Every year on April 2, we recognize World Autism Awareness Day, a global healthcare event centered around the acceptance, inclusion, and support of autistic people as well as advocacy for the rights of those with autism.
Autism is not a one-size-fits-all type of neurodiversity. You’ve probably heard the term “spectrum” in relation to autism before. It’s important to keep in mind as we talk about autism on World Autism Awareness Day that each person with autism is unique – no two diagnoses are exactly the same, and everyone with autism is distinctive and individual. While we may talk about people with autism as a group, this group is far from homogenous, and each autistic person’s experience is singular.
Today, we will dive into the importance of World Autism Awareness Day and cover all of the ways that you can get involved, learn more about autism, and advocate for autistic people across the globe.
Why Is World Autism Awareness Day Important?
World Autism Awareness Day is important because it highlights the important contributions and individuality of each autistic person and the neuro-minority of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a whole. Despite increased efforts for inclusion and recognition of neurodiverse people into society, educational institutions, and the workplace, autistic people still face discrimination and prejudice along with other difficulties. World Autism Awareness Day aims to combat these biases by highlighting the beauty of neurodiversity.
Too many autistic people face unnecessary obstacles to their education, employment, healthcare, and community engagement – largely because of institutional roadblocks that make the world less accessible for neurodivergent people. In the U.S. alone, 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults identifies with autism spectrum disorder, underscoring the importance of pushing back against these obstacles.
Neurodiversity was originally coined as a term by the Australian sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s. Singer used the term as a way to describe the virtually infinite neurocognitive differences between various people. Neurodiversity refers to the differences in people’s nervous systems, highlighting each person’s varied sets of skills and needs.
Like all neurodiverse communities, autistic people have a wide range of gifts and struggles that are sometimes overlooked. Knowledge and acceptance of ASD vary substantially across the world, and World Autism Awareness Day aims to help global citizens learn more about the autism spectrum and promote acceptance and inclusion.
The History of World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day is a product of the United Nations, and it has been celebrated yearly on April 2 since 2008. Today, three groups organize World Autism Awareness Day celebrations and goals: the United Nations Department of Global Communications, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION).
ION is headquartered in Switzerland and has a significant presence in thirteen other countries as well. The group is working toward building a society where neurodiverse people feel welcomed, included, represented, heard, and empowered. Each year the UN departments and ION come up with a focus for World Autism Awareness Day that helps guide goals and policy direction for the year. In 2025, the World Autism Awareness Day theme is “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
The seventeen SDGs are a hallmark of United Nations efforts around the globe. This World Autism Awareness Day, we strive to acknowledge and promote neurodiversity in a way that complements and incorporates the SDGs. Previous themes have included inclusion in the workplace, ensuring quality education for all, and transforming the narrative.
How to Get Involved During World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day occurs on April 2 – but all year long, there is never a bad time to become more of an ally for people with autism around the world. Here are some top ways to get involved and spread awareness and care for the autistic community.
Educate Yourself About Autism
We like to say that education is the first step toward acceptance. When you learn more about the diversity of the autism spectrum, you are better equipped to be an ally for those with autism and create inclusive, welcoming spaces for autistic people. Start today, and challenge yourself to read at least one article about autism this week… or better yet, every week!
Earn Your Autism Ally Badge
The organization Autism Speaks offers a free, online training course (it takes just 30 minutes!) in which you can earn your autism ally badge. In this course, you’ll learn about autism, accepting those who have autism as they are, and ensuring that your environment is inclusive to those with autism. The program is aligned with the overall goals of Autism Speaks in promoting autism acceptance and building community among and with autistic people.
Spread Awareness by Wearing Blue
The icon of the puzzle pieces is often recognized as a symbol of autism awareness, but you can also highlight your allyship by wearing blue on World Autism Awareness Day. Better yet, take a selfie and tag it accordingly on your social media accounts to spread awareness of this holiday.
Attend Local Events
Research World Autism Awareness Day events in your local area. You might attend a talk by a university professor or a person with autism who is sharing their story. You could also participate in a fundraising 5K run or other event to raise money for autism awareness and acceptance programs near you.
Learn More About Autism Therapy
On World Autism Awareness Day, we prioritize autism awareness and acceptance in order to make the world a better and more welcoming place for people with autism spectrum disorder. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a leading treatment to help children with autism – it is not meant to change or “cure” autism, but rather to help teach skills, improve communication, and foster independence.
Looking to learn more about autism treatment and therapies? Reach out to us at Triumph Behavioral Health! We are a Maryland wellness center with a team of expert behavioral health professionals who will work with you to formulate an individualized treatment plan. Get in touch with us today!