World Autism Awareness Day marked in Croatia

World Autism Awareness Day was marked in Zagreb on Tuesday by the releasing of balloons into the air as part of a campaign organised by the Croatian Society for Autism under the slogan "Autism needs a systematic solution".
 

Blue balloons with the caption "Autism 8000", symbolising 8000 children and adults suffering from autism in Croatia, were released into the air in St Mark's Square, the seat of the government and parliament, by Parliament Speaker Josip Leko, Health Minister Rajko Ostojic, Science and Education Minister Zeljko Jovanovic, Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic's wife Sanja Music Milanovic and Mayor Milan Bandic.

Among those attending were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Policy and Youth Milanka Opacic and the ombudswoman for people with disabilities, Anka Slonjsak.

Balloons were also released in other towns throughout the country where associations promoting autism awareness are active, and blue lights were to be lit in the government offices in Zagreb in the evening. The Croatian Society for Autism also organised a round-table discussion on the issue in the Parliament building.

The United Nations formally declared April 2 World Autism Awareness Day in 2008.

(Hina)
 

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