World Autism Awareness Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Feb 11, 2022
Fact-checked by Sudeshna Nag
World Autism Awareness Day is an important holiday. Read about it here!

Where is World Autism Awareness Day observed?

Similar to World Autism Day, this holiday is also observed in all countries around the world.

Who is World Autism Awareness Day observed by?

There are many communities around the world that help children and adults with autism. People from health care, autistic people and their families, and more people around the world observe this holiday.

When did World Autism Awareness Day first start?

The holiday was passed by the United Nations Council on November 1, 2007, and the holiday was adopted on December 18, 2007. The first time the holiday was observed was on April 2, 2008.

Who started World Autism Awareness Day?

The United Nations proposed starting this day and observing it every year with a specific theme dedicated to autism. For example, they decided on 'The Transition To Adulthood' for 2020, where they focused on the transition of people with autism from childhood to adulthood.

They decided on 'Inclusion In The Workplace' for 2021, where they focused on the employment of autistic people.

History And Timeline

World Autism Awareness Day was first observed in 2008 and it was passed the year before. Here's the timeline for how our understanding of the condition has evolved over time.

First Story

The book, 'The Table Talk of Martin Luther' contains the story of a 12-year-old boy. The book demonstrates that the boy probably had autism.

1566

Earliest Documented Autism Case

According to details of a 1747 court case, Hugh Blair of Borgue had symptoms that suggest that he may have had autism.

1747

Treatments For Autism

Pharmaceutical treatments for autism in the '70s included risperidone and secretin injections that acted on dopamine receptors.

'70s

Creation Of The Day

The World Autism Awareness Day was formalized by the United Nations General Assembly when a motion was passed by the council on November 1, 2007. Subsequently, it was adopted by the council on December 18, 2007.

2007

Inclusion In The Workplace

Every year, the United Nations decides on a theme to be observed on the day of World Autism Awareness Day. The latest was 'Inclusion In The Workplace' in 2021.

2021

Traditions And Customs

Communities that work with people that have developmental disorders hold events on the themes decided by the United Nations. These events can help people with autism gain more acceptance in society. The color blue is also featured to show support for the cause.

Ways To Observe World Autism Awareness Day

You can help out with health care and other communities that help out and work with people who have symptoms of autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). You can organize events on your own by involving adults and children with autism.

The events can be arranged according to the themes that the United Nations sets every year, like sharing information on the symptoms and diagnosis of autism, acquainting autistic people with other people that can help with their employment, and more.

Facts And Stats

  • The word that leads to the observance of this day originates from the Greek word 'autos', which means 'self' in English.
  • Autism spectrum disorder affects around one in every 68 children, and the condition in boys occurs almost five times more often than in girls. This day is an important observance to discuss how to tackle the challenges presented.
  • In the United States, autism spectrum disorder has become one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders. Therefore, you can support events and fundraisers on this day so that early measures can prevent the symptoms.

Is there a national awareness day for autism?

There is no national awareness day for autism. World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2, every year.

Why do you wear blue for autism?

Blue is associated with autism, so you can observe the holiday by wearing blue.

How to observe Autism Awareness Day at school?

You can hold events at school where teachers will share information on autism with students and hold special talent-show programs for people with autism, among other things.

Who came up with the idea of observing Autism Awareness Day?

Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly came up with the idea of observing Autism Awareness Day.

When was the first time Autism Awareness Day was observed?

The very first time Autism Awareness Day was observed was on April 2, 2008.

Why is Autism Awareness Day observed?

Autism Awareness Day is observed to make people more aware of the developmental disorder so that people with autism can get early treatment to manage the symptoms.

How can I observe World Autism Awareness Day?

You can observe World Autism Awareness Day by sharing information about autism online and by helping organizations.

When did awareness of autism begin?

The Autism Society started its awareness program in the United States in the early '70s.

Why is April Autism Awareness Month?

The Autism Society started its very first National Autistic Children’s Week in 1972. This week was later changed to Autism Awareness Month.

What to do for Autism Awareness Month?

Learn more about autism, hold many events and seminars, and you can help out organizations that work with people with autism.

How to promote autism awareness?

Share information on autism online for people to know. Hold events with people that have autism, record them, and share them online.

Why is blue the color of autism awareness?

Blue is considered the color of calm and peace. Additionally, blue got associated with autism owing to the organization, 'Autism Speaks'.

Why is it important to be aware of autism?

It is important to be aware of autism in order to give people with autism a better life.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, April 02, 2020
  • Friday, April 02, 2021
  • Saturday, April 02, 2022
  • Sunday, April 02, 2023
  • Tuesday, April 02, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Sudeshna Nag

Master of Arts specializing in History

Sudeshna Nag picture

Sudeshna NagMaster of Arts specializing in History

Having earned a Master's degree in History from the Presidency University in Kolkata, Sudeshna was able to refine these skills and broaden her knowledge base. Not only is she an accomplished fact-checker, but she is also deeply invested in gender research, societal interactions, and mental health. Her professional repertoire also includes experience in translation between Bengali and English content

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