World Autism Awareness Day is observed on the 2nd of April. The day is meant to raise awareness about autism, a developmental disorder which impairs your ability to communicate and interact.
Autism can be defined as a complex neuro behavioral condition which causes problems with language and communication skills. It also causes a person to have repetitive and rigid behavior. Autism is characterized by a range of symptoms and is thus also known as autism spectrum disorder.
We know that there are many sub-types of autism. Most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges.
The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with autism may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and live independently.
Indications of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3. Some associated development delays can appear even earlier and can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.
On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day 2019, the effort is to spread widespread awareness about autism, and try to break social, environmental and psychological barriers that come in way of autistic people..
For many people on the autism spectrum, access to affordable assistive technologies is necessary to being able to exercise their basic human rights and participate fully in the life of their communities. Assistive technology can reduce or eliminate the barriers to their participation on an equal basis with others.
There are major barriers to the use of assistive technologies, including high costs, lack of availability, lack of awareness of their potential, and a lack of training in their use. Available data indicates that, in several developing countries, more than 50% of the persons with disabilities who need assistive devices are not able to receive them.
1 in 160 people have an autism spectrum disorder. People with autism are often subject to stigma, discrimination and human rights violations. This needs to stop!