Every year on April 2, people around the world commemorate World Autism Awareness Day to raise awareness of the brain disorder known as autism. The purpose of the day is to improve awareness and acceptance of persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) around the world.
Autistic Pride Day – History, Significance & All you need to know about it
The first signs of autism, a lifelong neurological disease, typically arise during infancy. No matter a person’s gender, color, or social standing, this illness can manifest in infancy. Even though the precise origin of autism is still unknown, some autistic individuals have a genetic basis for their condition.
Autism affects how people behave, engage, learn, and communicate in unique ways. The abilities of those with autism vary greatly from one another as well. For instance, whereas some autistic people are nonverbal, others have outstanding conversational skills. While some autistic persons depend heavily on others for daily activities, others might require minimal or no assistance.
Let’s go on to learn more about the 2023 World Autism Awareness Day’s theme, significance, and other key information.
World Autism Awareness Day 2023 – What is the theme?
Every year, a different topic is used to mark World Autism Awareness Day. World Autism Awareness Day 2023’s topic this year is “Contribution of Autistic People at Home, at Work, in the Arts, and in Policymaking.”
This theme’s primary goal is to emphasize how autistic persons can be accepted, helped, and included in society without being forced to change or be cured.
What is autism?
– Autism is a neurological developmental condition that impairs cognition, behavior, social interaction, communication, and other aspects of brain development.
Due to the wide range of symptoms and traits that impact children with autism, autism is also referred to as a spectrum condition.
– While some kids can handle their responsibilities on their own, others need assistance.
World Autism Awareness Day – History
The UN General Assembly established World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 with the goal of increasing public awareness of the need to support those who have autism, help them live more full lives, and be valued members of society.
People with developmental and learning disabilities are included in the family of people with disabilities whose rights and welfare are supported by the United Nations.
When the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities went into effect in 2008, the core notion of universal human rights for all was reaffirmed. Its main goal was to advance and defend all of the fundamental liberties and rights of disabled persons.
Reports state that the first Autistic Pride Day was observed in Brazil in 2005. Various sources claim that Gareth and Amy Nelson invented the day. The day was established in 2005 by the Brazilian group Aspires for Freedom to increase public understanding of autism and draw attention to both the commonalities and distinctions among those who have the condition. The event finally attained international significance and drew worldwide attention.
Alzheimer’s Disease – What is it?
– Asperger syndrome, autistic disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified were all previously classified independently, but today they are all grouped together under the umbrella term autism spectrum syndrome.
– During the first three years of a person’s existence, autism or the illness known as autism spectrum syndrome (ASD) becomes apparent.
– It interferes with the brain’s regular operation, which has an impact on how well a person develops their social and communication abilities.
– A person with autism maintains a consistent set of behaviors and opposes changes to their routines.
– They encounter difficulties even in routine activities. They become confused and extremely anxious when there is a lot of activity going on around them.
World Autism Awareness Day
The purpose of observing World Autism Awareness Day is to increase public awareness of ASD, which will benefit those who are affected and enable autistic persons to realize their full potential.
Important Facts about Autism-
- Boys are diagnosed with it four times more frequently than girls.
- Autism is the third most prevalent developmental disorder.
- The prevalence rate of autism is 1.7 million, or an estimated incidence of 1 in 250 children, according to “Action for Autism” study.
- Approximately 40% of autistic children are non-verbal.
- Autism is a disorder that differs from person to person, and no two autistic people are alike.
- Over the past 20 years, the prevalence of autism has increased steadily.
- Allergies, asthma, fragile X, epilepsy, bowel disorders, digestive problems, recurrent viral infections, eating issues, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, sensory integration issues, sleeping issues, immunological issues, etc. are all symptoms of autism in a person.
As a result, we can conclude that autism is a complicated neurobehavioral disorder that causes patients to struggle with speech, social interaction, and repetitive behavior. This illness is referred to as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) because to the wide range of symptoms. Additionally, on Autistic Pride Day, the autistic person has the opportunity to speak for himself. Furthermore, autism is a difference rather than a handicap, as we might remark.
How does autism affect an individual?
Childhood is typically when autism is first identified. Autism is identified in about one in 110 kids. Boys are three to four times more likely than girls to have an autistic spectrum disorder. Although autism is sometimes a lifelong condition, a growing percentage of kids with autism spectrum disorders go on to function independently and lead fulfilling lives. Here, kids and teenagers are the main subjects.
World Autism Awareness Day 2023 – Why should you celebrate?
The world needs to understand that, if we approach them with a positive outlook and optimism, persons with autism are not a burden to society; rather, they may contribute to it in a variety of ways.
The United Nations states that “Autistic persons encounter many problems and forms of discrimination. We must acknowledge that large disruptions to routines and daily lives, including pandemics, wars, and natural disasters, are particularly dangerous to people with autism. Like other groups, autistic people have a variety of difficulties and talents that are frequently overlooked by the society they are born into. As a result, if we tap into their talents, those with autism can contribute to society.
As its name implies, Autism Pride Day is a highly important day since it informs the public about the challenges faced by people with autism. In order to reduce stigma, our aim should be to treat autistic people with respect and sensitivity. On this day, people with autism should also have equal opportunities.
What was the Autistic Pride Day theme for 2022?
“Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World” is the theme for World Autistic Pride Day in 2022. The Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the globe is causing many autistic youngsters to fall behind in their education. Making sure that everyone has access to high-quality education and the opportunity to pursue lifelong learning is a core objective of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).
Many autistic persons can lead fulfilling lives with the correct support, even if those on the extreme end of the spectrum may need help and assistance to function and manage their lives. Get to know more about autism and support children and adults who are combating this disorder.
