World Autism Awareness Day 2024- History, Theme, Significance

World Autism Day is an annual observation celebrated on 2 April. This global healthcare event aims to raise awareness about Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The day also educates people about the wide range of challenges being faced by individuals diagnosed with autism such as challenges with social skills, nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviours, and so on. In this blog, we will explore the history of World Autism Awareness Day, its theme, significance, and more. 

Name of the day	World Autism Awareness Day
Observed on	2 April
Reason	To raise awareness about autism and its associated challenges for diagnosed individuals.
Theme 2024	Moving from surviving to thriving: Autistic individuals share regional perspectives

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition marked by persistent, continuing problems with social communication, specific interests, and repetitive behaviour. Despite the fact that autism is thought to be a lifelong condition, each autistic individual has varying degrees of difficulty.

Variations in the brain cause autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a developmental disability. Some ASD patients have distinguishing characteristics, like a genetic condition. However, there are some unknown factors that still exist. Several underlying causes of ASD are believed to interact to change how people generally grow. We still don’t fully understand these elements’ effects on people with ASD.

People with ASD may act, engage, communicate, and learn in ways that are different from most other individuals. Most of the time, their appearance does not set them apart from others. ASD sufferers may be highly talented in many different areas. For instance, while some people with ASD are nonverbal, others might be better at speech. While some people with ASD need a lot of help, others may be able to work and function independently.

Must Read: World Down Syndrome Day

History of World Autism Day 

The term “autism” made its first historical occurrence in 1911. It was when psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler used it to characterise a particular group of symptoms that were formerly thought to be straightforward signs of schizophrenia, such as severe social detachment.

• In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD).
• Since then, the day has been celebrated to educate people about autism and the challenges faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Every year countries worldwide organize numerous events, conferences, seminars, and fundraising events 

What is the Theme of World Autism Awareness Day 2024?

The theme for World Autism Awareness Day 2024 is “Moving from surviving to thriving: Autistic individuals share regional perspectives”. This theme highlights the urgency and importance of shifting the focus from merely coping with autism to helping affected individuals succeed in what they do.

Also Read: Autistic Pride Day 2023

Early Interventions: Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of ASD typically appear before the age of three and can last the rest of a person’s life, however, occasionally they get worse as people age. Some children can develop ASD symptoms as early as their first year of life. Some people may not start showing symptoms until they are 24 months or older. Parents, carers, or paediatricians can identify the earliest signs of this illness in children before they become one year old.

Lack of Social Communication

Repetitive Actions and Confined Interests

Treatment and Diagnosis

Since there is no medical test, such as a blood test, to diagnose ASD, doing so can be challenging. To determine a diagnosis, doctors consider the child’s behaviour and developmental stage. ASD can occasionally be identified in children as young as 18 months. A valid diagnosis made by a qualified expert can be assumed by the age of two. Nevertheless, a lot of kids don’t get a definitive diagnosis until they’re considerably older. Some patients don’t receive a diagnosis until they are teenagers or adults. People with ASD may not receive the early assistance they require as a result of this delay. The goal of current ASD therapy is to lessen symptoms that affect everyday life and quality of life. Because ASD has a distinct impact on each individual, each person with ASD has various strengths, problems, and treatment needs. 1 As a result, treatment programmes frequently involve several specialists and are tailored to the person.

Therapies may be offered in a variety of settings, including those related to education, health, the community, or the home. To make sure that treatment goals and progress are meeting expectations, it is crucial that professionals communicate with one another, the person with ASD, and their family. 

Individuals with Autism Can Lead Full Lives

How to Celebrate World Autism Day?

Here are a few tips that might help you celebrate this World Autism Day with great zeal.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

If you are wondering how to extend your love and affection towards a child diagnosed with autism, the below-mentioned tips for parents and caregivers might help you.

FAQs

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