Date
Friday
Apr
18

April 18

Adult Autism Awareness Day

Help spread awareness about Adult Autism this April 2nd by joining in on the conversation for Adult Autism Awareness Day!

Yearly Date
April 18
Type
Day
Category
Health

Introduction

On April 18, join in to celebrate Adult Autism Awareness Day! This special day has been celebrated since 2006 and was created to raise awareness about adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is also a chance to recognize the contributions that these individuals make in society, as well as show support for their families. The goal of this day is to educate people about autism and provide resources and support for those living with it. So let's come together on April 18th to help spread understanding and acceptance of ASD!

Adult Autism Awareness Day Timeline

1911
Initial Autism Identification
Eugene Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist, first used the term "autism" to describe symptoms of schizophrenia.
1943
Autism Defined as Separate Condition
Leo Kanner, an U.S. psychiatrist, distinguished autism as a separate condition from schizophrenia.
1972
Research on Adults with Autism
The need for studies and resources focused towards adults with autism began to be recognized within professional circles.
1980
Autism Included in DSM
Autism officially included as a disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III).
2006
First Adult Autism Awareness Day
First celebrated in 2006, Adult Autism Awareness Day aims to raise awareness about adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Present Day
Continued Advocacy and Awareness
Advocacy groups continue to push for greater awareness and resources for Adults with Autism, further mainstreaming the discussion about ASD.

How to Celebrate Adult Autism Awareness Day

1

Educate yourself

Take some time to learn more about autism in adults. Read blogs, listen to podcasts, watch documentaries or look for local events that discuss adult autism.

2

Volunteer

Look for volunteer opportunities in your area where you can help adults with autism. This could be anything from helping out with a local event, to providing support in a classroom setting.

3

Reach out

If you know someone who is living with autism, reach out and let them know that you are there for them. Offer your support and let them know that you care.

4

Donate

Support organizations that advocate for adults with autism. Donating money or time will go a long way to help those who are affected by the disorder.

5

Spread awareness

Talk to your friends and family about autism in adults and spread this important message as far and wide as possible.

Why Adult Autism Awareness Day is Important

A

Raising awareness of autism in adults

Adult Autism Awareness Day is an important day for raising awareness about autism in adults. Many people are unaware that autism isn’t just a disorder that affects children – it continues to be a disabling condition in adulthood too. Raising awareness helps people understand the unique needs and challenges faced by those with autism into adulthood.

B

Encouraging acceptance

The world can often be less than understanding of people with disabilities, yet understanding breeds acceptance. Adult Autism Awareness Day aims to educate society so that those living with autism can feel accepted and embraced for who they are instead of faced with ignorance, stigma or discrimination.

C

Improving resources

Raising awareness also allows us to better understand the needs of those with autism in order to provide more appropriate resources and support. Adult Autism Awareness Day hopes to bring attention to the unique issues faced by adults on the spectrum and continue improving resources available to help them navigate their lives successfully.

Adult Autism Awareness Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 17
Monday
2024
Apr 17
Wednesday
2025
Apr 17
Thursday
2026
Apr 17
Friday
2027
Apr 17
Saturday