World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is observed every year on 2 April in order to raise public awareness of autism. First WAAD was celebrated in 2008. WAAD highlights the need to help and improve the quality of life of those with autism so that they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
The focus of World Autism Awareness Day 2021 is “Inclusion in Workplace”.
Covid-19 pandemic has significantly added to the inequalities faced by people with autism. To address these challenges and to ensure that the needs of people who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 are met during this difficult period, all of us have a role to play.
The rights of persons with disabilities to work equally and to a work environment inclusive of people with disabilities have been clearly recognized in Article 27 of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Sustainable Development Goal (8) also aims at – Decent Work and Economic Growth for all including people with disabilities.
Link to Virtual event on Thursday, 8 April 2021
Autism is developmental disability that manifests during the first three years of life and persists lifelong although symptoms may improve over time. It is a neurological disorder affecting the functions of brain.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may affect about 1in 68 people. Autism is characterized by impairments in social interaction, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication; and repetitive behavior and restricted interests and activities.
The exact cause of autism is not yet known, but scientists believe that it may be associated with genetic or environmental factors. There's no cure for ASD, but speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, educational support, and a number of other interventions may help children and parents.
These activities will also renew the promise, engraved in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to leave no one behind and ensure that all people can contribute as active members to peaceful and prosperous societies.
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World Autism Awareness Day 2019
World Autism Awareness Day 2020
References-
https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day
http://www.autism-india.org/about-autism.php
https://www.nhp.gov.in/disease/neurological/autism
