World Autism Day is celebrated every year on April 2nd to raise awareness about people with autistic spectrum disorders throughout the world.
This year’s World Autism Awareness Day 2020 theme is ‘The Transition to Adulthood”.
The National Autistic Society explains, “Autism is a lifelong disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world.”
“On World Autism Awareness Day, we recognize and celebrate the rights of persons with autism,” the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a news release. “This year’s observance takes place in the midst of a public health crisis unlike any other in our lifetimes — a crisis that places persons with autism at disproportionate risk as a result of the coronavirus and its impact on society”
Guterres says persons with autism have the right to self-determination, independence and autonomy, as well as the right to education and employment on an equal basis with others. But the breakdown of vital support systems and networks as a result of COVID-19 exacerbates the obstacles that persons with autism face in exercising these rights.
“The rights of persons with autism must be taken into account in the formulation of all responses to the COVID-19 virus,” Guterres said. “On World Autism Awareness Day, let us stand together, support each other and show solidarity with persons with autism.”
This year’s theme for World Autism Day is “Light It Up Blue.” Wear something blue today in support of understanding and acceptance for people with autism.
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