World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2 to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and promote the livelihood of people having autism. It also aims to encourage early diagnosis and intervention that can lead to improved outcomes for individuals with autism.
What is Autism??
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the communication, social interaction, and behavior of an individual. It is characterised by repetitive behaviours, communication difficulties and problems with social interaction. Autism affects people of all ages, races, and ethnicities.
History
The United Nations General Assembly in 2007 passed a resolution to adopt April 02 as World Autism Awareness Day. It recognised the need to create and raise awareness about autism which affects individuals’ social interaction, communication, and behavior. The first World Autism Awareness Day was observed on April 2, 2008.
Significance
World Autism Awareness Day is an opportunity to raise a collective voice in support of people diagnosed with Autism. The increased awareness will help bring down the social stigma that segregates autistic people from the rest of the world. It encourages individuals, organisations, and governments to take steps to create a more inclusive and accessible world for people with autism.
Theme
Every year, the theme of World Autism Awareness Day changes. This year the theme for World Autism Awareness Day 2023 is “Transforming the narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the arts and in policymaking.” According to United Nations, the 2023 World Autism Awareness Day observance is organised by the United Nations Department of Global Communications and Department of Economic and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), an organisation established and run by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people and allies.
What is Autism??
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the communication, social interaction, and behavior of an individual. It is characterised by repetitive behaviours, communication difficulties and problems with social interaction. Autism affects people of all ages, races, and ethnicities.
History
The United Nations General Assembly in 2007 passed a resolution to adopt April 02 as World Autism Awareness Day. It recognised the need to create and raise awareness about autism which affects individuals’ social interaction, communication, and behavior. The first World Autism Awareness Day was observed on April 2, 2008.
Significance
World Autism Awareness Day is an opportunity to raise a collective voice in support of people diagnosed with Autism. The increased awareness will help bring down the social stigma that segregates autistic people from the rest of the world. It encourages individuals, organisations, and governments to take steps to create a more inclusive and accessible world for people with autism.
Theme
Every year, the theme of World Autism Awareness Day changes. This year the theme for World Autism Awareness Day 2023 is “Transforming the narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the arts and in policymaking.” According to United Nations, the 2023 World Autism Awareness Day observance is organised by the United Nations Department of Global Communications and Department of Economic and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), an organisation established and run by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people and allies.
