World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day History

World Autism Awareness Day seeks to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder, a complex neurological condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behaviour. This condition affects approximately 1 in every 59 individuals worldwide, making it one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders. The day is crucial for advocating for individuals living with autism, breaking down social barriers, promoting inclusivity, and stressing the importance of early diagnosis and timely support.

World Autism Awareness Day finds its origins in 2008 when the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2nd as a day to shine a light on autism. In South Africa, the impact of World Autism Awareness Day is paramount as there remains a significant lack of understanding about this condition. Many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families still confront a plethora of socio-economic challenges, including lack of access to appropriate healthcare services, education, and social prejudice, making awareness and advocacy efforts critical.

South Africa celebrates World Autism Awareness Day with various activities aimed at disseminating knowledge and understanding about autism. These activities can range from community outreach programmes and capacity-building workshops to media campaigns and light-up-blue initiatives, where landmarks are illuminated in blue, symbolising a beacon of hope and solidarity with the autism community. With each celebration, South Africa takes a step towards recognising individual's differences, advancing towards inclusivity, and validating the experiences and challenges individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder face daily. World Autism Awareness Day occurs each year on April 2nd.

Facts about World Autism Awareness Day

• The theme for World Autism Awareness Day in 2024 was Colour.
  In 2023, the theme was Transforming the narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the arts and in policymaking.
• According to the CDC, around the globe, autism is more common among children born to older parents or those with a family history of the condition.
• Initiatives like the "E2 Autism Run" in East London, South Africa, bring together hundreds of people annually to participate in a fun run to raise awareness about Autism, its impact on individuals, their families, and the community.
• Child-focused NGOs in South Africa also use this day to advocate for the inclusion and education of people living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families. They call for school inclusion and best educational practices, backed by international research.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Autism Awareness Day

Top things to do in South Africa for World Autism Awareness Day

• Wear blue in order to support World Autism Day. The color blue is internationally recognized as a symbol of support for World Autism Day and it is accompanied by the catchphrase wear blue, April 2.
• Get active on social media by taking a picture of yourself wearing blue and posting it using the hashtags #LIUB (Light it up Blue), #WorldAutismAwarenessDay, #WAD and #autism. You can also turn your profile photo blue on social media by putting a blue frame over it.
• Visit the Autism Western Cape Centre in Cape Town: This center offers services for people with Autism and their families and often prepares events for this special day.
• Participate in the Autism South Africa Run/Walk: A fun event where people come together to take part in a 5km run/walk to create awareness about autism.