World Autism Awareness Day takes place every year on the 2nd of April and is a designated United Nations Day of Observance.
On December 18th 2007, The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day, to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with Autism so that they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
This year, the theme of Autism Awareness Day is ‘Inclusive Quality Education for All’
Read more about World Autism Awareness Day here or see the UN website – https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day
What can you do to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day?
- Speak to the Autistic people in your life, find out how they would like to mark the day.
- Promote understanding and acceptance of the Autistic community within your friend and family circles.
- Attend a local Autism Awareness event in your area.
- Learn more by reading a book or watching a video relating to Autism or Autistic people’s experiences.
- If the Autistic person in your life has a particular interest/hobby, why not organise a family day out/activity centred around that.
- If you own a business, learn more about how you can support people with Autism by getting in touch with us.
- Remember that every Autistic person is different, every person has their strengths and challenges, treat each person with respect and as an individual.
What can your School do to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day?
- Talk to your Autistic pupils, ask how they feel the school can promote more understanding and acceptance.
- This year’s theme for Autism Awareness Day is Inclusive Quality Education for All. Consider holding a school wide awareness day focusing on inclusion and share some resources with your pupils.
- Contact the Irish Society for Autism to request some information resources for your school.
- Twinkl, the NCSE, Outside the Box and the Middletown Centre for Autism also have numerous resources available which may help.
- The Amazing Things Happen video may be helpful
What the Irish Society for Autism is Doing for World Autism Awareness Day
The Society welcomes the announcement of the Autism Innovation Strategy, however we must stress the importance of enshrining the rights of Autistic people in Ireland with meaningful legislation.
The European Charter of Rights for Persons with Autism, co-authored by the Irish Society for Autism, states that people with Autism should share the same rights and privileges enjoyed by all of the European population, and that these rights should be enhanced, protected, and enforced by appropriate legislation in each EU Member State.
At a time when the basic needs of Autistic children and adults are not being met, we are challenging all Government Departments and State Bodies to come together and work towards a framework which will not only meet those needs, but protect them.
