Today, April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), a special day marked by the United Nations to help raise awareness and support for Autism, a condition affecting one in every 1,000 children all over the world. Per the United States Center for Disease Control, some 35 million people have been diagnosed with Autism worldwide. This is the sixth year that the world is officially holding WAAD.

Since 1989, the world has been celebrating World Autism Awareness Day, but it wasn’t until December 18, 2007 that the United Nations adopted a resolution to fully support WAAD.

Light it Up Blue

The main thrust of World Autism Awareness Day is to raise awareness for autism. An organization that promotes awareness for autism is Autism Speaks. This is the largest autism science and advocacy organization in the world. Their campaign is called Light it Up Blue, an activity that aims to raise awareness and support for WAAD, as well as Autism Awareness Month in the United States.

Many of the major landmarks in the world are lit in blue light in support of WAAD, such as the Empire State Building in New York, the Willis Tower in Chicago, Toronto’s CN Tower, and the Kingdom Tower and Faisaliah Tower in Riyadh, Sau Arabia. Many other buildings all over the world have also supported Light it Up Blue.

Retailers have their own activities

In support of WAAD, toy retailer Toys R Us is carrying out an online and in-store fundraising campaign, under it’s Shine a Light for Autism activity. Home Depot has been selling blue light bulbs since March in support of the event.

Challenge of autism

Among the most difficult aspects about autism is early diagnosis. As with many conditions, early detection is key so early intervention can be made, especially since the developmental disability is diagnosed within the first three years of life. The main goal for children with autism and families dealing with children with special needs is integration, according to Amal Al-Rajih, deputy director of rehabilitation at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad’s Mother Autism Center.

WAAD seeks to “address the stigma, lack of awareness and inadequate support structures” that those with autism have to deal with,” according to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Crossing over to be geniuses

Many autistic people have managed to do many incredible things, associating their condition with geniuses. Stephen Wiltshire, an autistic person from London was able to draw a detailed picture of New York City’s Skyline after seeing the city from a helicopter ride which lasted only 20 minutes back in 2009. Earlier this year, Muneera Al-Muheish, an autistic 15-year old girl from Riyadh was able to publish her first book on racial profiling and violence.

With more awareness and support when it comes to autism, the community hopes that there will be more understanding, support systems and better integration for those with special needs.