World Autism Awareness Day
This holiday is designed to educate people about autism spectrum disorder and those diagnosed with it.
Nathaniel Glanzman
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Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder which affects behavior and communication. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1 in every 44 eight-year-olds in the United States has ASD. Symptoms of ASD vary from person to person. ASD can be a lifelong disorder.
The first World Autism Awareness Day took place on April 2, 2008. The United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared the holiday in 2007 during their 62nd session. In 2008, the UN ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a human rights document that emphasized the rights of persons with disabilities. President Joe Biden also declared World Autism Awareness Day by Presidential Proclamation in 2022.
It should be noted: in recent years, there has been a push to rename Autism Awareness Day to Autism Acceptance Day. Christopher Banks, the president of the Autism Society of America, said, “As many individuals and families affected by autism know, acceptance is often one of the biggest barriers to finding and developing a strong support system.”
Acceptance—meaning the whole-hearted inclusion of people with ASD—is preferred by many, as it underscores the importance of integrating those with autism into the fabric of our everyday lives. The organizations point out a need to strive for acceptance, rather than simply awareness.
Traditions
Each year, the UN establishes a theme for World Autism Awareness Day. In 2022, the theme was “inclusive quality education for all.” The UN held a number of talks and seminars on inclusive education.
Nonprofits, educational institutions and governments dedicate resources to educating the population on autism during World Autism Awareness Day. Nonprofits and the UN push for greater resources dedicated to autism on this day.
What to say
There is no traditional greeting for World Autism Awareness Day. If you’re interested in participating, learn more about autism spectrum disorder using the CDC website.