AEIOU News
Federal Treasurer to speak at autism lunch in December
Mon, 26 Oct 09
AEIOU's Business Leaders Lunch is an annual event that brings together like-minded people from across the city to
highlight the benefit of corporate social responsibility within their organisations. And who better to address the subject than the Treasurer of Australia.
Hosted by Nine News Presenter Andrew Lofthouse, guests will receive insights on the topic of ‘what's under the Christmas tree for Queensland businesses in 2010', as well as learn more about the extensive costs of autism related disorders to the community.
AEIOU Foundation CEO, Alan Smith said "autism is a lifelong neurological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships and is often accompanied by behavioural challenges. It can be a challenging condition to live with."
Mr Smith said "a 2005 study found 1 in 160 Australian children are on the autism spectrum making it more prevalent than childhood cancer, diabetes, and HIV infection combined and twice as prevalent as cerebral palsy."
"Only a decade ago autism was a taboo topic but thankfully that stigma is shifting. Governments and private enterprise are now recognising the need to invest in programs that assist people living with the disorder," he said.
"While there is no cure for autism, specific programs targeting the key early learning years can greatly improve the skills of young children and transform the lives of their families. Our AEIOU learning centres across Queensland are able to offer high quality early intervention therapy in the critical development years of 2.5 to 6 years of age," he said.
AEIOU is an award-winning disability organisation with a resounding reputation as experts in autism early intervention. As a registered charity, they rely on fundraising and sponsorship of local businesses to continue their ground-breaking work.
AEIOU's Business Leaders Lunch is being held at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Merivale Street, South Brisbane on Friday 4 December.
Tickets are $150 each. To reserve your seats, visit www.aeiou.org.au. Tickets are available online at www.aeiou.org.au or phone 1300 727 193.
Media passes can be arranged by contacting Samantha Brown on samantha.brown@aeiou.org.au or 0400 552 139.
