World Autism Awareness Day is commemorated every year on April 2 to celebrate and to build awareness on the impact of autism and lives affected by autism. The day also attempts to recognise the important contributions of people suffering from the neurological disorder.

This year’s UN theme ‘Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Autistic individuals share regional perspectives’ seeks to provide a global overview of the state of affairs from the perspective of autistic people.

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society. Autism is a lifelong neurological condition that manifests during early childhood, irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. The term Autism Spectrum refers to a range of characteristics: unique social interactions, non-standard ways of learning, keen interests in specific subjects, inclination to routines, challenges in typical communications and particular ways of processing sensory information. Appropriate support, accommodation and acceptance of this neurological variation allow those on the Spectrum to enjoy equal opportunity, and full and effective participation in society, mentions the UN.

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While autism is highly prevalent in all regions of the world, the lack of awareness and understanding has impacted the individuals, their families and communities. Further, the stigma and discrimination attached to autism remains one the challenges for treatment.

Some world famous figures with autism includes: Scientist Albert Einstein, Poet Emily Dickinson, Tech Entrepreneur Elon Musk, Biologist Charles Darwin, Movie Director Tim Burton, Writer Jane Austen, Lionel Messi.