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.
2026 marks the 19th year of World Autism Awareness Day.
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 mark World Autism Awareness Day?
- Promote understanding and acceptance of Autism within your friend and family circles.
- If you or the Autistic person in your life has a particular interest/hobby, why not organise a family day out/activity centred around that.
- Speak to the Autistic people in your life, find out how they would like to mark the day.
- Learn more by reading a book or watching a video relating to Autism or Autistic people’s experiences.
- Businesses and Organisations – 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.
Autism Europe is running a ‘Not Invisible’ campaign for World Autism Awareness Day which focuses on ensuring that autistic people and their families have a platform to express their views, concerns, and aspirations in their own words and formats, and influence European decision-makers. They aim to raise awareness within the wider community and inform policymakers that concrete changes are needed to protect the rights of autistic people and their families. You can take part in the campaign by sharing your personal autism story with Autism Europe, or by sharing their call for stories with your network.
They are encouraging community members to openly share their experiences, perspectives, and challenges to advocate for better policies, public services, and practices that support the rights and quality of life of autistic people.
For further information, please see – https://not-invisible.org/ and https://www.autismeurope.org/blog/2026/03/26/support-our-not-invisible-campaign-on-world-autism-awareness-day/
What can your School do to mark World Autism Awareness Day?
- Talk to your Autistic pupils, ask how they feel the school can promote more understanding and acceptance.
- Consider holding a school-wide awareness day 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 (see below)
