Today April 2 marks the World Autism Awareness Day, and from Babies and more we want to contribute our grain of sand. Autism is a permanent developmental disability that manifests itself in the first three years of age.
The United Nations General Assembly, in its line of promoting the rights and well-being of children with developmental disabilities, unanimously declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the living conditions of children and adults suffering from this disorder.
The autism rate in all regions of the world is high and has a great impact on children, their families, communities and society. That is why it is important to raise public awareness about the disorder and demand improvements for the well-being of those who suffer from it, and their families. In addition, it is a disorder that still has many unanswered questions. It is necessary to continue investigating.
We leave you the words of Ban Ki-moon, the Message from the Secretary General on World Autism Awareness Day:
With the World Autism Awareness Day, more attention has been raised at the international level regarding autism and other developmental disorders that affect millions of people around the world. At the current session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, a new resolution on this issue was adopted, demonstrating the effort to help affected individuals and families. The resolution encourages Member States and other entities to intensify research and expand their health, education, employment and other essential services. The Executive Board of the World Health Assembly will also address the issue of autism spectrum disorders at its next session in May. This international attention is essential to address the problem of stigma, lack of awareness and insufficient support structures. Current research indicates that early interventions can help people with autism problems achieve significant improvements in their abilities. Now is the time to work for a more inclusive society, highlight the talents of the people affected and ensure that there are opportunities for them to develop their potential. The General Assembly will hold a high-level meeting on September 23 to address the situation of more than one billion people with disabilities, including people with autism spectrum disorders. I hope that the leaders take this opportunity to make a constructive contribution that serves to help these people and humanity as a whole. Let us continue working together with people suffering from autism spectrum disorders, helping them to cultivate their skills and face the challenges they face so that they can lead their productive life as their inalienable right.
Hopefully dates like this from World Autism Awareness Day bear fruit, raise public awareness and reduce stigma on autism spectrum disorders, improve educational and research programs ... and ultimately guarantee the rights of children with autism.
Official Site | UN More information | Autistic Project In Babies and more | World Autism Awareness Day 2012, The genetic risk of autism
