Annually, on 2nd April, World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated across the world to spread awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the social interaction and communication skills of a person.
Overview
- ASD symptoms can be detected before a child turns three years old.
- This disorder is generally caused by biological differences in brain development and genetics.
- This disorder can be dealt with if the patient(s) seek medical help as quickly as they can.
Aim of this day
The aim of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is to garner attention towards the obstacles that are faced every day by people with autism. Autism is a major global health issue and it needs to gain more understanding from people across the globe. This day looks to teach people about Autism Spectrum Disorder.
World Autism Awareness Day 2022 theme
‘Inclusion in the Workplace’ is the theme for this year’s World Autism Awareness Day. A discussion with individuals on the autism spectrum will be held. They will be talking about the difficulties they have faced in the workplace. Also, due to the pandemic, the education of many autistic students has been disrupted. Hence focus will also be given to their education under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) which concentrates on promoting lifelong learning opportunities and assures quality education for all. This year’s theme promotes the fact that autistic people also have the right to receive quality education like any normal person.
World Autism Awareness Day Past Years Themes
World Autism Awareness Day focussed on a specific theme determined by the United Nations. The themes for past few years are as follows:
- 2012: “Launch of Official UN “Awareness Raising” Stamp”
- 2013: “Celebrating the ability within the disability of autism”
- 2014: “Opening Doors to Inclusive Education”
- 2015: “Employment: The Autism Advantage”
- 2016: “Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity”
- 2017: “Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination”
- 2018: “Empowering Women and Girls with Autism”
- 2019: “Assistive Technologies, Active Participation”
- 2020: “The Transition to Adulthood”
- 2021: “Inclusion in the Workplace”
- 2022: “Inclusive Quality Education for All”
History of this day
The United Nations have always facilitated the well-being and rights of all persons with all forms of disabilities. In early 2008, the United Nations General Assembly was announced 2nd April as World Autism Awareness Day. The resolution was enacted and accepted in the year 2007 and since then this day has been observed annually on 2nd April. World Autism Day is one of the seven-official health-specific days of the UN.
