blished from 2008.World Autism Awareness Day and its importance
2 April, World Autism Awareness Day encourage the Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about children with autism, this day is observed throughout the world. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 62/139. World Autism Awareness Day, passed in council on November 1, 2007, and adopted on December 18, 2007. The observance of 2nd April as World Autism Awareness Day was established from 2008.
This day also highlights 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 theme of this year is Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity
Autism and other forms of disability are part of the human experience that contributes to human diversity. As such, the United Nations has emphasized the need to mainstream disability in the Organizations development agenda. Mainstreaming disability requires an integral approach in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and
programmes in all political,
economic and societal spheres, so that inequality is not perpetuated.
In September 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted the ambitious new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets that promise to leave no one behind.
Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. The term Autism Spectrum refers to a range of characteristics. Appropriate support, accommodation and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the Spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity, and full and effective participation in society.
Autism is mainly characterized by its unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in typical communications and particular ways of processing sensory information.
The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on the individuals, their families and communities.
The stigmatization and discrimination associated with neurological differences remain substantial obstacles to diagnosis and therapies, an issue that must be addressed by both public policy-makers in developing nations, as well as donor countries.
Throughout its history, the United Nations family has celebrated diversity and promoted the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, including children with learning differences and developmental disabilities.
In 2008, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force, reaffirming the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all. Its purpose is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. It is a solid tool to foster an inclusive and caring society for all and to ensure that all children and adults with autism can lead full and meaningful lives.
