Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day History

World Autism Awareness Day seeks to raise the global understanding and acceptance of people with autism. The observance also advocates for social inclusion, emphasizing the need to support and celebrate the neurodiverse community's unique talents and abilities. It highlights pertinent aspects like the need for research, diagnosis, societal awareness, early intervention, and access to support services. Additionally, the day serves as a wake-up call to ensure policy development and legislation appropriately address the needs of individuals living with autism.

The United Nations officially designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day in 2007, making it an integral part of its Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Across the globe, and particularly in Canada, the day underscores a commitment to fostering an inclusive society that accommodates people on the spectrum. Canada demonstrates a significant interest in supporting this cause, recognizing the necessity for educational and medical resources, employment opportunities, and community living support for people living with autism. Government initiatives and societal campaigns focus on understanding the experiences of autistic individuals, thus changing attitudes towards the disorder.

In Canada, World Autism Awareness Day is observed with various public and private events, like awareness-raising activities, educational seminars, and creative workshops. Buildings, monuments, and homes are lit up blue in solidarity with the 'Light It Up Blue' campaign, introduced by the global autism community. There are no specific Canadian dates for World Autism Awareness Day. It's universal and observed on April 2, mirroring the international commitment towards a more inclusive society for individuals with autism.

Facts about 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.
• According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 1 in 66 children and youth (between ages 5-17 years) are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• It's estimated that the cost of caring for a person with autism can go up to CA$150,000 annually, taking into consideration associated costs like healthcare, behavioral therapies, special education, and family wages lost due to caregiving.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Autism Awareness Day

Top things to do in Canada for 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.
• Participate in the Autism Speaks Canada Walk: Some of the most popular events on this day are organized by Autism Speaks Canada, which hosts annual walks in cities across the country to raise funds.
• Raise awareness online through Social Media Campaigns: Several national and local organizations use social media platforms to engage with people, providing useful information and resources on Autism.