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. 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.
FORUM: "Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Autistic individuals share regional perspectives.“ World Autism Awareness Day 2024. The General Assembly resolution A/RES/62/139 of the year 2007 emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness of autism. Today, 17 years later, we have moved beyond raising awareness to promoting acceptance and appreciation of autistic people and their contributions to society. 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 April 2, 2024, the international community will gather to commemorate the World Autism Awareness Day 2024. To mark this important occasion, the State of Qatar and Autism Speaks will hold an event titled “Leave No One Behind: Autism, Emerging Technologies, and Equity.” This event reflects the commitment to harness the power of technological advancements in the field of autism in an inclusive and equitable manner. The disparity in access to innovative and transformative technologies is becoming more pronounced. The event aims to address these issues, integrating equity and inclusion. It seeks to discuss ways to ensure equitable access to essential technologies for individuals on the autism spectrum. Read the Agenda Programme
On Tuesday, April 2nd from 10:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. EDT; The World Autism Awareness Day 2024 observance will for the first time seek to provide a truly global overview of the state of affairs in this regard from the perspective of autistic people themselves. Like last year, the event will feature an all-autistic lineup of panelists from all walks of life, representing six regions: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin American and the Caribbean, North America and Oceania. The speakers will provide their thoughts on the state of affairs in their respective regions, as well as the importance of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for autistic people to be able to thrive. The event is organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications, in close collaboration with the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION). ION is a neurominority-founded and led, volunteer-run inclusive global membership organization headquartered in Switzerland. With a presence currently in 23 countries globally, it is the world’s largest, most globally represented, and diverse neurodiversity initiative. Its purpose is to represent and empower neurominorities, fostering acceptance, appreciation, education, and advocating for equal opportunities and human rights. The event is co-sponsored by the Permanent Missions of Italy and Poland to the United Nations, with support provided by the Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity (GAIN). Read the Event speakers' bios.The event this year is organized by the UNDGC and the UNDESA, with support from civil society partners. Register to participate!
Live streaming on the channel
Tuesday, 2 April at 10:00 a.m. EDT - (Part 1) Autism Awareness Day - Africa & Asia: Moving from Surviving to Thriving.
Tuesday, 2 April at 11:05 a.m. EDT - (Part 2) Autism Awareness Day - Oceania & Europe: Moving from Surviving to Thriving.
Tuesday, 2 April at 11:45 a.m. EDT - (Part 3) Autism Awareness Day - The Americas: Moving from Surviving to Thriving.
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.
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Participate to the campaign ‘‘Leave No One Behind: Autism, Emerging Technologies, and Equity.’’ You too can easily join the campaign by motivating your work colleagues to dress up in blue, just like you, on April 2. Inform us about your action and share it on your social network.
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.
Make a donation.
Together, we create better lives. with your help we will be able to organize various actions.