Basic Information about WAAD
World Autism Awareness Day is observed annually on April 2 to spread awareness about autism.
Observed on: April 2
Organized by: UN, WHO
Introduced in: 2007
Observed: Worldwide
About World Autism Awareness Day
Every year April 2 is observed as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). This day is observed around the world to spread awareness about autism.
On December 18, 2007 United Nations General Assembly adopted April 2 as the World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) through a resolution. The first WAAD was celebrated in the year 2008.
Autism Speaks is a non-governmental organization which works in the field of autism awareness, research, and acts as advocates to those with the disorder. Light It Up Blue is an initiative of Autism Speaks which observed on WAAD to spread the message. A campaign with #LightItUpBlue is used on this day to spread the message through social media.
Activities and Programs on WAAD
Autism organizations are celebrating this day with unique programs and events to raise funds and also to spread awareness about autism. There are many campaigns including social media campaigns with a # tag is done to spread the message.
The celebration of the day brings all individual autism organizations around the world together to aid for research, diagnoses, treatment, and overall awareness for those with the disorder. Other than the autism organizations governments, non-government organizations, private sector, health sector, took initiatives in celebrating this event.
Theme for World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day 2021 Theme is “Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a Post-Pandemic World“
World Autism Day 2020 Theme was “The Transition to Adulthood“
WAAD 2019 Theme was ‘Assistive Technologies, Active Participation‘
WAAD 2018 Theme was ‘Empowering Women and Girls with Autism‘
2017 Theme: Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination
2016 Theme: Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity
2015 Theme: Employment: The Autism Advantage