World Autism Awareness Day

Held on : 2nd April

Autism is a developmental disability that remains with a person for his or her whole life. This condition affects the brain's functions. Autism, as defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, is actually a group of developmental disorders known as the autism spectrum. The first signs usually appear before a child is three years old.

People with autism often:

• Find social interaction difficult.
• Have problems with verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Demonstrate restrictive and repetitive behaviour.
• Have a limited set of interests and activities.

Autism affects girls and boys of all races and in all geographic regions and has a large impact on children, their families, communities and societies. The odds of being diagnosed with Autism are 1 in 150 and it is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. The prevalence is currently rising in many countries around the world. Caring for and educating children and young people with this condition places challenges on health care, education and training programs. World Autism Awareness Day aims to increase people's awareness about people, especially children, with autism. The day often features educational events for teachers, health care workers and parents, as well as exhibitions showcasing work created by children with autism.

History - Because Autism is a complex spectrum of disorders, raising awareness is critical. On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, supported the campaign for a World Autism Awareness Day through the current 62nd UN General Assembly Session, garnering consensus support from all United Nations Member States. This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges. It was first observed in 2008.

Events - Many events are organized on World Autism Awareness Day. These include panel discussions with autism experts, politicians and non-governmental organization (NGO) representatives, informational events for parents of children with autism, conferences and workshops for professionals working with people with autism, artistic workshops for people with autism, television and radio shows, as well as newspaper features, about people with autism and their lives, the launch of educational materials for parents and teachers, exhibitions of art work by artists with autism and the display of posters and banners to increase public awareness of autism. Special clinics are also organized for families dealing with autism to obtain consultations with paediatricians, educational psychologists and social workers.

Logo - The design of the World Autism Awareness Day logo is intended to represent the global aspect of this effort. The earth is surrounded by whimsical illustrations of people who symbolize the seven continents of the world.

Holiday Status - It is not a public holiday.