World Autism Awareness Day

As explained by the World Health Organization, autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects one in 160 children. It refers to a range of conditions that manifest as challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication. ASDs begin in childhood and tend to persist into adolescence and adulthood, and while some can live independently, others with ASD have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support. Evidence-based psychosocial interventions can reduce difficulties in communication and social behaviour, but broader actions for making physical, social and attitudinal environments more accessible, inclusive and supportive are needed. Worldwide, people with ASD are often subject to stigma, discrimination and human rights violations; and access to services and support for people with ASD is inadequate. World Autism Awareness Day began in 2008 and is observed on the second day of April each year.