Promoting Global Awareness of Autism

By an IPS Correspondent Reprint | | Print |

UNITED NATIONS, Apr 2 2013 (IPS) - A growing number of countries are heralding a new call for involvement in addressing autism and other developmental disorders that affect approximately one per cent of the world’s population of over seven billion people. World Autism Awareness Day aims to increase people’s awareness about people, especially children, with autism.

“World Autism Awareness Day has succeeded in calling greater international attention to autism and other developmental disorders that affect millions of people worldwide,” said Ban Ki-moon, U.N. Secretary-General, in his message to mark the occasion.

He added: “This international attention is essential to address stigma, lack of awareness and inadequate support structures. It is the time to work for a more inclusive society, highlight the talents of affected people and ensure opportunities for them to realize their potential.”

In December 2007, the U.N. General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the lives of children and adults who suffer from the condition. The resolution encourages member states and others to strengthen research and expand their delivery of health, education, employment and other essential services.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life, characterised by difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviours. It is the fastest growing serious developmental disability and, since 2002, its growth rate is around 57 per cent.

Children and adults with autism face major barriers associated with stigma and adverse discrimination, lack of access to support, abuse and isolation, all of which violate their fundamental human rights, according to a General Assembly resolution, sponsored by Bangladesh and adopted in 2012.

“Every year, more children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition than they are with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined,” said  Ambassador Abdul Momen, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the U.N., at a panel discussion on Tuesday. The meeting was entitled “Addressing the socioeconomic needs of individuals, families, and societies affected by autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disorders.”

Giving young children the early and correct treatment is crucial for improving their prognosis and giving them the chance to maximise their potential. But autism receives less than five per cent of the research funding and it costs over 137 billion dollars per year and expected to increase significantly.

“The challenge, therefore, is to mitigate the health, social and economic impact of this global public health crisis around the world, and alleviate the suffering of children, adults and families living with autism buy implementing best practices in systematic, feasible and sustainable ways, especially in countries where resources are limited,” stressed Momen.

To mark World Autism Awareness Day, a number of notable landmarks, including the Empire State building in New York, will be lit up in blue lights as part of the Autism Speaks Light it up blue campaign, the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organisation.