World Autism Day Sees Widespread Recognition

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex developmental disorder that "affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. More than 3.5 million Americans currently live with ASD, and 1 in 68 children are born with a variation of it, so it’s likely you know, whether or not you’re aware of it, someone on the autism spectrum."

There are a host of events planned throughout the world to recognize those who deal with autism or one of its offshoot disorders on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. In various cities across the United States and the rest of the world, there are superhero-themed events. In Michigan, for instance, there will be superhero training events and autism-friendly movies, among other activities; there are also cities and towns in Northern Ireland that are recognizing autism's heroes for World Autism Awareness Day.

Autism-Europe has also launched a campaign designed to break down barriers faced by those with autism. The focus will be accessibility for people with autism and working out how to improve accessibility and understanding for those individuals with it. Autism Speaks is also hopeful that cities and towns around the world will participate in their "Light It Up Blue" campaign. Valparaiso, Indiana, for instance, is going to be bathing buildings in blue, the traditional color for autism awareness. Mayor Jon Costas noted that recognition of April 2 as World Autism Day was logical.

"Recognizing World Autism Day fits naturally with the work of the Mayor’s Council on Disability," he said. "We work to be welcoming and inclusive of our residents and visitors with disabilities as we celebrate their abilities."

To be sure, there are many schools also recognizing World Autism Awareness Day; whether students and staff are wearing blue, or are sporting some sort of jewelry featuring puzzle pieces - a common symbol associated with autism - students and staff in many schools are recognizing the people they know with autism spectrum disorder.

People with autism are also speaking out so that their voices are heard on #WorldAutismAwarenessDay. Rachel Barcellona notes that, "Everyone has a mountain to climb and autism has not been my mountain, it has been my opportunity for victory."

Amy Gravino wants to recognize those who put up with a great deal of hurtful comments and actions, saying that at the end of the day, people with autism are ultimately going to be set up for success.

“I believe that inside every person who is bullied there is a strength and a tenacity to survive," she says. "You don’t always know that this strength exists, but if you make it through those dark times, you become aware. You become a survivor, someone whose courage and spirit is far stronger than all of the hate and cruelty of their bullies. The one thing that I want to impart to children with autism is knowledge of their own inner strength, and the belief that one day at a time, they, too, can get through this.”

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres says that he believes that days like World Autism Awareness Day contribute greatly to a global awareness of the abilities of those individuals with autism and help them become self-empowered.

"When they enjoy equal opportunity for self-determination and autonomy, persons with autism will be empowered to make an even stronger positive impact on our shared future," he says via a statement.

It's hoped that in promoting such awareness days as World Autism Awareness Day, people will become more understanding of autism spectrum disorder and learn just how extensive the support required for those with autism can be. An understanding of just how far the abilities of someone with autism spectrum disorder can reach will also hopefully shine.