World Autism Awareness

Written by Alda Nasywa. Edited by Uday Lingampalli and Cindy Zhang. Layout by Tiffany Fang. Art by Thejo Tattala. Blogged by Shrawani Pradhan

What is Autism? Autism is a brain development disorder that affects one’s ability to communicate and interact with other people. In addition, autism causes behavioural disorders and limits one’s interest. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions that are surmised to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

According to data released by the US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, about 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a 10% increase from 2014, when the estimate was 1 in 59. Boys are also 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.

Additionally, data released by the WHO in April 2020 indicates that one in 270 people have ASD worldwide. These estimates represent the mean and prevalence rates reported.

People with Autism often become the targets of bullying. This issue is so widespread that the United Nations has called on all member countries to take steps to raise awareness of autism in their communities. Held on November 1, 2007, the third UN general assembly established April 2 as World Autism Care Day, and was certified as an international holiday (??) by the UN General Assembly on December 18, 2007.

What you need to remember is that Autism is not a transmissible disease. Rather, it is a condition treated not by medicine, but therapy.

“Autism is not a disability, it’s a different ability” – Stuart Duncan

Why is this Autism Awareness day so important?

On top of learning about autism, however, everyone should take real action to create a more equitable environment.

The main way that is arguably a very commandment is to minimize triggers. Everyone with Autism is different, and sensory & routine differences, anxiety, and communication difficulties are common triggers. Let’s turn April 2nd into a day not just for awareness, but a day on which to take real action too.

References Villano, M. (2021, April 2). World Autism Awareness Day 2021: What you need to know. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/02/health/autism-awareness-day-wellness/index.html

World Health Organization. (2021, April 2). Autism Spectrum Disorders. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrumdisorders#:~:text=Epidemiology,figures%20that%20are%20substantially%20higher.

Autism Speaks (n.d.). Autism Statistics and Facts. Retrieved from: https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd