Following World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April, the month of April is dedicated to an ongoing celebration and awareness raising campaign for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Adopted by the United Nations in 2007, World Autism Awareness Day was initiated to shine a light on autism, with a worldwide education and awareness campaign about the early diagnosis and intervention of ASD and to celebrate the unique attributes, skills and talents of people with ASD around the globe.
In addition, during April, Autism Speaks will celebrate its annual Light It Up Blue campaign, where shining a light on autism is taken to the next level, as thousands of businesses, homes and iconic landmarks light up bright blue lights to honour those around the world that are affected by ASD.
Robina’s own Bond University in Gold Coast City are lighting up blue with innovation, with a pioneer trial using robot technology to assist with socialising children with ASD, who often have difficulty with social communication and social interaction.
Bond University’s Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) will conduct the research using a 58 centimetre humanoid robot, developed by Brainary Interactive, and will involve children of a range of ages who are on the autism spectrum.
According to CASD director Professor Vicki Bitsika, the research will capture the growing trend of using technology to help people on the autism spectrum to interact but will take an additional step of helping to integrate them with the social world.
The robot, named Ulysses after the ancient Greek mythological character who is renowned for brave travelling and adventuring, is unlike humans in that he is calm and predictable. Programmed to clearly communicate, not blink and use controlled movements, the aim is that Ulysses can help eliminate some of the social and environmental stresses for children with autism and allow them to learn without becoming overwhelmed.
To read more about Ulysses and the groundbreaking Bond University CASD research, visit http://bond.edu.au/news/46378/robot-technology-pioneering-autism-research-trial
Join the conversation on social media using hashtags #LIUB #lightitupblue and #autismawareness
For more information about the Light It Up Blue campaign, visit the Autism Speaks website
