Every year, the month of April is celebrated as World Autism Month, where people share their stories and make people understand and accept individuals with autism. April 2 is observed as World Autism Awareness Day, focusing on spreading awareness about Autism around the world.
Dr. Sheetal Goyal, Senior Neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said, "Autism awareness is vital to foster understanding and support for individuals on the spectrum. Promoting acceptance and embracing neurodiversity encourages a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive. It's essential to prioritize research, funding, and resources to further our understanding of autism and develop innovative interventions. By promoting acceptance, understanding, and support, we can create a world where individuals with autism are valued and empowered to reach their full potential."
What is Autism?
Autism, also called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a condition where an individual struggles with social interactions, repetitive behaviours, and faces challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication. They interact, communicate, and behave in different ways than normal individuals.
"While there's no surefire way to prevent autism, early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Providing inclusive education, therapy tailored to individual needs, and creating sensory-friendly environments can greatly enhance the lives of children with autism.", Dr Sheetal added.
Symptoms of Autism
The most common and obvious symptoms of autism in an individual are challenges in social interaction and communication, and they often have repetitive behaviours. Not all individuals may have these symptoms, but these are the most common signs of identifying symptoms.
Causes of Autism
The risk of autism can be caused by several factors, most commonly by genetic and environmental influences. Autism often affects early brain development. Some genes linked to autism can affect the working of other genes in the body by making it more or less active. This also affects the brain cells, causing people to behave in certain ways.
History Of World Autism Awareness Day
The World Autism Awareness Day was proposed by the United Nations Representative from Qatar, Moza bint Naseer Al-Missned. The council was passed on 1st November 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly and was later adopted on 18th December 2007. The resolution was taken to spread knowledge about autism around the world and further accept them.
World Autism Awareness Day 2024: Theme and Significance
World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated on Tuesday, 2nd April 2024. This year's theme is 'Empowering Autistic Voices,' aiming to provide support and empower everyone diagnosed with autism. Take time to educate people around you about autism, give them a safe space around you, treat them like a normal human, post on social media about autism, and spread its information as much as possible.
