MR COE (Ginninderra) (4.16): During May I attended some Bubble Day celebrations at a few schools in Belconnen. I was fortunate to be able to join students at Melba preschool, Weetangera primary school and the Cranleigh school. The month of May is Autism awareness month, and this year during the week of 18 to 22 May Autism Asperger ACT coordinated a number of activities to raise awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorders. I was pleased to be able to attend the International Autism Day event hosted by Autism Asperger ACT at Canberra Stadium and sponsored by Canberra Stadium and All Leisure Hospitality. The event also featured awards for families, individuals and professionals.
This year was the first year that Bubble Day was held. It has been named Bubble Day because blowing bubbles is an activity that helps children with autism spectrum
disorders and other speech impediments. Autism Asperger ACT says that the benefits of blowing bubbles can include the improvement of oral motor skills, exercising and strengthening eye muscles by watching bubbles float away, attention skills, hand-eye coordination and relaxation. In addition to these benefits of blowing bubbles, Bubble Day has a special symbolism in that many sufferers of autism spectrum disorders feel like they are living in a bubble.
The aim of Bubble Day is to break out of this bubble and seeks to develop a better understanding in the community about ASDs and the specific needs of children with ASDs and the needs of families. It is also to help develop the social skills of those suffering from disorders. There are some simple things that children can do at school and in the community to help children with ASDs. For example, someone with a disorder, if they are distressed, might forget to ask for help. This day is all about telling students that if they are aware someone is suffering from a disorder and is in distress, they need to tell their teacher to ensure that that person can be looked after.
The schools I visited organised a range of activities to promote Bubble Day and awareness amongst their student body. Each of these schools had a unique approach to Bubble Day but with a common outcome—a better awareness and understanding about autism spectrum disorders. I enjoyed visiting Melba preschool and learning of the proactive ways staff are engaging with students. The students all benefit from the strong parent body and very committed staff. My visit to Weetangera primary school was very informative about the modern techniques used to teach all students about autism spectrum disorders. The school is a leader in building a positive and inclusive culture about the disorder. I found my visit to the Cranleigh school a pleasure, as the work that is undertaken there is an absolute inspiration. The dedication of the teachers, assistants, administrators, parents, friends and students is exceptional.
I would like to thank Robin Tobler, the convener of the fundraising subcommittee at Autism Asperger ACT, for coordinating my visits to the schools for these events. I was very touched by the hospitality I received at the schools. Thank you to all the teachers and school communities involved in this year's Bubble Day, and I look forward to many more bubble days to come.
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This is the current Autism Asperger ACT website. A previous website can be found at http://autism.anu.edu.au/.
