2000The very first of developing awareness project began under launch of Autism Challenge brand.
It all began with a letter to the three political parties on how the policies can improve the lives with autism. The response was not very strong. Many didn't have clear policies at the time. The Conservative party in 2000 didn't have any policy to share at a time. The Labour party developed a number of trial proposals but none had a solid policies. The Liberal Democrats had a number of policies. However no policies would be certain that they would work on practice.
Autism Challenge was originally intended to challenge awareness and attitude towards autism including Asperger syndrome.
The iniitiave was devloped before social media begin to exist. The aim is to go beyond awareness and to challenge the society’s attitude. Other than specialist newsletters devoted for people with autism, online chatrooms and blogs, there is little opportunity for people with autism to have a voice. Any viewpoints or opinions tend to come from professionals, academics and parents. It was essential that all people with Autism should have their say on what affects their lives and not for other to communicate about them or on their behalf.
The original message of the Autism Challenge is people with Autism and Asperger Syndrome have their own feeling expressions and opinions, embrace and do not underestimate.