World Autism Awareness Day - April 2

World Autism Awareness Day is held every year on April 2, encouraging member nations of the UN to spread awareness about autism.

Over the last few decades, consistent efforts made by the United Nations (UN), World Health Organisation (WHO), and organizations working with children and adults with autism, have led to a significant shift in the common man’s perception of autism.

We are now more aware and mindful of the neurodevelopmental condition. However, there still exists the need to sensitize people towards autism, its symptoms, and the behavioral patterns of children and adults with autism.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a range of neurodevelopmental conditions that impact the child’s behavior, social skills, and communication skills. Children with Autism are unable to grasp social nuances, have trouble communicating, can experience sensory meltdowns, and also have impaired cognitive skills. Their brain is unable to process inputs the same way neurotypical children can.

Early symptoms and red flags in children

Early detection can be difficult, symptoms of ASD can be seen in children between the ages of 2 and 4 years. There have been instances of the first signs emerging in children as young as 6 to 18 months. There are symptoms related to communication, social skills, and behavior that become even stronger as the child reaches 2 years of age.

Below are some of the earliest symptoms of autism parents and caregivers need to be aware of. Please note, most of these manifest in toddlerhood.

• Delayed/not meeting developmental milestones
• Little to no eye contact
• Not responding to their name
• Engaging in repetitive movements like rocking, arm flapping, etc.
• Lining up toys and focusing on parts of the toy rather than the whole
• Blank/expressionless face

The above are considered red flags and require immediate attention, screening, and early intervention therapy.

Symptoms of autism in adulthood

Early intervention and timely treatment have really empowered children with autism to lead purposeful lives. However, there are people with autism who have been diagnosed only when they’re well into adulthood.

Symptoms of autism in adulthood can differ on a case to case basis. Below are some symptoms adults and caregivers need to be aware of:

• Anxiety in social situations
• Trouble empathizing with other adults
• Difficulty understanding body language, gestures, facial expressions
• Trouble forming and maintaining relationships
• Difficulty in making conversation, particularly chatting, initiating or making small talk
• Trouble in understanding or practicing socially appropriate behaviors
• Trouble in understanding double meanings
• Anxiety in group settings
• Tendency to interpret information too literally
• Difficulty in making eye contact
• Restricted or unique interests (such as obsessions with dictionaries or encyclopedia facts)
• Obsession with rigid routines and sameness
• Trouble making plans for the future

History of World Autism Awareness Day

Autism has been around for centuries. However, its first official diagnosis was made only in 1911 by physicist Eugen Bleuler who used the term ‘autism’ to describe a specific cluster of symptoms. These symptoms were considered too simple to be diagnosed as schizophrenia. Imagine how misunderstood the term has been!

After almost a century of investigation and research, it was only on December 18, 2007 that the UN General Assembly established World Autism Awareness Day or World Autism Day.

Member nations of the UN are encouraged to spread awareness about ASD, support intervention and treatments, provide aid for researching ways to improve wellness, and advocate for inclusion of people with autism.

World Autism Acceptance Week: 27 March - 2 April

Themes of World Autism Awareness Day

Since 2012, the United Nations has always declared a theme for World Autism Awareness Day. While this year’s theme is yet to be declared, let’s take a look at the themes of the past years.

2022 - Inclusive quality education for all

2021 - Inclusion in the workplace

2020 - The transition to adulthood

2019 - Assistive technologies; active participation

2018 - Empowering women and girls with autism

2017 - Toward autonomy and self-determination

2016 - Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity

2015 - Employment: The Autism advantage

2014 - Opening doors to inclusive education

2013 - Celebrating the ability within the disability of autism

2012 - Launch of official UN Awareness Raising Stamp

If you’ve noticed, the main purpose of World Autism Awareness Day is to bring about acceptance, inclusivity, equal opportunities for education and employment, and foster independence and autonomy (in individuals with autism).

How can we celebrate this day?

Our first step to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day is accepting that neurodivergent children and adults are no less than the neurotypicals. Acknowledging and accepting that autism is not a disability is an important part of the celebration and purpose of this day.

