World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2 by members of the United Nations (UN) to raise public awareness of autism as well as to recognize and celebrate people with autism.
On November 1, 2007, the United Nations (UN) called for a day to be marked annually for World Autism Day. The UN General Assembly designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, on December 18, 2007, and was observed in 2008 for the first time.
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects 1 out of 68 children and people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face difficulties with social interactions, learning, and communication.
This year's theme of World Autism Awareness Day is "The transition of adulthood", which is observed amid the global coronavirus outbreak.
UN message on World Autism Awareness Day
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres marked world autism awareness day, stating that universal human rights, including the rights of persons with disabilities, must not be infringed upon in the time of a pandemic.
"This year’s observance takes place in the midst of a public health crisis "unlike any other in our lifetimes" — a crisis that places persons with autism at disproportionate risk as a result of the coronavirus and its impact on society." he noted.
Guterres pointed out that it must be ensured that a prolonged disruption caused by the emergency does not result in rollbacks of the rights that persons with autism and their representative organizations have worked so hard to advance.
He stated that persons with autism should never face discrimination when seeking medical care,pointing out that they must continue to have access to the support systems required to remain in their homes and communities through times of crisis, instead of facing the prospect of forced institutionalization.
"We all have a role to play in ensuring that the needs of people who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 are met during this difficult period." added Guterres.
The Secretary-General noted that information about the precautionary measures must be provided in accessible formats.
Guterres continued: "We must also recognize that when schools employ online teaching, students with non-standard ways of learning may be at a disadvantage. The same applies to the workplace and working remotely. "
"Even in these unpredictable times, we must commit to consulting persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, and ensuring that our non-traditional ways of working, learning, and engaging with each other, as well as our global response to the coronavirus, are inclusive of and accessible to all people, including persons with autism."
"The rights of persons with autism must be taken into account in the formulation of all responses to the COVID-19 virus. On World Autism Awareness Day, let us stand together, support each other and show solidarity with persons with autism.", concluded the Secretary-General.
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