PURPOSE: Every Year on April 2nd during the World Autism Awareness Day, the International Community share stories; provide opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, and foster worldwide support. The General Assembly resolution A/RES/62/139 of the year 2007 emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness of autism. Approximately one in 100 children has autism, which constitutes a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although characteristics may be detected in early childhood, autism is often not diagnosed until much later. The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time. While some can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support. Today, 18 years later, we have moved beyond raising awareness to promoting acceptance and appreciation of autistic people and their contributions to society.
FORUM: "Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" World Autism Awareness Day 2025. The observance highlights the intersection between neurodiversity and global sustainability efforts, showcasing how inclusive policies and practices can drive positive change for autistic individuals worldwide and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Join us for a timely discussion on ways to ensure equitable access to essential technologies for individuals on the autism spectrum. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #EveryoneIncluded, #2April, #worldAutismAwarenessDay, #WAAD, #autismspectrum.
EVENTS: On Wednesday, April 2nd from 10:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. EDT, the international community will gather to commemorate the World Autism Awareness Day 2025, under the theme "Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)",. Bringing together global experts, policymakers, and autistic voices, the event features keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, addressing areas such as inclusive healthcare, education, employment, and urban development. This year’s discussion will explore the role of neurodiversity in shaping policies that promote accessibility, equality, and innovation across multiple sectors. Discussions focus on inclusive healthcare, quality education, workplace accessibility, reducing inequalities, and designing autism-friendly cities and communities. The 2025 WAAD event is organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), with the support of the United Nations Department of Global Communications. ION is a neuro minority-founded and led global membership organization headquartered in Switzerland, with a presence in 40 countries worldwide. As the largest, most globally represented neurodiversity initiative, ION works to empower neuro-minorities, advocate for equal opportunities, and promote acceptance and education. By fostering dialogue and collaboration across multiple sectors, World Autism Awareness Day 2025 will reinforce the need for sustained efforts to eliminate barriers, promote inclusive policies, and recognize the contributions of autistic individuals to society and the achievement of the SDGs. Register to participate!
PODCASTS: In addition, every year on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, the awareness campaign "Light It Up Blue" is organized during the week of April 2. To support this campaign, buildings and monuments are lit up in a brilliant blue. Listen the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Participate to the campaign by motivating your work colleagues to dress up in blue, just like you, on April 2nd. Inform us about your action and share it on your social network. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
The celebration of the Day aims to reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive, equitable and sustainable world for persons with autism;
During the Month of April, for the occasion of the World Autism Awareness Month; We all have to support them to claim their rights to participate within any societies.
People on the autism spectrum have sensory differences, the most common being hypersensitivity, causing them to view the world differently through the overload of information.
GET INVOLVED!
Assist persons with autism which live in isolation
Foster inclusive quality education for people on the autism spectrum
Help the autists to achieve their potential and success in the labour market
Ensure that the rights, perspectives and well-being of persons with disabilities, including those with autism
Reduce inequality through social, economic and political inclusion for all, including persons with disabilities
Reconnect with those who are disconnected from their communities, in institutions
Establish community-based support systems for people with autism.
PARTNERS
The World Autism Awareness Day is organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications; The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the United Nations Programme on Disability (UN Enable); with support from civil society partners including the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the Global Autism Project; Autism Speaks; Lighting up blue for Autism; the Specialisterne Foundation.
To support this campaign, buildings and monuments are lit up in a brilliant blue.
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Together, we create better lives. with your help we will be able to organize various actions.