Apart from this, you can celebrate World Autism Awareness Day by:

• Hosting/attending an event that supports autism and autism awareness
• Help eliminate the stigma associated with autism by speaking up about it
• If you have autism or know someone who does, share your story or theirs (with their consent), or ask them to share their story
• Use your social media to spread awareness by using #WorldAutismDay and #WorldAutismAwarenessDay #AutismAcceptance

Symbols and colors associated with autism

Organizations around the world have adopted their own symbols and colors to stand in solidarity and/or show their support for autism. Some of the most beloved symbols and colors are:

The rainbow spectrum (infinity sign in rainbow colors)

This sign is believed to be the most closely tied to the concept of autism spectrum. The colors of the rainbow represent the range of autism symptoms, the individual’s abilities and the challenges they face. The infinity sign stands for inclusivity.

The Puzzle Piece

A puzzle with a single piece missing is used to depict how the individual with autism may possibly feel in social settings and societal expectations - left out, unable to fit in.

The Rainbow Puzzle Butterfly

The butterfly is suggested as a replacement for the puzzle piece because it inspires more hope, diversity, continued development, and positivity.

Blue for Autism

The slightly controversial organization ‘Autism Speaks’ has a campaign by the name of ‘Light it up Blue’ to spread awareness about autism.. The color stands for calmness and acceptance.

Autism treatment at Plexus

At Plexus Neuro Centre, our Autism rehabilitation program is a holistic, timely, and tailored approach to manage your child’s autism symptoms and lead to significant improvements in their way of life.

Our treatment plans include:

• Sensory integration therapy
• Behavior retraining therapy
• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Social skills training
• Improved awareness
• Speech therapy
• Reduction in hyperactivity
• Occupational therapy and more

India’s no. 1 autism specialist

Plexus’ rehabilitation program for autism comprises a combination of therapies and treatments under the guidance of India’s no. 1 neurologist and Autism specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq.

To book an appointment with us, please call on

+91 89048 42087 | 080-2546 0886

080-2547 0886 | 080-2549 0886

• p> FAQs Why is World Autism Day blue?
• Light it up Blue’ is a campaign started by Autism Speaks, an international organization that spreads awareness about Autism. The color blue symbolizes calmness and acceptance. Due to the organization’s strong presence, World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated by adding blue lights to homes/offices/schools/government buildings.
What are the 3 main causes of autism?

It is difficult to pinpoint an exact cause of autism, however there are certain risk factors of autism. They are:

• Having a family member (particularly a sibling) with autism
• Birth trauma and/or complications
• Being born to older parents
• Having certain genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities
What are the warning signs of autism?

Warning signs for children:

• Delayed/not meeting developmental milestones
• Little to no eye contact
• Not responding to their name
• Engaging in repetitive movements like rocking, arm flapping, etc.
• Lining up toys and focusing on parts of the toy rather than the whole
• Blank/expressionless

Warning signs of adults:

• Anxiety in social situations
• Trouble empathizing with other adults
• Difficulty understanding body language, gestures, facial expressions
• Trouble forming and maintaining relationships
• Difficulty in making conversation, particularly chatting, initiating or making small talk
• Trouble in understanding or practicing socially appropriate behaviors
• Trouble in understanding double meanings
• Anxiety in group settings
• Tendency to interpret information too literally
• Difficulty in making eye contact
• Restricted or unique interests (such as obsessions with dictionaries or encyclopedia facts)
• Obsession with rigid routines and sameness
• Trouble making plans for the future
At what age does autism appear?

Typically, the symptoms of ASD manifest before 3 years of age, with some red flags appearing within the first 12 months of life. There are instances where the child doesn’t show any signs of autism until 2 years.

Why is autism so common?

Autism has always been around. However, thanks to medical and scientific advancement, we are now able to make correct diagnoses and help those with autism lead fuller and purposeful lives. So, if you think autism is common, it is only because more correct and timely diagnoses are being made.