World Autism Awareness Day

02 Apr
World Autism Awareness Day has been held every year since 9 September 1989. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution "62/139. World Autism Awareness Day," adopted on 18 December 2007, proposed by Qatar, and supported by all member states.The resolution had four main components:
-the establishment of 2 April as WAAD,
-participation of UN organizations, member states, NGOs and all private & public organizations in WAAD,
-raise awareness of autism on all levels in society,
-to ask the UN Secretary-General to deliver this message to member states and all other UN organs.
It was first observed in 2008.

Autism Ontario celebrates World Autism Awareness Day by "Raising a Flag" for autism. Municipalities around Ontario raise a flag to raise awareness for autism in their region.

Autism
Autism is a developmental disability that remains with a person for his or her whole life. This condition affects the brain's functions. The first signs usually appear before a child is three years old. People with autism often:

-Find social interaction difficult.
-Have problems with verbal and non-verbal communication.
-Demonstrate restrictive and repetitive behavior.
-Have a limited set of interests and activities.

Autism affects girls and boys of all races and in all geographic regions and has a large impact on children, their families, communities and societies. The prevalence is currently rising in many countries around the world. Caring for and educating children and young people with this condition places challenges on health care, education and training programs.