Light it up blue 💙

World Autism Awareness Day April 2 aims at increasing public awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is a developmental disability. It might stay with a person for life if not treated. The first symptoms appear before the child is three years old usually.
It is not a piece of cake to care for these children. It is not easy to educate them. However, they have a better IQ than other neurotypical people. And various healthcare, educational and training programmes are doing a commendable job at their education.
This day sheds light on the hurdles that these people face daily. It is about the global understanding of autism. The United Nations Department of Global Communication, Economics and Social Affairs is the main organizer of the day. Related institutions also aid it. The World Health Organization states that one out of every 160th child suffers from Autism. Sadly, even today, not much is known about it. Therefore, it is necessary to detect it as early as possible to cure it effectively.
Activities:
The following events are organized on the day:
Panel discussions with autism experts, politicians and non-governmental organization representatives.
Informative events for parents of these unique children with autism.
Conferences and workshops for professionals working with people with autism.
Artistic workshops for them.
Television, radio shows and newspaper articles about it.
Educational materials for parents and teachers.
Artistic exhibitions to appreciate the marvels of those suffering from the condition.
Posters and banners to increase public awareness about autism.
Special clinics so families can consult paediatricians, psychologists and social workers.
History:
On November 1st, 2007; the United Nations called for one day designated annually for the Autism Spectrum Disorder. On December 18th, 2007; the United Nations General Assembly chose April 2nd as a day for Autism. It’s been observed since 2008. The United Nations representative from Qatar, Her Highness, Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaliafa Al- Thani- the Emir of Qatar proposed it. All the United Nations member states supported the idea.
The United Nations:
The United Nations invites its member states and relevant organizations like non-governmental organizations and the private sector. So, they take initiative. And it adds to the public’s knowledge related to autism. The United Nations focuses on:
Awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Helping people diagnose the symptoms of autism in children at an early age.
Its research, treatment and acceptance.
Fighting the discrimination they face.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said:
We speak out against discrimination. We strengthen our commitment to the full inclusion of people with autism. We support them to meet their potential. The 2030 Sustainable Development promises to leave no one behind.
Themes:
2012: “Launch of the United Nations Official Awareness Raising Stamp.”
2013: “Celebrating the Ability within the Disability of Autism.”
2014: “Opening Doors to Inclusive Education.”
2015: “Employment:The Autism Advantage.”
2016: “Autism and the 2030 Agenda:Inclusion and Neuro-diversity.”
2017: “Towards Autonomy and self-determination.”
2018: “Empowering Women and Girls with Autism.”
2019: “Assistance Technologies:Active Participation.”
Symptoms of Autism:
If a child of 8 -10 months has autism. He shows the following social symptoms:
Inability to respond to his name by his first birthday.
Disinterest in playing, sharing and talking to others.
Dislike for comfort when upset.
Inability to understand one’s own emotions or others.
Inability to stretch arms out. So others can pick up or guide with walking.
Communication symptoms:
40% of such kids do not talk at all. 25 – 35% develop some language skills during infancy. Lose them later, though. Some start talking later in life. They have:
Delayed speech and language skills.
Difficulty in social interactions.
Problems with nonverbal communication.
-Flat, robotic or sing-song voice.
Problems with nouns like saying You instead of me.
Not using or rarely making gestures like pointing, or waving hands. Not responding to them.
Inability to stay on topic while talking or answering questions.
Not recognizing sarcasm or jokes.
Unusual behaviours:
Repetitive behaviours like hand
flapping, rocking, jumping, or twirling.
Constant motion like pacing and hyper behaviour.
Fixation of certain activities or objects.
Fond of a specific routine or ritual.
Getting upset when a routine changes even slightly.
Extreme sensitivity to touch, light and sound.
No participation in imaginary games or imitation.
Fussy eating habits.
-Lack of coördination or clumsiness.
Impulsiveness. Aggressive towards self and others.
Talking without thinking.
Short attention span.
A child has the disease if he does not:
Smile by six months.
Imitate facial expressions or sounds by nine months.
Coo or babble by twelve months
Gestures like pointing, and waving by fourteen months
Speak monosyllables in sixteen words.
Use two-word phrases by twenty — four months.
Play pretending by eighteen months.
Other Symptoms:
Sleep disturbance
Aggression in autistic children such as head banging, bitting, harming oneself or others
fixation with round or sharp objects
dislike for touch
keeping things in a specific pattern or round objects
fondness or dislike for specific textures
Regression
Autism looks different in different people. It affects their communication and behaviour. There is no single cause for it. Its symptoms are either mild or extremely severe. These children are too clueless to tolerate criticism for something that is not their fault at all. They need as much support as possible.