EKF Organizes Autistic Children Event in Korea.

The Europe-Korea Foundation (EKF), charity arm of the EUCCK, has been organizing a Drawing Competition Project for autistic children in Korea nation-wide since the middle of June 2008. The EKF believes it will give the autistic children and their families an opportunity to express their dreams and feelings in life. This project will help autistic people and their families to raise awareness about their experience and difficulties, and what people can do about it.

The 12 winning drawings will be announced on the website and by individual notification following screening by three juries with the idea to support Universal Children's Day on November 20th, 2008 and World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, 2009.

The three juries selected by EKF come from diverse backgrounds but with autism understanding. Renowned art specialist Demi Kim, Prof. Min Sun Kim from the Autism Society of Korea, and Young Min Lee, a Social Welfare Specialist. The EKF believes that with the support of the jury, this drawing competition will be helpful to understand various dreams of the autistic children.

Having understood the importance and need for raising awareness about autism, Lego Korea, Atari Korea, Marposs Co. Ltd and Deutsche Bank have joined hands to support this project.

Autism is much more common than most people think. People from all nationalities and cultural, religious, and social backgrounds can have autism. It is a lifelong condition; children with autism grow up to become adults with autism. The exact cause of autism is still being investigated. However, research suggests that a combination of factors may affect brain development.

Many people with autism have keen special interests often from a fairly young age. Their interest may change over time or be lifelong, and can be anything from art or music, to trains or computers. Some people with autism may eventually be able to work or study in related areas. For others, it will remain a hobby.