WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

Details

World Autism Awareness Day or World Autism Acceptance Day is an internationally recognized day (observed annually on 2 April) that encourages member states of the United Nations to take measures to raise global awareness of autism, promote the acceptance, appreciation and inclusion of autistic individuals and recognize such individuals' local and global contributions. The date was chosen to mark the beginning of World Autism Awareness Month, an observance which serves a similar purpose.

Alternatively, Autistic Pride Day, a pride celebration organized by and for autistic people, is held annually on 18 June.

It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution (A/RES/62/139),passed in council on 1 November 2007, and adopted on 18 December 2007. It was proposed by Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, the United Nations Representative from Qatar, and supported by all member states. This resolution was passed and adopted without a vote in the UN General Assembly, mainly as a supplement to previous UN initiatives to improve human rights.

In 2014, World Autism Awareness Day coincided with Onesie Wednesday, a day created by the National Autistic Society to encourage people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to show their support for autistic people. By wearing a onesie or pajamas, participants are saying, "It's all right to be different".

The original resolution had four main components:

• The establishment of the second day of April as World Autism Awareness Day, beginning in 2008.
• Invitation to Member States and other relevant organizations to the UN or the international societal system, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to create initiatives to raise public awareness of autism.
• Encourages Member States to raise awareness of autism on all levels in society.
• Asks the UN Secretary-General to deliver this message to member states and all other UN organizations.