Date
Wednesday
Apr

April 2

World Autism Awareness Day

Let's come together to raise awareness and show our support for World Autism Awareness Day - join us in celebrating neurodiversity!

Yearly Date
April 2
Type
Day
Category
Health

Introduction

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, a day to celebrate the lives of people with autism and show our support for their needs. This day was established in 2008 by the United Nations General Assembly as an international observance to encourage member states to take measures that promote better understanding and acceptance of those living with autism spectrum disorder. Let's join together on this special day in celebration of all individuals affected by autism!

World Autism Awareness Day Timeline

1943
Autism Identified
Leo Kanner, an Austrian psychiatrist, first identifies autism as a specific neurological condition separate from schizophrenia.
1980
Autism in DSM
Autism is included in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), officially recognized as a disorder separate from childhood schizophrenia.
1991
IDEA Covers Autism
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), autism is officially listed as a separate category of disability, ensuring equal educational rights for all autistic individuals.
2000
Prevalence Increases
CDC reports that autism affects an estimated 1 in 150 children in the United States, significantly higher than previous estimates.
2007
UN Resolution on Autism
United Nations adopted resolution 62/139 declaring April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, to be observed every year starting from 2008.
2020
Global Communication Initiative
The UN launches a new initiative for World Autism Awareness Day, focusing on the importance of universally affordable access to digital communication technologies for persons with autism and other disabilities.

How to Celebrate World Autism Awareness Day

1

Organize a Fundraiser

Organize a fundraiser in your community to support autism awareness and research. Invite all members of the community to participate, as well as local businesses, schools, and organizations.

2

Attend an Autism Awareness Event

Attend an event near you to show your support for those living with autism. There are many events throughout the year that celebrate individuals on the autism spectrum and promote acceptance and understanding.

3

Wear Blue

Show your support by wearing blue! This is the official color of World Autism Awareness Day, so wear it proudly. You can also decorate your home or office with blue lights in honor of those with autism.

4

Spread Awareness Online

Share stories and resources about autism on social media or start a blog to spread awareness and educate others about the disorder. You can also use hashtags such as #autismawareness and #lightitupblue to join in conversations online.

5

Make A Donation

Donate to a charity or organization that supports awareness and research of autism. Consider donating time or money to help raise funds for programs that benefit people living with autism.

Why World Autism Awareness Day is Important

A

To spread awareness of autism

World Autism Awareness Day is an important day to recognize and raise awareness about autism. It serves as an opportunity to educate the public on what autism is and how it can affect people's lives. By talking openly about this condition, we can help reduce stigma and create a safe environment for those living with autism.

B

To celebrate diversity and inclusion

Autism is often seen as something that needs to be “fixed” or “cured,” but World Autism Awareness Day provides a platform for celebrating diversity and inclusion instead. This day celebrates people with autism for who they are - unique individuals with their own talents, strengths, and gifts to share!

C

To support research efforts

World Autism Awareness Day also serves as a reminder to support research into better understanding autism so that its early intervention, diagnosis and treatment can continue to improve over time. This will enable children and adults affected by autism to get the services they need in order to reach their full potential.

World Autism Awareness Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 1
Saturday
2024
Apr 1
Monday
2025
Apr 1
Tuesday
2026
Apr 1
Wednesday
2027
Apr 1
Thursday