The event started with a walk from Old Parliament House to the forecourt of Parliament House. Initially people gathered near Old Parliament House.

We were joined in the event by people including former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer, several members of the Autism Council of Australia Board and candidates in both the federal and the ACT elections.

The event started with a taped speech by Alex Deen-Cowel. It was the most moving part of the event. The text of Alex's speech can be downloaded by clicking here. To download audio of Alex's speech, click here.

The group walked up Federation Mall to the Audience with Autism.

The speakers were Senator Gary Humphries (Liberal), Ros Maxwell (local ALP candidate also representing a local MP), Ms Racheal Jacobs (Democrats), Ms Kerry Tucker MLA (Greens)and Judy Brewer Fischer. Also present, were Belinda Barnier and Mike Smith, both candidates in the federal election; Ms Jacqui Burke MLA and numerous candidates in the ALP election.

Over 40 politicians from around the country sponsored chairs. They were from all parties and states.

Here are some pictures from our event.

The stars of the show were the people with an ASD (including Asperger's syndrome) who were represented as best we could by their image and their chair.

Close-up, Joshua who is aged 6 years and who has autism, is represented by his image and his chair.

Part of the crowd listening to the speakers.