NLACRC Consumer & Family Stories
United Nations World Focus on Autism
Friday, September 26, 2008
By Connie Lapin
I had the distinct honor to be invited by Suzanne Wright of Autism Speaks September 26, 2008, to the United Nations World Focus on Autism Breakfast, chaired by Mrs. Ban Soon-taek, the wife to UN Secretary General Bon Ki-moon, and Mrs. Laura Bush.
In 2007 Autism Speaks, the largest non-profit autism research organization in the world led by Suzanne and Bob Wright, expanded its prominence nationally to a global leadership role. The Wrights have a grandson, Christian, who has the challenge of autism.
As the parent of Shawn, a 40-year-old with autism, I have experienced the extremes of a disability (ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorders) which was misunderstood and tragically ignored. In 1976, my husband Harvey and I were invited to the first international symposium in St. Gallen, Switzerland on autism to speak. Although I was a licensed Speech Pathologist, I presented “a mother’s point of view.” In those days the thinking about etiology still revolved around the “refrigerator box mom theory.” Therefore I felt more like a “specimen” than a presenter.
Now fast-forward to September 26, 2008, and I am attending a “first ladies” (of countries) breakfast whose purpose was to draw greater international attention (with knowledgeable experts) to the global concern of autism. During the breakfast a message of hope for children and adults with autism was delivered and a call to action was made.
Over 60 countries from five continents were represented at the event and the commitment to raising worldwide autism awareness was wholeheartedly embraced.
I certainly was extremely grateful to not only be included, but to see history being made. As Suzanne Wright often says, “Autism speaks – and the world is finally listening."
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Connie Lapin and her husband Harvey have been active advocates on behalf of families of children with autism for over 30 years. Connie was one of the first members of the NLACRC Board of Trustees.
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