Autism Speaks, a world-wide autism advocacy organization, enlisted the help of Yoko Ono, famed artist and widow of the former John Lennon, in furthering the cause of autism awareness though a unique art auction.
Yoko Ono’s Promise Mural
Combining the talents of Yoko Ono with a world-wide cause, Autism Speaks is auctioning off 67 pieces of Ono’s original “Promise” mural, a 7-foot tall jigsaw puzzle of a blue sky and clouds. The work was unveiled at UN Headquarters in New York City on April 2, to coincide with the celebration of World Autism Awareness Day.
Long accepted as the symbol for autism, the jigsaw puzzle is used to convey the complexity of this condition. The 67 pieces of the puzzle represent the 67 million people worldwide who have been victims of the disorder. Ono’s creation brings that symbol together with a fund and awareness raising event that benefits the Autism Speaks organization. The bidding starts at $1000 per piece, and will go through April 22.
Need for Autism Awareness
Autism, as defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is actually a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum. Signs of autism include social interaction difficulties, verbal and nonverbal communication problems, and repetitive or obsessive behaviors. According to Autism Speaks, “1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.”
Because Autism is a complex spectrum of disorders, raising awareness is critical. Treatments are varied, and diagnosis may be difficult, especially in milder cases. Even the artists herself wasn’t aware of the magnitude of the problem. In an April 3, 2009 interview on the Today show, Yoko Ono remarked that she, like many people, really didn’t know a lot about autism till she was contacted by Autism Speaks.
Goals of Autism Speaks
The Autism Speaks organization is “dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.”
Since its inception in 2005, Autism Speaks has worked to raise awareness of and funding to help in the fight against autism. In 2008, it supported the State of Qatar in creating World Autism Awareness Day, which is sanctioned by the United Nations and will be celebrated each year on April 2.
Benefits to Families
Autism Speaks offers more than just fundraising support, although that is a large portion of its efforts. The site has an extensive family services section, with resources for education, outreach and family support. Links to local Autism Speaks organizations can be found, along with fundraising ideas and support networks.
Proceeds from Yoko Ono’s "Promise" puzzle auction will be used to further the work that Autism Speaks has started in providing awareness, research and advocacy efforts in the fight against this difficult disorder.
Source
"Yoko Ono to auction art for autism awareness", Reuters.com. April 2, 2009.
