Autism month was celebrated all over Lithuania: the sign of infinity flew from various corners of the country

The autism symbol has evolved over time, both in terms of shape and color. “For a long time, the puzzle piece was associated with an autism spectrum disorder, but when it started to be associated with a negative aspect, it switched to the symbol of infinity due to its shortcomings. It shows that the spectrum is broad, complex and includes individuals with many different strengths and challenges, as well as great potential and severe disabilities. Currently, the autism symbol of infinity, depicted in rainbow colors, is the most widely used in the West,” explains Lina Sasnauskienė, head of the Lithuanian autism association “Lietaus vaikia”.

L. Sasnauskienė shares that the association is a member of the international organization “Autism-Europe” and this year joined their initiative, inviting to display the sign of infinity as a symbol of support: “We appreciate very much that the wave of infinities has swept across Lithuania. We are pleased that we received attention from state institutions, public institutions, and business representatives. Even the team of the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Lithuania stopped for a photo of the infinity sign. Kindergartens, schools, libraries and other institutions from all over Lithuania shared and sent us pictures of infinity on social networks.”

“Taking the time to stop for a photo of the infinity sign is a show of support and understanding for autistic individuals and families with autistic children. I believe that in more than one institution there was not only a stop for a joint photo, but also appropriate attention was paid to the presentation of the topic of autism to students, to discussion in companies, thus increasing awareness and changing attitudes. We are grateful to everyone who celebrated autism month by participating in events, organizing them themselves, and sharing the wave of infinity”, thanks L. Sasnauskienė.

Based on the symbolism of infinity, it is April 18. 6 p.m. A large group of members of the public, representatives of business and government institutions gathered for the support movie night “Rain Man” at the PPC “Ozas” Multikino cinema. The film is often credited as one of the first to tackle autism and was brought back to the big screen for Autism Awareness Month.

“Showing Rain Man on the cinema screen is very symbolic. It was he who inspired the Lithuanian autism association to be named “Children of the Rain”. A movie’s main character can help you understand how some autistic people feel, but it’s important to remember that not all autistic people are the same, so a movie’s hero cannot represent the entire spectrum. We are extremely happy that so many people gathered to support us, that we received many nice words and positive feedback about the evening we organized”, says L. Sasnauskienė.

All funds collected from purchased tickets will be used to provide emotional support to parents whose children have just been diagnosed with autism. According to L. Sasnauskienė, the focus is often on helping children, but we want to point out that first of all we have to help parents whose child has just been diagnosed with autism. The desperate desire to help the child as soon as possible leads parents to emotional and physical exhaustion, psychological problems and major breaks in life. Understanding how important it is that parents are not left alone, we extend a helping hand to them.

“Initiating various activities to celebrate autism month and organizing events, we aimed to make them relevant to the widest possible part of society: education specialists, employees of various institutions, government representatives, parents raising autistic children, and the general public,” comments L. Sasnauskiene

According to the head of the association, the need and relevance of information was demonstrated by the success of the National Autism Conference, which was attended remotely by more than 500 participants from all over Lithuania. The conference is becoming a traditional event organized by our association and this year 10 competent experts from 4 countries shared insights and experiences on various topics from social understanding to cooperation with parents.

Autism month was crowned with a symbolic 8-kilometer rain children’s family walk dedicated to the community. “The journey of autism is a challenge for the whole family, which is easier to overcome when there are supportive and understanding people around. Being in a community can prevent social isolation, gives strength and strength, a sense of solidity that the family is not alone. The community is especially looking forward to the summer camp, when we all meet at the beach, and this spring hike brought together more than a hundred parents with their children and gave them the opportunity to experience positive summer emotions earlier, while waiting for the camp.”