World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is celebrated on 2 April in order to raise awareness about autism. The First World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) was celebrated in 2008. This day highlights the need to help and improve the quality of life of those who are dealing with autism so that they can lead a meaningful life as an integral part of society.

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Many largest private organizations combined together to raise awareness about autism, to push for further research and to advocate for individuals who may have autism. One of the main and largest projects of the organizations is the Light It Up Blue Initiative.

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 have only been further exacerbated by the pandemic.

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.

World Autism Awareness Day Theme 2019:

The main focus of World Autism Awareness Day 2019 is “Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World”

In 2021, the UN has chosen Inclusion in the Workplace, ‘The use of assistive technologies for persons with autism’.

For many people with autism disorder, access to affordable assistive technologies is a prerequisite to being able to exercise their basic human rights and participate completely in the life of their communities, and thereby donate to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Assistive technology can eliminate or reduce the barriers to their participation on an equal basis with others.

Facts About Autism:

As of 2016, Autism now affects about one child out of 68 and these figures are rising fast. It is estimated that one out of 42 boys might be diagnosed with autism and boys are 5 times more likely to have Autism disorder than girls. It is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders among children across the world.

Observing World Autism Awareness Day:

World Autism Awareness Day can be celebrated in a number of different ways. Across the world, various events are organized on this day to raise the profile of autism in the public’s eye. These events include panel discussions with health different organizations, autism-specific organizations, autism experts, as well as politicians.

There are many different education events that can help parents of autistic children get the resources and help they need. Other events on this day include artistic workshops for individuals with autism, art exhibitions of artwork that was done by artists who are autistic, news stories about autism, and special clinics to help medical professionals acquaint themselves with this disorder and its treatment.

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