President Elect Obama asked to share his vision for autism on Autism Sunday 2009

Cathedrals, churches and religious organisations are due to observe Autism Sunday - the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Organisers say this is the first major date for autism in 2009 and have stated that it is an ideal opportunity to lobby for better public services for all people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

The global economic crisis has placed enormous burdens on parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Many more families with autism are below the poverty and even in the United States and the United Kingdom, banks have re-possessed the homes of families with autism, leaving them stranded. Autism campaigners are calling for more help for the vulnerable during the deepening global recession. Some families are suffering as a result of winter fuel poverty. They have to choose between heating and eating.

President Barack Obama who has promised change has been urged to support the vulnerable by speaking out on autism to mark Autism Sunday 2009. There are 60 million people with autism around the world. Many are struggling to cope with life.

The first ever Autism Sunday was held in 2002. Since then churches and religious organisations have been observing the day all around the world. The organisers have urged world leaders to speak out on Autism Sunday.

US autism and Aspergers websites have been calling on President Elect Obama to listen to the voices of people with autism, in connection with Autism Sunday 2009.