World Autism Day, observed on April 2 globally, is a day aimed at spreading awareness regarding autism. The UN established the day as a means to affirm and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for autistic people on an equal basis with others.

This year, the day will for the first time seek to provide a truly global overview of the state of affairs in this regard from the perspective of autistic people themselves.

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder. With this condition, people experience symptoms that include persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

As per a 2021 study published in the Indian Journal of Paediatrics, the estimated prevalence of Autism in India is around 1 in 68 children. Boys are more commonly affected by autism than girls with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 3:1.

It is caused due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The symptoms can be identified in the early stages, as early as about 15 months, such as the child not responding to name or making eye contact. However, in such conditions, parents are advised by experts to consult doctors and not freight.

World Autism Day is aimed at emotionally supporting parents and autistic people, through informed awareness. As cases of autism around the world are on rise, treatment, diagnosis and therapy for autism is required more than ever before as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The theme this year is ‘Empowering Autistic Voices’ aimed at providing more support to the individuals with this condition, to help them excel in life and lead a meaningful one.