World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognized day observed annually on April 2. It encourages United Nations member states to take measures that raise awareness about autistic individuals across the globe12. This significant day was designated by a United Nations General Assembly resolution (A/RES/62/139) passed on November 1, 2007, and adopted on December 18, 2007. The resolution was proposed by Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, the United Nations Representative from Qatar, and received support from all member states1.

Here are some key components of World Autism Awareness Day:

1. Establishment of the Day: The resolution established April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, starting from 2008.

2. Invitation to Raise Awareness: Member States, relevant organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector are invited to create initiatives that raise public awareness about autism.

3. Promoting Awareness at All Levels: The resolution encourages Member States to raise awareness of autism across all levels of society.

4. UN Secretary-General’s Role: The UN Secretary-General is tasked with delivering this message to member states and other UN organizations1.

Each year, the UN selects a specific theme for World Autism Awareness Day. Here are some past themes:

• 2012: “Launch of Official UN ‘Awareness Raising’ Stamp” 1.

• 2013: “Celebrating the Ability Within the Disability of Autism” 1.

• 2014: “Opening Doors to Inclusive Education” 1.

• 2015: “Employment: The Autism Advantage” 1.

• 2016: “Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity” 1.

• 2017: “Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination” 1.

• 2018: “Empowering Women and Girls with Autism” 1.

• 2019: “Assistive Technologies, Active Participation” 1.

• 2020: “The Transition to Adulthood” 1.

• 2021: “Inclusion in the Workplace” 1.

• 2022: “Inclusive Quality Education for All” 1.

• 2023: “Transforming the Narrative: Contributions at Home, at Work, in the Arts, and in Policymaking” 1.

On a lighter note, in 2014, World Autism Awareness Day coincided with Onesie Wednesday, a day created by the National Autistic Society to encourage support for individuals on the autistic spectrum in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

We have found some amazing resources out there to support those experiencing Autism or supporting those with ASD, if you would like to work with our team to look into this together please feel free to reach out via our contact us page.

References:

World Autism Awareness Day - Wikipedia

World Autism Awareness Day - background | United Nations Autism Month - Autism SA