2ND OF APRIL WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY! 2.04.2015

2^nd of March World Autism Awareness Day!

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared the month of April as World Autism Awareness Month and 2^nd of April as World Autism Awareness Day in order to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of children and adults, who are affected by autism, so they can lead full and meaningful lives.

2015 theme which was defined by UN for the World Autism Awareness Day is employment.  According to the data given by UN It is estimated that more than 80% of adults with autism are unemployed. Research suggests that employers are missing out on abilities that that people on the autism spectrum have in greater abundance than “neurotypical” workers do – such as, heightened abilities in pattern recognition and logical reasoning, as well as a greater attention to detail. Therefore, raising awareness on autism and social inclusion of these individuals can be achieved on by our efforts.

What is Autism Spectrum?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life. It results from a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, mostly affecting children and adults in many countries irrespective of gender, race or socio-economic status. It is characterized by impairments in social interaction, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication and restricted, repetitive behaviour, interests and activities.

The prevalence of autism spectrum has increased in the recent years. Whereas in 1985 every 1 of 2500 kids were diagnosed by autism, this number increased to 1 of every 250 in 2001, and 1 of 88 kids in 2013. Autism is seen in boys 4 times more than girls.

Among the main syndromes of autism are; disability to make eye contact, and to point at something, focusing at a point for a long time, not answering when their names are called, indifference to the games that their peers are playing, walking on the toes and paying too much attention to revolving objects and repetitive behaviour. The only treatment of autism is intense and continuous, private education.

We, as United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia Section Committee on Social Inclusion, are encouraging our members for the social inclusion of the individuals who have autism spectrum. Let’s keep in mind that autism means difference, it is not a inadequacy.