2023 World Autism Awareness Day, more about inclusiveness than just awareness

Kathmandu: April 2 is observed as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in the world. The day commenced by spreading awareness regarding autism as a disorder and creating support for the sufferers.

There is a practice of researching, diagnosing, treating, and accepting the autism-affected population on this day.

Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that starts manifesting in early childhood. Autistic people can lead normal life if there is appropriate support and acceptance from society.

WHO has studied a number of different cases of people with autism. Some autistic people can live an independent life whereas few need special care and support for throughout the life.

World Health Organization WHO defines autism as a disorder that consists of several complication during the course of brain development. The people with autism have even found to be suffering from the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, anxiety, depression, self-injury as well as the sleeping disorder.

As per WHO research, the intellectual functioning in autistic patients profoundly varies from physical impairment to superior complexities. Many factors seem to trigger autism including the genetic and environment factor.

People with autism are prone to special care and treatment. WHO recommends an early evidence psychosocial interventions as the base for improving the communicative skills of autistic children and their social interaction. Children needs to be keenly observed to diagnose any health issues related to autism.

The United Nations General Assembly has been observing the day in order to create the acceptance mindset regarding autistic people as an integral part of the society, and highlighting the need for improvement in their life.

The United Nations has been collaborating with the Institute of Neurodiversity for observing the Autism Day this year. ‘Transforming the narrative: Contributions at home, at work, in the art an in policymaking’ is the theme of World Autism Awareness Day 2023.

UN has started a new campaign for advocating the right of autistic people in the society and increasing their acceptance. This has been taken as a major transformation for the autistic people as it is targeting the inclusiveness of the autistic people rather than just creating awareness about the disorder in the society.

This theme seems to enable autistic people for claiming their dignity and self-esteem. It also focuses on appreciating their contribution in the society. It even aims in showing the vulnerability of autistic people during the time of natural disasters, pandemic, and wars.