MANILA, Philippines – April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day when countries from all over the world raise awareness for autism on all levels of society.

Autism is a disorder in neural development in which the way nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize are altered affecting how information is processed in the brain.

People with autism often have difficulty with social interaction and communication. But with the help of supportive loved ones and engaged sectors of society, people with autism are able to adapt to their social environment and lead fruitful, happy lives.

AutismSpeaks.org, a group advocating autism awareness, has declared blue as the official color of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). Through their “Light It Up Blue” campaign, they are encouraging people from all over the world to shed light on autism.

Famous landmarks all over the globe have been lit blue in honor of WAAD. They include the Empire State Building in New York, the Sydney Opera House in Australia and the Great Pyramids in Egypt.

WAAD has been celebrated on April 2 since 1989 after a United Nations General Assembly resolution.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has relayed a message to commemorate the special day:

World Autism Awareness Day has succeeded in calling greater international attention to autism and other developmental disorders that affect millions of people worldwide.

The current session of the United Nations General Assembly has adopted a new resolution on this issue, demonstrating a commitment to help affected individuals and families. The resolution encourages Member States and others to strengthen research and expand their delivery of health, education, employment and other essential services.

The Executive Board of the World Health Assembly will also take up the subject of autism spectrum disorders at its forthcoming session in May.  

This international attention is essential to address stigma, lack of awareness and inadequate support structures. Current research indicates that early interventions can help persons with autistic conditions to achieve significant gains in their abilities. Now is the time to work for a more inclusive society, highlight the talents of affected people and ensure opportunities for them to realize their potential.

The General Assembly will hold a high-level meeting on 23 September to address the conditions of more than one billion persons with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorders. I hope leaders will seize this opportunity to make a meaningful difference that will help these individuals and our human family as a whole.

Let us continue to work hand-in-hand with persons with autism spectrum disorders, helping them to cultivate their strengths while addressing the challenges they face so they can lead the productive lives that are their birthright. – Rappler.com