World Autism Awareness Day 2021: Know Theme, Significance & Challenges Around Developmental Disorder

On this day, the member states of the United Nations are engaged in spreading awareness about people living with autistic spectrum disorders including autism and Asperger syndrome.

Representative Image

Every year on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day is observed in order to raise awareness around neurodevelopment disorder and inspire people to be kind and sensitive with people detected with this problem.

On this day, the member states of the United Nations are engaged in spreading awareness about people living with autistic spectrum disorders including autism and Asperger syndrome.

According to the United Nations, the “COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and heightened glaring inequalities around the world, especially when it comes to income and wealth distribution, access to health care, protection under the law, and political inclusion. Persons with autism have long faced many of these inequalities, which have only been further exacerbated by the pandemic”.

“It’s a problem made worse by long recognized discriminatory hiring practices and workplace environments that present major obstacles for persons with autism; all of which contribute to the unemployment or severe underemployment of a large majority of adults on the autism spectrum,” it stated.

What is the history behind this day?

The resolution to declare April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day was passed by the UN General Assembly on November 1, 2007, and adopted on December 18, 2007. The day has been dedicated to “highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society”.

What’s the theme for World Autism Awareness Day 2021?

This year, the theme is ‘Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World’.  The 2021 World Autism Awareness Day will address the above issues through a virtual event that will include moderated panel discussions with individuals on the autism spectrum who have themselves experienced the challenges and seen these new opportunities in the employment market.

What is autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. However, the range and severity of symptoms vary from case to case. Some of the common symptoms are difficulty with communication, social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors. In case of early detection, behavioural, educational and family therapies can help in tackling the symptoms and support development and learning.