World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) strives to draw attention to the challenges that people with autism experience on a daily basis. Autism, as a major worldwide health issue, requires greater understanding. Every year on April 2nd, the world celebrates World Autism Awareness Day to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Illness (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a person’s speech and social interaction skills.

Also Read|Autistic and non-autistic brains are more alike than we realise: Study

ASD signs can be identified before a kid is three years old, and the illness is mostly caused by genetics and biological variations in brain development. However, if the patient or parents seek medical attention as soon as possible after being diagnosed, the disease can be properly treated.

Also Read|World Autism Awareness Week: 5 ways dogs can help autistic kids and adults

HISTORY

The United Nations has always welcomed diversity and advocated for the rights and well-being of people with disabilities, especially those with learning difficulties and developmental disabilities. Similarly, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day earlier in 2008.

The resolution (A/RES/62/139) was passed by the council on November 1, 2007, and it was approved on December 18, 2007. It has been observed annually on April 2nd since then. Furthermore, World Autism Day is one of only seven official United Nations Days dedicated to specific health issues.

Also Read|Australian researchers devise screening tool to detect autism in toddlers

SIGNIFICANCE

This year’s theme supports that persons with autism have the same right to a decent education as everyone else in order to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They can stand shoulder to shoulder with others with the help of modern education. The stakeholders must create an excellent education environment, particularly for these persons.

Also Read|What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

THEME

This year’s World Autism Awareness Day topic is ‘Inclusion in the Workplace,’ which will include a moderated roundtable discussion with individuals on the autism spectrum who have personally experienced the obstacles and watched these new possibilities in the workplace.