Deniel, with free bubbly on your arrival and chances to win R1000 worth of Billionaires/Trigger clothing, Zippo lighters and Lindt/Red Bull hampers.

Date: 2nd April 2008

Cover Charge: R60 at the door (this is seen as your full contribution - no further donations will be requested)

Doors open: 19h30 for 20h00

Dress: Formal (Red carpet event)

Venue: Ku dé ta, 112 Edward Street, Tygervalley, Belville

Please email confirmation to allas_kdt@yahoo.com and your name will be placed on the VIP Guest list. For more information contact (021) 910-2002. As we are inviting you as our friends, we would like you to invite your friends as well.

It's easy for people to ignore what they don't understand, so join us and let's make some noise!!!

Don't miss the DAZZLOUS Autism Awareness Expo at St Cyprian's School, Gorge Road, Oranjezicht on Saturday 19th April 09h00 - 13h00. The Expo is free of charge, so bring the kids along, facepainting, balloon artists, jumping castles and fascinating speakers.

Contact Jazel at jpcorrie@yahoo.com or call 078 578 7958 for further details

Raising Horizons offers people with learning disabilities, including Autism, a number of specially designed interactive training courseware on CD-Rom, which is also downloadable from the internet. Three of the titles have been accredited by the UK government for use in schools as part of the National Curriculum. More information can be found at http://www.raisinghorizons.com

Free demonstrations of the courseware are available for download at https://secure.virtuality.net/europe/RHDemoForm.htm

Support Group (ASpergerCONnections) invite Parents, Professionals, people with HFA or Asperger's and all persons assisting individuals with social and emotional difficulties associated with ASD.

VENUE: Newlands EMDC Offices, Main Street

DATES:

30 April - Group Meeting

28 May - Speaker Discussion

25 June - Group Meeting

Tea and coffee will be served. R10 donation per person/family.

Contact Jana Forrester on 084 513 1333 or Avril Meaker on (021) 715-5255 for further information.

The MouseTrial Autism Software Database http://www.mousetrial.com/autism_software_database.php is a free resource for Parents and professionals listing all kinds of software for Autism treatment - fun animated online exercises to help children with Autism.

Is your child with a disability at home with a tutor or carer, but you would love him/her to be more challenged and get out of the house and have contact with other children in a structured manner? Home programme of 9 year old boy with Autism transferring to a school setting in an exciting new play centre in Muizenberg. Looking for one or two children to join him. preferably similar age and disability. Have tutor and assistant available, but child could bring own tutor/carer. Costs dependent on number of children and possible sponsorship/fundraising in the future.

Contact Benita or Andy at (021) 788-6804

Growth Through Knowledge School has completed their Therapy Centre (adjacent to the school) which is to be utilused for Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration. We are extremely grateful to the Flextronics Foundation and The D G Murray Trust for making this possible.

As it is the end of our financial year, we would like to thank all our donors for their most appreciated generosity over the last year and for making a difference in the lives of children and adults with Autism. So many children are being diagnosed on a daily basis, we hugely depend on the generosity of corporates and the general public to assist us with funding to establish much needed facilities.

Until next time, take care!

The "A" Team