World Autism Awareness Day

Context

World Autism Awareness Day is observed annually on 2nd April by the member states of the United Nations.

What is Autism?

• Autism is a neurological condition that lasts lifelong and can manifest during early childhood.
• Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication. 
• Autism is a development disorder. 
• The disorder is characterized by difficulties with social interaction and communication which may also include restricted and repetitive behaviour. 
• The signs of Autism are often noticed by the parents of the child during the first three years.
•  These signs develop gradually.

History

• April 2 was declared as World Autism Awareness Day by the United Nations General Assembly 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 United Nations General Assembly designated a resolution (A/RES/62/139). 
• The council passed ‘World Autism Awareness Day’ on November 1, 2007, and adopted it on December 18, 2007.
• The purpose was to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of autistic people.
• The very first World Autism Day was observed in the year 2008 on April 2. 
• World Autism Day is one of only seven official health-specific UN Days.

Theme

• The theme for ‘World Autism Awareness Day 2022’ is “Inclusive Quality Education for All”.