Page 11 - DAGA Chair Report RY2018-20

DAGA Partnership Guidelines

ROTARY DISTRICT 3300 ACTION GROUP ON AUTISM (DAGA) PARTNERSHIP GUIDELINES

WHO WE ARE?

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects
communication and behaviour. Although autism can be diagnosed at any

age, it is said to be a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally
appear in the first two years of life. Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder

because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people

experience. ASD occurs in all ethnic, racial, and economic groups. Although
ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a per-

son’s symptoms and ability to function.

There is no known cause for ASD, but its prevalence rate is on the rise.

According to the Centres for Disease Control & Prevention USA, there is a
growing percentage of the world population diagnosed with ASD. As of 2018,

an estimated 1 percent of the world population had an ASD, with the United
States estimating 1 in 59 children. Recent statistics show that approximately

300,000 people living with ASD in Malaysia and about 9,000 children are born
with ASD every year.

The Rotary District Action Group on Autism (DAGA) was established in RY2015
for the main purpose of advocating inclusion of children with ASD into early

learning & schools, youth with ASD into vocations & people with ASD into
mainstream society. DAGA is an autonomous group of Rotarians, family mem-

bers, program participants and alumni who are experts in a particular field or

have an interest in that field. Group members share their expertise by
collaborating with clubs and districts on service projects.