April 2, World Autism Awareness Day

2025-04-02 09:13:00, Sociale CNA

World Autism Day aims to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders and improve the lives of those living with autism. It is estimated that 1% of the global population is autistic.

The resolution for World Autism Awareness Day includes: (1) establishing April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, (2) participation by UN member states, (3) raising awareness of autism at all levels of society, (4) dissemination of this message to all other UN bodies.

World Autism Awareness Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly, with resolution "62/139" in 2007, more as an effort to end discrimination against people with autism.

This day is set for April 2 and is included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda, which promises to leave no one behind.

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. These signs often begin before the child is three years old .

Although many autistic children cannot live independently as adults, many of them do so successfully. A culture has now developed that aims to see autism as a difference rather than a disorder.

The United Nations has launched the Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

"Understanding the rights of persons with disabilities is a matter of justice, as much as an investment in our shared future," said the UN Secretary-General.

"It is very important for the Sustainable Development Agenda and to leave no one behind"

The Decade of Action aims to mobilize everyone - governments, civil society, business and individuals - in an effort to drive solutions to the world's biggest challenges. The goal is to mobilize leaders and shed light on the most feasible solutions.

This world day aims to draw attention to the need for innovative programs designed to support young people with autism in their transition to adulthood and to be full participants in ASD, as agents of change but also as beneficiaries.

What is autism?

Autism is a complex disorder that affects multiple areas of development including social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, imagination, behaviors, and interests. Symptoms of this disorder appear early in life, sometimes in infancy, but generally before the age of three.

What causes autism?

Many studies have attempted to answer this question. In a few cases, autism is a sign of a genetic problem, such as Fragile X, but in many cases the cause is unknown. Currently, autism is thought to be caused by a combination of genes and environmental factors. There is still no evidence that autism is caused by anything that parents do or do not do before or during pregnancy, or while caring for their child.

How is autism diagnosed?

A diagnosis of autism is based on a child's behaviors. Currently, there is no medical test (for example, blood tests, x-rays, etc.) that can help diagnose autism. Doctors may recommend genetic testing to find a genetic cause, and may also recommend other tests or studies to help determine other health conditions that may be present.

When professionals determine that a child has autism or related diagnoses, problems are assessed in three areas: social interaction, communication, and unusual behaviors/interests.

Social interaction : Children with autism often have difficulty forming and maintaining social relationships. Compared with typically developing children, those diagnosed with autism may have more difficulty making and maintaining eye contact, responding when their name is called, playing games such as hide-and-seek, or engaging other children in play. They may enjoy being with their parents or engaging in active play, but they may show less interest and responsiveness than other typically developing children.

Communication : Children with autism are generally slower to use simple words or phrases that are normal for their age. They are also less likely to use common gestures such as asking for something or directing someone's attention to a sight or sound. Some children may have language development at the appropriate time, but may show regression or loss of communication skills around 18-24 months of age. This loss of skills may include decreased social interests, as well as the loss of words or phrases they previously used. Children who have language development may exhibit unusual speech patterns, such as repeating or echoing phrases they hear from others or on television. They may ask for things they want but have great difficulty holding a simple conversation.

Behaviors and interests : Children with autism generally exhibit a more limited range of play than their peers, and exhibit more repetitive behaviors; for example, they may focus more on lining up objects than on feeding a doll or teddy bear. They may also be interested in certain objects or insist on following certain routines, or they may repeat specific movements such as clapping, throwing, or rocking back and forth.

Time : In addition to showing developmental differences in the three areas above, children with autism exhibit these patterns before the age of three.