World Autism Awareness

World Autism Awareness, Today, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day. The United Nations recognizes today to spread awareness on the developmental disability that affects tens of millions of people worldwide and according to the Secretary-General, to put an end to the discrimination many people with an autism spectrum disorder face daily.

“Autism is not limited to a single region or a country; it is a worldwide challenge that requires global action,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a written statement.

The resolution to declare every April 2nd World Autism Awareness Day was adopted by the U.N. in 2007, and as Secretary-General Ki-moon noted, although the disorder starts in childhood, it persists throughout a person’s life.

The Secretary-General said globally, there needs to be greater political commitment and investments in social, education, and labor sectors to address the “unique needs of people with autism and cultivate their talents.”

Ki-moon called on the international community to cooperate and share its good practices to promote more research, better train care providers, and help support the autism community.