World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is a UN-sanctioned day observed on April 2 every year to raise awareness about autism. Adopted on December 18, 2007, by the United Nations General Assembly, WAAD is a part of Autism Awareness Month, an initiative of the Autism Speaks Organization.

Even today, autistic individuals are mistreated, and misrepresented and do not get the empathy or care they deserve. World Autism Awareness Day is an attempt to bring more awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), its symptoms, and its effects.

World Autism Awareness Day 2023

World Autism Awareness Day is about spreading the right information about neurodivergent people. In recent years, major dialogues around autism have taken place on global forums. This helps people become more aware and more accepting of autistic individuals. Autism Day should be celebrated widely to educate more and more people about ASD.

Every year on April 2, the authorities of 'Autism Speak' celebrate World Autism Month. The month begins with the celebration of the annual World Autism Awareness Day. Get an overview of WAAD from the table shared below.

World Autism Awareness Day History

The history of Autism Day can be traced to 2007 when the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution to adopt the day officially. The aim of this resolution was to establish an international day dedicated to autistic individuals to raise awareness about their condition.

Here are more details about World Autism Awareness Day history.

• The United Nations aims to celebrate the diversity and well-being of persons with specific disabilities or differences from the other world.
• Keeping this motive in mind, April 2 was chosen as World Autism Awareness Day by The United Nations General Assembly.
• Its resolution was passed on November 1, 2007, and was officially adopted on December 18, 2007.
• Autism Awareness day is regarded as one of the most essential seven official health-specific UN Days.

World Autism Awareness Day 2023 Theme

The theme of World Autism Awareness Day 2023 is “Transforming the Narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the arts and in policymaking”. This theme aims to challenge the assumption that autistic individuals are less worthy or less ‘normal’. The World Autism Awareness Day 2023 theme establishes that we should be more accepting and welcoming of autistic individuals.

World Autism Awareness Day Theme (2013 – 2023)

Check out the theme of World Autism Awareness Day from the years 2013 to 2023 below.

Autism Awareness Day - What is Autism?

World Autism Awareness Day is observed to raise awareness about Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a condition that inculcates the typical developmental disorder. This syndrome involves a developmental or neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to the impairment of a child's physical, mental, and social development skills and lasts for a lifetime.

It impacts the child's ability to function in society. The more they are affected, the higher the amount of care they will need. It is a significant public health concern all around the world. Autism Awareness Day can be a great opportunity to educate people about this disorder.

Autism Day - Common Causes of Autism

A variety of factors cause Autism:

• Identical twins are at a higher risk of developing Autism. If one of the two twins has Autism, the other twin is likely to have it
• Marriage between blood relatives
• Pregnant women who are sometimes exposed to chemicals, such as alcohol or medicines, can develop Autism
• Heavy metals and environmental pollutants exposure
• Some viral infections

World Autism Day - Signs and Symptoms of Autism

• Improper social conduct: The majority of young people with ASD struggle with social interaction. Body postures, eye contact, unexpected responses, and youngsters preferring to be alone are signs of impaired social interactions.

• Difficulty in communication: Children with ASD find it difficult to communicate. There will be a lag in linguistic development. Words or deeds could be repeated regularly, and they will be unable to put words together and construct sentences.

World Autism Awareness Day - Significance

Autism Awareness Day is celebrated to promote the awareness of people affected by Autism worldwide. On World Autism Awareness Day, children in school and working people are educated at their workplaces about the cause and prevention of Autism.

• According to the United Nations, inclusive education is the key to the transformative promise of the Sustainable Development Goals, to leave no one behind.
• Autism Day is organised by the United Nations Department of Global Communications and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

FAQs on World Autism Awareness Day

Q1. What is World Autism Awareness Day?

World Autism Awareness Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness about Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism Awareness Day is sanctioned by the United Nations and is celebrated on April 2 around the world.

Q2. When do we celebrate World Autism Awareness Day?

World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated on April 2 every year. The organizers of this day are the UN Department of Global Communications, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION).

Q3. What is the theme of World Autism Awareness Day 2023?

World Autism Awareness Day 2023 theme is “Transforming the narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the arts and in policymaking”. This year’s World Autism Awareness Day theme establishes that we should be more accepting and welcoming of autistic individuals.

Q4. When was World Autism Awareness day started?

World Autism Awareness Day was officially adopted by the United Nations on December 18, 2007. Since then, Autism Day has been celebrated on April 2 every year. The 16th annual World Autism Awareness Day will be celebrated in 2023.

Q5. Why do we celebrate World Autism Awareness Day?

We celebrate World Autism Awareness Day to raise awareness about autism, which is a

developmental or neurodevelopmental disorder. This has an impact on a child's ability to function in society. World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated to create awareness among people about Autism spectrum disorder so that no one is ignorant.

Q6. How to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day?

To participate in World Autism Awareness Day celebrations, you can

• Educate yourself and your near and dear ones about autism, its causes and effects.
• Take part in the annual Light it Up Blue campaign.
• Become a volunteer and work with organizations that work for the welfare of autistic individuals.

Q7. What is the Light it Up Blue campaign?

Light it Up Blue is an international campaign observed on World Autism Awareness Day every year. Every year, the authorities of Autism Speak celebrate World Autism Month. Light it Up Blue campaign encourages people to wear blue on Autism Awareness Day to spread the message.

Q8. What are some signs and symptoms of ASD?

Improper Social conduct, stereotypic motions, and difficulty in communication are some symptoms of ASD. Knowing these signs is important because it would sensitise people and make life a little easier for people with the disorder. World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated on April 2 every year in order to educate people on these.