It is April 2, which is recognized internationally and celebrated as World Autism Awareness Day every year. It is a day when member states of the United Nations are encouraged to raise awareness about people living with autistic spectrum disorders, including autism and Asperger syndrome. Furthermore, it is the UN General Assembly that declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. So, here are a few facts that you need to know about this day.  

The UN states autism to be a “lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socioeconomic status. The term Autism Spectrum refers to a range of characteristics. Appropriate support, accommodation and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the Spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity and full and effective participation in society.

“Autism is mainly characterized by its unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in typical communications and particular ways of processing sensory information.”  

According to the United Nations, the “COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and heightened glaring inequalities around the world, especially when it comes to income and wealth distribution, access to health care, protection under the law, and political inclusion. Persons with autism have long faced many of these inequalities, which ”the pandemic has further exacerbated.

“It’s a problem made worse by long recognized discriminatory hiring practices and workplace environments that present major obstacles for persons with autism; all of which contribute to the unemployment or severe underemployment of a large majority of adults on the autism spectrum,” it states. In other words, this day is celebrated to “highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society”.  

The UN has had a theme for the celebration of the World Autism Awareness Day every year since 2012. This year, the theme is ‘Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World’. 

Throughout April, several Autism-friendly events and educational activities around the world aim to increase the understanding and acceptance of people with autism are organized. The primary objective is to educate and make people aware of autism.  

The puzzle ribbon was selected as the universal symbol for autism awareness in the year 1999. It is commonly referred to as the ‘Awareness Ribbon’.