World Autism Awareness Day

World Autism Awareness Day History

World Autism Awareness Day seeks to boost public knowledge and understanding about autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The day is an opportunity to celebrate the unique abilities of individuals with autism while advancing inclusivity and acceptance for all. Spreading accurate information, dispelling myths, and promoting equal access to resources form an urgent part of this observance, emphasising the ongoing need for compassion, comprehension and acceptance among the non-autistic community.

World Autism Awareness Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to bring global focus to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects millions worldwide, including a significant number of individuals in the United Kingdom. Here in the UK, approximately 1 in every 100 people is on the autism spectrum. Autism’s wide range of manifestations means response from public services, professionals and across communities is fundamental for understanding the condition and supporting those with it.

In the United Kingdom, observing World Autism Awareness Day typically involves various activities led by organisations, communities, and individuals. Events can range from public information campaigns, educational events and fundraising drives, to more personal acts such as wearing the colour blue in solidarity with the autism community. This unified effort contributes to a broader acceptance of autism and increased social understanding. World Autism Awareness Day falls annually on the 2nd of April, sending a clear message of support and appreciation to all those in the UK and beyond living with autism.

Facts about World 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 National Autistic Society, there are around 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK – that's more than 1 in 100.
• Autism friendly initiatives, including quiet shopping hours and sensory friendly performances, have been increasing across retailers, entertainment and public venues in the UK to mark World Autism Awareness Day and beyond.

In the News and Trending in the UK for World Autism Awareness Day

Top things to do in the UK for World 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.
• Visit Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions: They are one of the largest free UK exhibitions dedicated to children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs, their families, carers and the professionals who support them.
• Participate in the March on Parliament: A group named "Autism Assemble" organizes this event where hundreds of families and individuals march to Parliament to demand more recognition and assistance for those affected by Autism.